Well Visits: Why they are so important

 

Health care providers recommend well visits at specific ages and stages of a child’s life. 

Doctor talking with a child.

Why should I take my child to a well visit when they are not sick?

Taking your child to a well visit is not about curing an illness or healing an injury. Instead, they allow health care providers to see how your child is growing (height and weight) and developing (milestones). They can also help health care providers provide vaccinations at the right times.

Doctor talking with a child.

I can’t afford for my child to see a doctor so many times.

Well visits are usually covered by insurance. If you do not have insurance, many health care providers and community clinics will see children on a sliding scale. Try calling your local clinic and letting them know your situation. 

Keeping up with well visits can help keep your child healthy. This may mean that you would not need to take them to the doctor as often!

Doctor talking with a small child.

What do health care providers look for during a well visit?

Health care providers want to know how your child is growing and developing. How tall are they? How much do they weigh? What milestones have they met? Which ones are in process? Which milestones have they not reached? 

Your child’s health care provider will do a developmental screening at your child’s 9, 18, and 30 month well visits. They will also do an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) screening at your child’s 18 and 24 months well visits.

This information can help find any possible delays in your child's growth or development. If there are delays, your child’s health care provider can advise you on what to do next. They may give you information about Early Intervention programs. These are services and supports available to young children and their families. They are free or at reduced cost for any eligible child.

Well visits are also a great chance to ask questions. You can ask about your child's eating, behavior, or any other concern you have.

Recommended Well Visit Schedule

Well visits usually take place:

  • During pregnancy (with child's health care provider)
  • During your baby’s first week
  • At 1 month old
  • At 2 months old
  • At 4 months old
  • At 6 months old
  • At 9 months old- developmental screening
  • At 12 months old
  • At 15 months old
  • At 18 months old- developmental screening and ASD screening
  • At 2 years old- ASD screening
  • At 2 ½ years old- developmental screening
  • At 3 years old
  • At 4 years old
  • At 5 years old

Recommendation

The above list shows the ages when well visits usually happen. Some children may need to be seen more often. Ask your health care provider how often your child should come in for a well visit.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following schedule for “checkups” or well visits.