Well-child care visits throughout childhood
Children require doctors’ visits throughout their lives for check-ups, immunizations, and overall health and well-being. These visits are called well-child or well-care visits.
Well-child visits are routine visits that usually include a physical exam and immunizations as needed (depending on the child’s age). These visits allow doctors — usually a pediatrician who specializes in children’s health — to monitor your child’s growth and development, check for any health concerns and prevent any future health issues. It’s also a time for parents or caregivers to ask questions and receive information from their doctor regarding the child’s health.
From infancy to the teenage years, well-child visits are an important part of your child’s development at every stage of life. Read on for more information about what to expect during these visits, when you should visit, types of immunizations your child should receive, and more.
What to expect during well-child visit
During a well-child visit, the health professional will take the child’s measurements, such as their height, weight, and head circumference, which are recorded on a growth chart. This will help the doctor track your child’s growth and ensure that your child is developing normally according to their age.
The doctor will also evaluate other aspects of the child’s health and behavior, and parents or caregivers can share with doctors their own observations about the child’s development.
These are a chance to ask questions, receive advice and information, and discuss aspects of the child’s life such as their relationships, sleep, safety, school, exercise, and access to community services.
Well-child visits also involve various immunizations, in which the child receives a vaccine to protect against possibly life-threatening diseases. Remember that vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective for children of all ages, and the CDC encourages parents to vaccinate their children.
Schedule of well-child visits
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends well-child visits at the following ages:
- 2 to 3 or 3 to 5 days after birth
- At 1, 2, 4 and 6 months old
- At 9, 12, 15, and 18 months old
- At 2 years old, 2 and a half years old and 3 years old
- Once a year from 3 years old through 21 (after 18, your child may have more independence, but doctors’ visits are still important!)
At each stage of life, a doctor will evaluate the child’s development and address age-specific concerns.
For older children or teens, well-child visits are an opportunity for them to have one-on-one time with the doctor. The AAP says it is “a chance for teens to build responsibility for their own health and wellness.” By ensuring teens attend these visits, parents help them gain independence and promote lifelong health.
Recommended immunization schedule
Here are the vaccinations recommended during early childhood. Some require more than one dose, and immunizations are usually recorded to keep track of which ones a child has received.
The following vaccines are recommended in the preteen years:
- HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine — prevents an HPV infection, which can sometimes lead to cancer. It is recommended at 11 or 12 years old with a second dose 6 to 12 months later.
- Meningococcal conjugate vaccine — prevents meningococcal disease, which infects the brain and can be deadly. It is recommended at 11 or 12 years old with a booster shot at 16.
Some vaccinations are also recommended during pregnancy. Check out the CDC’s website for additional vaccine information and other resources.
Preparing for well-child visits
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends jotting down questions before a well-child visit. It can also help to make notes about things you notice about your child’s health or their behaviors. If you’re visiting a new doctor, come with the child’s immunization record or ask your old doctor to forward it.
Remember that well-child visits are not just for when your child is sick, but are important for your child’s overall health. If your child has special needs or ongoing health concerns, they may require extended or more frequent visits with a specialist. Whenever you have a concern, talk to your doctor, and if your child develops urgent or life-threatening symptoms, call 911!
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