Well Child Visits

Congratulations! Your baby is finally here. Having trusted friends or family nearby for extra help and support can be incredibly helpful during these first few days. To help protect your baby, we recommend that all visitors wash their hands well.

Your baby’s first visit with our pediatric team takes place during the first week of life, usually 1–2 days after hospital discharge. This visit allows us to support your family and make sure your newborn is off to a healthy start.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Check your baby’s weight
• Monitor for signs of jaundice
• Assess how your baby is feeding
• Answer your questions about caring for your newborn.

Immunizations: 

• HepB#1 (if not given in hospital)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Follow-up on Newborn Metabolic Screen done in hospital

Helpful Info: 

• Caring for Your Newborn

The 3–7 day visit is an early follow-up focused on feeding, growth, and supporting families as they adjust to life with a newborn. This visit is especially helpful for parents who are breastfeeding or have questions during the first days at home.

We take time to observe a full feeding, review early growth, and provide personalized guidance to support comfortable and effective feeding for both parent and baby.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measuring your baby’s weight and reviewing early growth patterns
• Observing a full feeding to assess latch, positioning, and milk transfer
• Assessing maternal comfort, nipple health, and milk supply
• Creating an individualized feeding plan and offering anticipatory guidance

Immunizations:  

• None

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Lip Tie and Tongue Tie Tests

Helpful Info: 

• Attaching Your Baby at the Breast, The Basics of Breast Massage and Hand Expression, Breast Milk Storage, Choosing a Breast Pump 

The 2-week visit (sooner if you have concerns!) is a time to talk about how your family is adjusting to your newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits, and sleep are common topics. If you are breastfeeding, you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our lactation consultants for personalized support. It is normal for babies to lose weight shortly after birth.

By two weeks of age, most babies have regained their birth weight. We will also review safe sleep recommendations, including always placing your baby on their back in a flat, firm, and separate sleep space to help reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measuring your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference and recording growth on a growth curve
• Reminding you to give a daily 400 IU vitamin D supplement if you are breastfeeding

Immunizations:  

• None

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• None

Helpful Info: 

• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

By the 1-month visit, many families are starting to settle into a routine. Feeding, sleep, and bowel habits may still be concerns, and this visit is a great time to talk through them. We will track your baby’s growth and development and answer any questions you may have. Your baby may even be starting to smile—and that makes everything a little easier.

Immunizations: 

• None

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment, TB Surveillance

Helpful Info: 

• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

Many babies are more fussy or colicky at this age, which can be challenging. Be patient—colicky babies do outgrow this phase. Keeping your baby safe is always the most important thing. If you begin to feel frustrated, handle your baby gently and reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or your pediatrician for support. If you need a short break and no one is available, place your baby on their back in a safe space, such as a crib or bassinet, and take a few moments to calm yourself.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measuring your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference and recording growth on a growth curve
• Providing your baby’s first set of immunizations. Vaccines are safe, effective, and help protect your child and our community. This visit also gives you time to ask questions and discuss any concerns about immunizations.

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#1 (DTaP, HIB, IPV), PCV-15, Rotavirus#1

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment

Helpful Info: 

• Crying and Your Baby: How to Calm a Fussy or Colicky Baby

At four months, your baby is becoming more active and vocal. Be sure not to leave your baby unattended—especially on a bed, couch, or counter. Babies move faster than you might expect!

We typically recommend starting solid foods around this age and will talk with you about which foods to begin with and how to safely introduce them into your baby’s diet.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference and record growth on a growth curve
• Provide your baby’s immunizations
• Discuss when and how to begin solid foods
• Screen for postpartum depression

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#2 (DTaP, HIB, IPV), PCV-15, Rotavirus#2

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment, Anemia Surveillance

Helpful Info: 

• Starting Solid Foods

By six months, your baby is moving more and may be able to sit independently for short periods of time. This is a great time to begin baby-proofing your home, if you haven’t already. You should also lower your baby’s crib mattress to the lowest setting.

We do a lot at this visit, including: 

• Measure your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference and record growth on a growth curve
• Provide your baby’s immunizations
• Discuss introducing fluoridated water to support strong, healthy teeth. City and rural water are fluoridated; if you have well water, it should be tested for fluoride before offering it to your baby

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#3 (DTaP, HIB, IPV), PCV-15, Rotavirus#3, Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment, TB Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Oral  Health Surveillance, Fluoride Varish

Helpful Info: 

• Teething

By nine months, many babies are crawling, pulling to stand, and cruising along furniture. Babies love to touch everything—this is how they learn! This stage can be messy and busy, so have fun and be patient.

