Well Child Check-Ups at NorthShore

Parents know to bring their child to the pediatrician when they are sick, but remember a trip to the doctor is just as important for healthy children.

The Bright Futures program/American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed a schedule that recommends each age, from infancy through adolescence, a child should see the pediatrician, along with suggested screenings and assessments to be completed for each well-child visit.

Schedule of Well-Child Visits:

• The first week visit (3 to 5 days old)
• 1 month old
• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• 9 months old
• 12 months old
• 15 months old
• 18 months old
• 2 years old (24 months)
• 2 ½ years old (30 months)
• Once a year from ages 3 years to 21 years old

Benefits of Well-Child Visits:

Prevention

Your pediatrician will discuss immunization options to prevent illness as well as discuss safety, and address any other concerns you might have as your child grows.

Child Development

You will be able to see how much your child has grown since your last visit and talk with your pediatrician about your child’s development. Your doctor might discuss your child’s milestones, learning, and social behaviors.

Concerns

Make a list of the top three to five questions or concerns you would want to address with your child’s pediatrician. Areas of concern you might consider are eating or nutrition, sleep, development, weight gain or loss, behavior, getting along with other children or family members.

Team Approach

Regular visits with your child’s pediatrician create a trusting relationship for both the parent and child. This is important, especially as the child gets older and begins to deal with the pressures of adolescence. The AAP recommends well-child visits as a way for parents and pediatricians to aid in the child’s needs as they grow. This team approach helps to encourage the best physical, mental, and social health of a child.