What is a well-child visit?
Well-child visits track your child’s growth and their physical, mental, social, and emotional development. During these visits, Dr. Ferrand and Dr. Moawad provide guidance on what to expect from your child’s development over the coming months.
Different from a sick visit, a well-child checkup is a preventive measure that helps your pediatrician detect possible developmental abnormalities as early as possible. Studies show that early intervention is crucial in managing and treating developmental disabilities, such as autism and speech delays.
How often should I schedule well-child visits?
Most pediatricians see patients for well-child visits until they reach 18. However, the most crucial times for these visits occur between birth and 5 years of age — when your child is developing very quickly.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following well-child visit schedule:
1 week
- Weight check
- Metabolic screening
- Parent vaccines (if necessary)
- Jaundice screening
- Feeding problems
2 weeks
- Weight check
- Physical exam
- Newborn vaccines (if necessary)
1 month
- Weight check
- Physical exam
- Growth and development evaluation
2 months
- Weight check
- Physical exam
- Growth and development evaluation
- Vaccines (if necessary)
4 months
- Weight check
- Physical exam
- Growth and development evaluation
- Vaccines (if necessary)
6 months
- Weight check
- Physical exam
- Growth and development evaluation
- Vaccines (if necessary)
9 months
- Fingerstick (hemoglobin)
- Physical exam
- Vaccines (if necessary)
12 months
- Tuberculosis (TB) test
- Physical exam
- Vaccines (if necessary)
15 months
- Physical exam
- Growth and development evaluation
- Vaccines (if necessary)
18 months
- Physical exam
- Growth and development evaluation
- Vaccines (if necessary)
2 years
- Lead screening
- Growth and development evaluation
- Vaccines (if necessary)
2.5 years
- Vaccines (if necessary)
- Physical exam
- Growth and development evaluation
3 years
- TB test (if necessary)
- Physical exam
- Growth and development evaluation
4+ years
- Annual checkup
- Physical exam
- Vaccines (if necessary)
- Urinalysis
- Vision and hearing screening
Once your child reaches their teenage years, they can come into Pediatrics of Long Island for annual physical exams and checkups.
How can I prepare for a well-child visit?
Well-child visits give you an opportunity to get to know your child’s pediatrician and help your family build a healthy relationship with the Pediatrics of Long Island team. The best way to prepare is to come to your visits with a list of questions or concerns you may have regarding your child’s health.
It’s also important to prepare your child for the visit, as vaccines and shots can make children feel nervous. If your child is old enough, talk to them beforehand about your reasons for visiting the doctor to calm any fears they may have. Talk about any negative feelings they have, and use positive language whenever possible.
To schedule a well-child visit with Pediatrics of Long Island, call or book an appointment online today.
