Well-Care Visits

What is a well-care visit?

It's important to take your child to the doctor when your child is ill. Or when your child needs an exam to take part in a sport. But routine well-care visits are also advised.

Well-care, well-baby, or well-child visits are routine visits to your child's doctor for:

  • Physical exam.

  • Mental health screening.

  • Immunization updates.

  • Tracking growth and development.

  • Finding any problems before they become serious.

  • Providing information on health and safety issues.

  • Providing information on nutrition and physical fitness.

  • Providing information on how to manage emergencies and illnesses.

Your child's doctor can also provide guidance on other issues, such as:

  • Behavioral problems.

  • Learning problems.

  • Emotional problems.

  • Family problems.

  • Socialization problems.

  • Puberty and concerns about the teen years.

When should well-care visits be scheduled?

Your child's doctor will give you a schedule of ages when a well-care visit is suggested. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises well-care visits at the following ages:

  • Before a newborn is discharged from the hospital, or at 48 to 72 hours of age

  • 3 to 5 days

  • 2 to 4 weeks

  • 2 months

  • 4 months

  • 6 months

  • 9 months

  • 12 months

  • 15 months

  • 18 months

  • 24 months

  • 30 months

  • Each year, from 3 to 21 years

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