Well-child checkups are an essential part of your child’s healthcare routine. These visits allow your pediatrician to monitor your child’s growth, development, and overall health. They also provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns or questions you may have.
But what can you expect during well-child checkups at different ages and stages of your child’s life? Here’s a comprehensive guide.
Newborn Checkup (First Week)
Your baby’s first checkup usually occurs within the first week (3 to 5 days) after birth. The pediatrician will thoroughly examine the baby and check weight, length, and head circumference.
They will also examine the baby’s eyes, ears, heart, lungs, skin, and reflexes. The pediatrician will ask about feeding and sleeping habits.
Infant Checkups (1 Month to 12 Months)
During this stage, regular checkups typically occur at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months.
One Month Visit
At the one-month visit, your pediatrician will again measure your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference, looking for steady growth. They’ll also assess your baby’s general health and developmental milestones, such as focusing on faces and following objects with their eyes.
Your pediatrician will ask about your baby’s feeding and sleeping habits and bowel movements, all of which provide insight into your baby’s overall health. Depending on your pediatrician’s schedule, this visit may also include the first set of vaccinations.
Two, Four, Six-, and Nine-Month Visits
During these visits, your pediatrician will continue monitoring your baby’s growth and development, recording weight, length, and head size, and checking developmental milestones such as rolling over, sitting up, and starting to crawl.
These visits also include a series of vaccinations to protect your baby from various diseases. Your doctor will discuss topics like safe sleep, nutrition (including the introduction of solid foods around six months), and baby-proofing your home.
Twelve Month Visit
At the one-year mark, your pediatrician will again monitor weight, length, and head circumference, as well as physical milestones, such as standing or walking. They’ll also assess social and cognitive development, like responding to their name and saying simple words. Your baby will receive additional vaccinations at this visit.
Toddler Checkups (15 Months to 3 Years)
During toddlerhood, checkups are usually scheduled at 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, and 3 years.
During each visit, your pediatrician will measure your toddler’s weight, height, and head circumference to ensure they are growing consistently. They’ll also check vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure.
Developmental milestones are another key aspect of these visits. Your pediatrician will ask about your toddler’s motor skills (like walking and climbing), language development, social behavior, and play habits. This can help identify any potential developmental delays or concerns early on.
Behavioral issues and toilet training are common topics during these visits as well. Your pediatrician can provide advice and resources to help manage challenging behaviors and support potty-training efforts.
Vaccinations are a crucial part of well-child visits. Your toddler will receive necessary immunizations according to the recommended schedule. These vaccines protect your child from various diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and more.
Your pediatrician will also discuss nutrition, ensuring your toddler is getting a balanced diet, and will address any concerns you may have about feeding or picky eating.
Preschool and School-Age Checkups (4 Years to 10 Years)
During these visits, your pediatrician will measure your child’s weight and height to ensure they are growing consistently. They’ll also check vital signs like heart rate and blood pressure. Your pediatrician will perform a kid’s physical exam, checking everything from eyes and ears to heart and lungs.
Developmental milestones continue to be important. Your pediatrician will ask about your child’s motor skills, language development, social behavior, and school performance. This is an opportunity to identify any learning or behavioral issues that may be emerging.
Vision and hearing screenings are typically included in these visits. Early detection of vision or hearing problems can significantly impact your child’s academic and social success.
Your pediatrician will discuss topics like nutrition, physical activity, and sleep habits, ensuring your child is leading a healthy lifestyle. This is also a time to address any concerns you may have about your child’s behavior, peer relationships, or academic performance.
Immunization remains a key part of well-child visits. Your child will receive the necessary vaccines according to the recommended schedule. Booster shots for certain vaccines may also be given during this period.
Adolescent Well-Child Checkups (11 Years to 21 Years)
As your child transitions into adolescence, the focus of the checkups shifts towards promoting a healthy lifestyle and preventing health issues. The pediatrician will discuss topics like puberty, mental health, and substance use.
Regular physical exams continue, along with any necessary immunizations, such as the HPV vaccine.
Kid’s Physical Exam in Purchase, NY
While each well-child checkup may be slightly different, they all serve as critical opportunities to promote and protect your child’s health and development. By staying up-to-date with your child’s appointments, you can ensure that any potential health concerns are identified and addressed early on.
At Westchester Park Pediatrics, our dedicated team of board-certified pediatricians is committed to your child’s total health and well-being. We offer a comprehensive range of services, including regular well-child visits to keep track of your child’s growth, development, and overall health.
For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call us at (914) 761-1717 or fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
