The Benefits of Well-Child Visits
Prevention – Your child gets scheduled immunizations to prevent illness. You also can ask your pediatrician about nutrition and safety in the home and at school.
Tracking growth and development – See how much your child has grown in the time since your last visit, and talk with your doctor about your child’s development. You can discuss your child’s milestones, social behaviors and learning.
Raising concerns – Make a list of topics you want to talk about with your child’s pediatrician such as development, behavior, sleep, eating or getting along with other family members. Bring your top three to five questions or concerns with you to talk with your pediatrician at the start of the visit.
Team approach – Regular visits create strong, trustworthy relationships among pediatrician, parent and child. The AAP recommends well-child visits as a way for pediatricians and parents to serve the needs of children. This team approach helps develop optimal physical, mental and social health of a child.
For infants (less than 1 year old)
We see all infants at 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months and 1 year. There are vaccines at the 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and 1 year visits. Flu shots can only be given if your child is at least 6 months old. If you choose to give the flu shot, your baby will need two flu shots separated by one month during the first year they receive the vaccine. They will only need one vaccine per year after the first year.
For toddlers (1-3 years old):
Your toddler needs a physical at 18 months, 2 years and 3 years old. The 2 and 3 year old visits do not need to be exactly at your child’s birthday. Please set up an appointment anytime during the year. There are no specific vaccines at the 2 and 3 year old visit other than the annual flu shot that can be given in flu clinic.
For preschool age children (4-5 years old):
All children need to have their 4/5 year old vaccines before starting kindergarten. These can be given as early as age 4 but can wait until just prior to the start of kindergarten. There is no physical exam requirement to start kindergarten. The physical requirement is for first grade and 18 months prior to starting first grade for us to be able to fill out and sign the paperwork for first grade. The ideal time to have this physical examination is in April or May of the year your child will start kindergarten. Make sure you call in February or March to make sure an appointment is available. This will satisfy all requirements for kindergarten and first grade.
