For parents, nothing is more important than ensuring their children get off to a healthy start in life. From the moment they are born through all the ages and stages of growing up, children depend on the follow-through of their parents to stay healthy and on track to being the best they can be. Unfortunately, children do not come with an instruction manual.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), keeping well-child appointments with your child’s pediatrician and obtaining recommended vaccinations are important to help track your child’s growth and developmental milestones, as well as prevent illnesses such as measles and whooping cough. It also gives you the opportunity to ask questions of the doctor. But how do you know when to bring your kids in for well-child checks?
When should I schedule well-child visits?
In general, AAP recommends at least six well-child visits from birth until 15 months of age. Babies should be seen by a pediatrician when they are 3 to 5 days old and then at months 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, and 15. Thereafter, AAP recommends a well-child visit at months 18, 24, and 30, which will include some key screening milestones. During these visits, your child’s pediatrician will track key metrics such as height, weight, head circumference, and developmental milestones such as walking, talking, and social interaction. These regular assessments can give you peace of mind that your child is progressing normally or provide an early warning of any developmental delays that may need prompt attention.
For instance, by the 4-month visit, your baby should start to smile spontaneously and track objects with their eyes. By 12 months, they should be able to stand with support and may even take their first steps. Pediatricians will monitor these and other milestones to ensure your child’s development is on track.
Common developmental issues and health conditions that can be detected during check-ups include vision and hearing problems, high blood pressure, anemia, and developmental disorders such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. During these visits, pediatricians often perform screenings like vision tests using charts or tools to check for common eye problems and hearing tests to ensure your child responds to sounds appropriately. Early detection of these issues can lead to timely interventions that significantly improve outcomes.
Additionally, your child’s pediatrician will assess your child’s mental health and emotional well-being to identify behavioral or emotional challenges that may require prompt intervention and support. This might include observing how your child interacts with you and others, asking about sleep patterns, and discussing any significant changes in behavior. If there are concerns, your pediatrician may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Are there other reasons to keep up on well-child visits?
Yes, there are many benefits of regular visits with your child’s pediatrician. One of the best reasons for these appointments is that they provide age-appropriate guidelines on keeping your baby healthy. You will learn more about your child’s changing nutritional needs, expected developmental markers such as when your child should begin to walk or when to begin potty training, appropriate exercise levels, and good hygiene practices depending on your child’s age.
A pediatrician can give you valuable information on parenting techniques, tips on managing behavioral issues, what to expect as children get older, and advice on injury prevention and childhood safety measures. For example, your pediatrician can advise on childproofing your home as your baby starts to crawl and walk, as well as tips for handling picky eaters during toddler years.
Regular well-child visits also help you establish a trusting partnership with your child’s pediatrician. This relationship is crucial because open communication with your pediatrician can help you feel more confident in making decisions about your child’s health. Discussing any observations, concerns, or questions you have, no matter how minor they seem, can provide reassurance and lead to better care.
And just as important, regular visits will also help alleviate your child’s fear and anxiety about going to the doctor. Regular preventive visits can set the tone for later in life when check-ups are just as important for maintaining health as an adult.
Why are vaccinations important?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), children who are not protected by vaccines are more likely to get diseases like measles and whooping cough. These diseases are extremely contagious and can be very serious, especially for babies and young children. In recent years, there have been outbreaks of these diseases, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.
As you might expect, the vaccination and immunization schedule for infants and older children is different. That is because some vaccines are intended to protect infants against common diseases during their most vulnerable time of life. Updated CDC guidelines in 2023 recommend vaccinating for the following between birth and 15 months:
- Hepatitis B
- Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
- Pneumococcus
- Polio
- Measles, mumps, rubella
- Varicella
- Hepatitis A
- Influenza
- RSV
- COVID-19
For each of these, all children should complete the routine series according to the schedule recommended by the CDC and AAP.
It is also advised that parents keep up with immunizations as their children get older. The following immunizations are given between 7 and 18 years of age:
- HPV
- Tdap
- Meningococcal ACWY
- Meningococcal B
- Influenza
- COVID-19
Are vaccinations safe?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the United States has the safest vaccine supply in its history and vaccines are safe for children. The FDA and CDC test all vaccines before they are recommended for use. Vaccines are also closely monitored after they are licensed, and safety testing continues as long as they are distributed. Millions of children safely receive vaccinations each year.
While side effects from vaccines are generally mild, such as a sore arm or mild fever, the benefits of preventing serious illness far outweigh these minor risks. Research has consistently shown that vaccines do not cause autism or other long-term health issues, making them a critical tool in keeping your child healthy.
How should I prepare for well-child visits?
To make the most of your well-child visits, you can prepare by:
- Writing down any questions you have about your child’s health and development.
- Bringing any notes you have made on changes in your child’s behavior.
- Sharing any challenges that you as a parent may be experiencing.
Are there any tips for making well-child visit scheduling easy?
Once your child gets older, it may be helpful to schedule well-child appointments around the same time each year, such as before the start of the school year or around your child’s birthday to help you remember. And if your pediatrician’s office staff offers to schedule your child’s next visit while you’re already there, say “yes.” This convenience boosts the chances that you will keep your child’s next appointment. Many medical offices have started to use automated appointment reminders by phone, text, or email. Be sure to opt-in to take advantage of this free convenience.
Remember, keeping up with well-child visits is one of the best ways to ensure your kids stay healthy and on track as they grow through every stage of development. By being proactive, you can help optimize your children’s physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being and set them up for a lifetime of healthy habits.
For more resources on child health and development, you can visit websites like the AAP’s HealthyChildren.org, CDC’s parent resources, or explore apps that track developmental milestones to keep you informed and engaged in your child’s health journey.
About Author
Tiffany Leung, MD, studied medicine at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in East Lansing, Michigan. She went on to complete her residency in pediatrics at the University of California, Irvine. Dr. Leung has always wanted to become a pediatrician since a young age and ultimately chose a career in medicine because she enjoys making a positive impact on young lives.
As a healthcare professional, Dr. Leung finds immense satisfaction in educating patients and their families with meaningful and lasting healthy lifestyle changes. Empowering patients and their families with valuable knowledge about their health enables them to make informed decisions and embrace healthier lifestyles. This commitment is a core value in her medical practice, providing compassionate care that extends beyond the confines of the examination room.