Poison Control is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-222-1222. We recommend saving this number in your phone and posting it somewhere visible at home.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length, and head circumference and record growth on a growth curve
• Discuss upcoming dental care, including brushing with an infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste
• Apply fluoride varnish if teeth are present and recommend continuing every 3–6 months until your child is seen by a dentist

Immunizations: 

• HepB#2, Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages and Stages Questionnaire, Oral Health Surveillance, Fluoride Varnish, Hemoglobin Test, Lead Test

Helpful Info: 

• Teething

At one year, your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to whole cow’s milk. It is also healthy to continue breastfeeding, if that is your preference. Most toddlers do well with three meals and 2–3 snacks per day, along with no more than 16–20 ounces of whole milk daily. Your child can eat many of the same foods you do, but avoid small, hard foods that can cause choking.

This is a good time to wean your child from the bottle and offer all liquids in a sippy cup. Making this change now is often easier than waiting and helps prevent cavities.

Your child may be outgrowing their infant carrier car seat. Continue using a rear-facing car seat until at least age two.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, length, and head circumference and record growth on a growth curve
• Screen for anemia and lead exposure, if indicated
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish if teeth are present, continuing every 3–6 months until your child sees a dentist
• Screen for vision concerns using our ocular photoscreening device

Immunizations: 

• MMR#1, PCV-15, Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Oral Health Surveillance, Fluoride Varnish, Vision Photoscreen

Helpful Info: 

• Playing Is How Toddlers Learn

At 15 months, many children are climbing, running, and exploring more—making home safety especially important. Be sure your home is well child-proofed.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, length, and head circumference and record growth on a growth curve
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish, continuing every 3–6 months until your child is seen by a dentist
• Review timing for your child’s first dental visit, which is recommended between 18 and 30 months

Immunizations: 

• HepA#1, Varicella #1, Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Anemia Surveillance, Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info: 

• Choking Prevention and First Aid for Infants and Children

At 18 months, your child understands much more than they can express with words. Use simple language to describe your child’s feelings and actions, and read and sing together often. When reading, talk about the pictures using clear, simple words—this helps support early language development.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, length, and head circumference and record growth on a growth curve
• Discuss dental health, including timing of the first dental visit (recommended between 18 and 30 months), and apply fluoride varnish as needed
• Talk about temper tantrums and age-appropriate behavior

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#4 (DTaP, HIB, IPV), HepB#3, Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages and Stages Questionnaire, MCHAT Questionnaire, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Oral Health Surveillance, Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info: 

• Is Your Toddler Communicating With You?

At two years, your child may shift between wanting independence and needing extra reassurance—this is a normal part of development. Active play is especially important at this age. Limiting screen time, including television playing in the background, supports healthy learning and play. Background music is a better alternative.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, head circumference, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Review your child’s development using the M-CHAT autism screening questionnaire
• Screen for anemia and test for lead exposure with a finger prick, if indicated
• Screen for vision concerns using our ocular photoscreening device
• Discuss dental health, including timing of the first dental visit (recommended between 18 and 30 months), and apply fluoride varnish as needed
• Talk about toilet training, behavior, and appropriate use of time-out

Immunizations: 

• HepA#2, Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• MCHAT Questionnaire, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Oral Health Surveillance, Lead Test, Fluoride Varnish, Vision Photoscreen

Helpful Info: 

• Playground Safety

At this visit, your child is firmly in the toddler stage. One moment they may seem so grown up, and the next still very small—this is the classic “do-it-myself” phase.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and head circumference and record growth on a growth curve
• Review your child’s development using the ASQ screening tool
• Discuss dental health. If your child has not yet seen a dentist, now is the time. Fluoride varnish will be applied as needed and continued every 3–6 months until your child is established with a dentist
• Talk about healthy meals and snacks, limiting juice, and avoiding frequent use of food pouches

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages & Stages Developmental Screening

Helpful Info: 

• Snacks for Toddlers

At three years, many children are entering a world of imagination and make-believe. Dress-up and pretend play are especially important at this age. Reading books, singing songs, and playing rhyming games together each day all help support language development.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Discuss dental health
• Screen your child’s vision

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Oral Health Surveillance, Vision Testing, Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info: 

• Toilet Training.

