Well-Child Visits: Why Regular Checkups Matter for Your Child

Children grow and change quickly. Regular well-child visits give parents and health care providers an opportunity to track that growth, monitor developmental milestones and address questions or concerns along the way.

These preventive visits are about more than measuring height and weight. They help your child’s provider evaluate physical, emotional and social development, keep recommended vaccinations up to date and identify potential health or developmental concerns early.

CRMC pediatrician Wendi Johnson, MD encourages parents to use well-child visits as an opportunity to learn what to expect as their child grows.

“Parents are a child’s first teacher, and at well-child visits, providers coach moms and dads on what the next ‘lessons’ should be,” Dr. Johnson said. “Think of these visits as your chance to learn as much as possible about the best ways to help your child grow.”

What Happens at a Well-Child Visit?

During a well-child checkup, your child’s provider monitors growth and development and looks for changes that may need additional attention.

Depending on your child’s age, a well-child visit may include:

• Height and weight measurements
• Head circumference measurements for infants and young children
• Developmental milestone assessments
• Hearing and vision screenings
• A review of recommended immunizations
• Physical health screenings
• Discussions about emotional, behavioral and social development

These appointments also give parents time to ask questions about sleep, nutrition, behavior, school, development or other concerns.

Don’t feel like you need to wait until your child is sick to bring something up. Well-child visits are an opportunity to talk about what’s going well, what’s challenging and what you can expect during the next stage of development.

When Should My Child Have a Well-Child Visit?

Babies and young children need frequent checkups because growth and development happen rapidly during the first few years of life.

Dr. Johnson recommends well-child visits for babies and young toddlers two weeks after the initial newborn visit, followed by visits at:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months
• 30 months

Beginning at age 3, children and teens should have a preventive care visit every year through age 21.

Keeping these appointments gives your child’s health care team a consistent picture of their growth and development over time. It also creates an ongoing relationship between your family and your child’s provider.

Well-Child Visits Help You Prepare for What’s Next

Every stage of childhood brings something new. Your child’s provider can help you understand what to expect and offer guidance based on your child’s individual needs.

Regular preventive care can also help identify concerns early, when additional evaluation, support or treatment may be most helpful.

Whether you have a newborn, a busy elementary schooler or a teenager preparing for adulthood, well-child visits are an important part of supporting their health and development.

Is your child due for a checkup? Call 218-546-7000 to schedule a well-child visit with a CRMC primary care provider.