Annual Well Child Visits
Do children really need a check-up every year, even when they seem perfectly healthy?
Yes.
Annual well-child visits help your pediatrician monitor growth and development, identify potential health concerns early and keep your child up to date on recommended preventive care.
1. Prevention
Many illnesses and health concerns do not cause obvious symptoms right away. Annual checkups give your pediatrician an opportunity to identify potential problems early and recommend appropriate treatment.
Well-child visits are also an important time to review immunizations, discuss nutrition and answer questions about safety at home, school and during activities.
2. Track Growth and Development
Children experience significant physical, emotional and developmental changes as they grow. Annual visits help ensure milestones are being met and provide an opportunity to discuss any concerns about growth, learning or development.
3. Build a Relationship With Your Pediatrician
Regular visits help establish trust between your child and their pediatrician. This relationship becomes increasingly important as children grow older and face new social, emotional and behavioral challenges.
Adolescents often have questions or concerns they may feel uncomfortable discussing elsewhere. Having an established relationship with a trusted physician can help support their overall health and wellbeing.
What Happens During a Well-Child Visit?
- Height, weight, head circumference or blood pressure measurements based on age
- Review of growth and developmental milestones
- Nutrition and dietary assessment
- Recommended vaccinations
- Comprehensive physical examination
- Review of current medications and medication history
- Discussion of findings and age-appropriate health guidance
Common Questions
My child recently had a sports physical. Is that the same as a well-child visit?
No. A sports physical should not replace an annual well-child visit. Sports physicals focus on participation in athletic activities and do not include all of the preventive screenings and developmental evaluations performed during a well-child exam.
If your child needs a sports physical, your pediatrician can often complete the required forms during the annual well-child visit.
How Often Should My Child Have a Well-Child Visit?
Well-child visits are recommended at the following ages:
- 2 to 5 days after birth
- 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15 and 18 months
- 24, 30 and 36 months
- Annually beginning at age 3
How Can Parents Prepare for a Well-Child Visit?
Before the appointment, make a list of any questions or concerns you would like to discuss with your child's pediatrician.
Common topics include:
- Development and milestones
- Behavior and emotional health
- Sleep habits
- Nutrition and eating habits
- School performance
- Relationships with family and friends
Present your most important concerns at the beginning of the appointment to ensure they can be addressed during the visit.
Schedule a Well-Child Visit
Our pediatric providers offer annual well-child visits at locations throughout the region.
For parents who work during the day, some locations may offer extended appointment availability during certain times of the year. Contact your preferred location for current scheduling options.