At four years, many children enjoy singing, dancing, and acting out stories. “Tall tales” and imaginative play are common at this age—enjoy these fun moments with your child. Even though your child may want to do everything independently, parents should continue to help with brushing teeth.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Screen your child’s vision and hearing
• Discuss dental health

Immunizations: 

• MMR#2, Quadracel (DTaP, Polio), Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Oral Health Surveillance, Vision Testing, Hearing Testing, Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info: 

• Encourage Your Child to Be Physically Active

At five years, children often seek more independence while still needing clear limits. A regular bedtime and consistent routine are important at this age. Being a positive role model and showing interest in what your child is learning helps support confidence and growth.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Review your child’s speech and overall development
• Screen vision and hearing
• Discuss exercise and nutrition
• Talk about kindergarten readiness
• Discuss dental health

Immunizations: 

• Varicella#2, Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Oral Health Surveillance, Vision Testing, Hearing Testing, Fluoride Varnish

At six years, children benefit from routines that support learning and health. Help your child set aside a quiet, distraction-free time for homework and aim for about 11 hours of sleep each night. This is also a good age to teach fire safety and practice family fire drills.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Screen vision and hearing
• Review school performance and development
• Discuss exercise and nutrition
• Review age-appropriate safety topics

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Lead Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Oral Health Surveillance, Vision Testing, Hearing Testing

At seven years, children are developing habits that support lifelong health. Continuing to encourage balanced nutrition and regular physical activity helps build a strong foundation for the years ahead.

We do a lot at this visit, including: 

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Review school performance and development
• Discuss exercise and nutrition
• Review age-appropriate safety topics

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Surveillance, Hearing Surveillance, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance

Helpful Info: 

• Growing Up Healthy: Fat, Cholesterol, and More

At eight years, building a positive self-image becomes increasingly important as children begin to approach the changes of puberty. Encourage your child to feel good about who they are and how they interact with others, and praise effort more than outcomes.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Review school performance and overall development
• Screen vision and hearing
• Talk about activities and interests
• Discuss sleep habits
• Begin conversations about upcoming pubertal changes
• Discuss exercise and nutrition
• Review age-appropriate safety topics

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Testing, Hearing Testing

Helpful Info: 

• Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem

At nine years, many children are becoming more independent and responsible. This may include taking on simple chores, such as caring for their own room, and beginning to read independently for enjoyment.

We do a lot at this visit. including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Review school performance and development
• Discuss exercise and nutrition
• Review age-appropriate safety topics

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Surveillance, Hearing Surveillance, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Lipid Profile testing (completed once between 9-11 years)

Helpful Info: 

• The Importance of Family Routines

At ten years, children still need adult supervision when you are away. Watching television together can be a good opportunity to talk about topics that come up, while keeping screen time limited to about two hours per day. Regular family meals help keep communication open and support healthy habits.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Provide recommended immunizations
• Screen vision and hearing
• Review school performance and development
• Discuss activities and peer relationships
• Talk about sleep habits
• Discuss exercise and nutrition
• Begin conversations about pubertal changes that may be starting

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Testing, Hearing Testing, Lipid Profile (completed once between 9-11 years)

At 11 years, many children are transitioning to middle school and becoming more involved in group activities. This is a good time to broaden conversations about healthy choices, including avoiding tobacco, drugs, and alcohol.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Provide recommended immunizations
• Screen for anemia and dyslipidemia based on AAP recommendations
• Review school performance and development
• Discuss exercise and nutrition
• Talk about pubertal changes that may be starting or expected

Immunizations: 

• TdaP#1, Meningococcal ACWY#1, ​Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Surveillance, Hearing Surveillance, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Lipid Profile (completed once between 9-11 years)

Helpful Info: 

• Substance Abuse Prevention

At 12 years, most children are in middle school and continuing to develop independence. Ongoing conversations about healthy choices, including avoiding tobacco, drugs, and alcohol, remain important. At this age, children can also take on more responsibility for personal hygiene and household chores.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Review school performance and development
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sports safety, if your child participates in athletics
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, especially as awareness of body image and diet increases
• Talk about pubertal changes that may be starting or expected

Immunizations:  

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Hearing Surveillance, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Adolescent Depression Screening, Vision Testing

At 13 years, friendships often become more important, but having a caring adult who listens and provides accurate health information remains essential. Fostering open and ongoing communication with your child helps support healthy decision-making.

