A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Click a letter to see a list of conditions beginning with that letter.
Click 'Topic Index' to return to the index for the current topic.
Click 'Library Index' to return to the listing of all topics.

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

Online Medical Reviewer: Dan Brennan MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Liora C Adler MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 10/1/2022
© 2000-2024 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.