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Well-Care Visits

What is a well-care visit?

It's important to take your child to the healthcare provider 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 healthcare provider for the following:

  • 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 healthcare provider 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 healthcare provider 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

Medical Reviewers:

  • Dan Brennan MD
  • Liora C Adler MD
  • Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN