Regular checkups or “well-child visits” are an important way to keep track of your child's health and development. During these appointments, your health care provider will take measurements, conduct a head-to-toe examination, update immunizations, and answer questions you may have. These visits are a chance to learn as much as you can about the best ways to help your child grow and thrive – and they are important at every age!
Ages 0 to 3-years: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a total of 12 well-child visits for infants and toddlers. These early checkups allow your health care provider to track growth and development and to ensure all recommended screenings and immunizations are administered to prevent illness. These appointments are also a time for parents to ask questions related to milestones, sleep, nutrition and more.
Ages 4 to 9-years: These appointments provide an opportunity to raise general questions and concerns regarding your child’s development, behavior and well-being. Your health care provider can answer questions related to safety, healthy eating, physical activity, school readiness, computer and television screen time.
Ages 10 to 12-years: This is a time when their bodies begin to change and hormones fluctuate, so pre-teens may be at risk for things like depression and eating disorders. Your health care provider can answer questions related to safety, puberty, healthy eating, physical activity, and device screen time. They can also help distinguish between moodiness and something more serious.
Ages 13 to 18-years: Adolescence is a time of many physical, social, and emotional developments, as well as an increased drive for independence. Youth need to be given the opportunity to ask questions they might not feel comfortable asking others. Your health care provider can answer questions related to safety, body changes, mental health, emotional well-being, behaviors that put youth at risk, substance use, stress, and sleep.
roadmap for ages 10 to 18-years