During the teen years, we offer your child the opportunity to spend part of the visit one-on-one with the pediatrician, with the parent out of the room.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Screen for anemia with a hemoglobin test
• Review school performance and development
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sports safety, if your child participates in athletics
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly as awareness of body image and diet increases
• Talk about pubertal changes that may be starting or expected

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Surveillance, Hearing Surveillance, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Adolescent Depression Screening

Helpful Info:  

• Teens, Behavior

At 14 years, many teens show increasing interest in extracurricular activities and greater independence. This is an important time to continue conversations about risk-taking behaviors, including driving, alcohol and drug use, family rules, and expectations. Media and internet safety should also be discussed. Make sure your teen has a trusted adult they can confide in if they are unable to talk with you.

During the teen years, we offer your child the opportunity to spend part of the visit one-on-one with the pediatrician, with the parent out of the room.

We do a lot at this visits, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sports safety, if your child participates in athletics
• Review school performance and development
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly as awareness of body image and diet increases

Immunizations: 

• HPV-9 Series, Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Surveillance, Hearing Surveillance, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Adolescent Depression Screening

Helpful Info: 

• Teens, Behavior

At 15 years, many teens are adjusting to the transition into high school. Family relationships remain important, while peer relationships often take on a greater role. Ongoing communication and support help teens navigate this stage with confidence.

During the teen years, we offer your teen the opportunity to spend part of the visit one-on-one with the pediatrician, with the parent out of the room.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your teen’s weight and height and record growth on a growth curve
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sports safety, if your teen participates in athletics
• Review school performance
• Reinforce healthy choices and avoidance of high-risk behaviors
• Perform recommended annual screening tests, when indicated
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly as awareness of body image and diet increases

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Adolescent Depression Screening, Urine Chlamydia Screen (females), Vision Testing, Hemoglobin Test (females)

Helpful Info: 

• Teens, Behavior

At 16 years, your teen is firmly in the adolescent years, and it’s exciting to see the person they are becoming. This stage can bring new challenges as teens begin to compare family values with those of peers and culture. Keeping communication open, offering increasing responsibility, and remaining supportive helps teens build resilience and self-confidence—even when mistakes happen.

During the teen years, we offer your teen the opportunity to spend part of the visit one-on-one with the pediatrician, with the parent out of the room.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your teen’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sports safety, if your teen participates in athletics (please bring any required forms)
• Review school performance and development
• Discuss involvement in activities, peer relationships, and dating
• Talk about sleep habits
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly as awareness of body image and diet increases
• Reinforce healthy choices and avoidance of high-risk behaviors
• Perform recommended annual screening tests, when indicated

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Testing, Hearing Testing

Helpful Info: 

• A Message to Parents of Teen Drivers

At 17–18 years, your adolescent is preparing to finish high school and move toward adulthood. Making mistakes is a normal part of this transition. Continuing to offer guidance, encouragement, and emotional support helps teens build confidence as they take on more responsibility.

During the teen years, we offer your teenager the opportunity to spend part of the visit one-on-one with the pediatrician, with the parent out of the room.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your teen’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Screen for dyslipidemia once between 18–21 years
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sports safety, if your teen participates in athletics
• Review school performance
• Perform recommended annual screening tests, when indicated
• Reinforce healthy choices and avoidance of high-risk behaviors
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly as awareness of body image and diet increases

Immunizations: 

• Meningococcal ACWY#1, MenB (optional), Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Surveillance, Hearing Surveilllance, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Adolescent Depression Screening, Lipid Profile, Urine Chlamydia Screen (females), Hemoglobin Test (females)

Helpful Info: 

• Teens, Behavior

At 19 years and beyond, your young adult is transitioning into adult life. While they may rely more on their own decision-making, ongoing support and guidance from family continue to play an important role.

During the teen and young adult years, we offer the opportunity for part of the visit to occur one-on-one with the pediatrician, with the parent out of the room.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your young adult’s weight, height, and body mass index and record growth on a growth curve
• Screen for dyslipidemia once between 18–21 years
• Provide recommended immunizations
• Screen vision
• Discuss transitions after high school, including work, travel, vocational training, or college
• Talk about responsible decision-making and recognizing healthy versus unhealthy relationships
• Complete college physical forms and any required screening labs or tests
• Perform recommended annual screening tests, when indicated
• Reinforce healthy choices and avoidance of high-risk behaviors
• Discuss transition to an adult care provider when appropriate; however, we commonly continue to care for our patients through the college years

Immunizations: 

• TdaP Booster at 21, Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Hearing Surveilllance, TB Surveillance, Anemia Surveillance, Dyslipidemia Surveillance, Adolescent Depression Screening, Vision Testing, Urine Chlamydia Screen (females), Hemoglobin Test (females), Universal HIV Testing

Helpful Info: 

• Teens, Behavior