From their first step to first job, each stage of childhood brings important new milestones. Well-child visits help support your child’s healthy growth and development at each stage.

Well-child visits are scheduled when your child is healthy and during key developmental stages. These visits give your provider a chance to check their physical, social, mental, and emotional well-being.

At your child’s visit, their care team will focus on:

• Tracking growth and development
• Talking through your health questions and concerns
• Providing recommended immunizations

What to expect at a well-child visit

1. A physical exam

Your provider will check your child’s heart, lungs, eyes, ears, mouth, and reflexes, plus track their height, weight, and head circumference (for infants and toddlers).

These exams are a time to share your child’s milestones and discuss your family’s questions about their physical health.

2. Vaccinations

Your doctor may suggest that your child receive age-appropriate immunizations at their visit. Consider asking your doctor how vaccines work, what they protect against, and what to expect for side effects. Your care team is there to answer questions and support informed decisions.

Vaccines play a powerful role in protecting children from serious illnesses like measles, HPV, and more. Staying on schedule with vaccines can help your child build immunity and stay healthy.   

3. Developmental and behavioral check-ins

Your provider will assess your child’s overall well-being. This might include questions about behavior at home, in daycare, or at school. They may also ask about your child’s screen time, friendships, fears, and goals for the next year. These check-ins are essential for understanding your child’s emotional, social, and cognitive development.

4. Health screenings

Depending on your child’s age and medical history, screenings may include:

• Vision and hearing checks
• Blood pressure
• Height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) percentiles
• Blood test to check cholesterol
• Lead testing (commonly between 12 – 24 months)

More about lead screening: Young children are more vulnerable to lead exposure, which can impact brain development even at low levels. Regular testing helps detect exposure early so steps can be taken to reduce risks.

5. Health and safety guidance

Childhood is when habits take root. What kids eat, how they move, and how they spend their time shapes their future physical and emotional well-being. Your provider may share recommendations about healthy living based on your child’s age and needs.

Topics may include:

• Nutrition and eating habits
• Physical activity and screen time
• Safety at home, in school, and during activities

Learn more about healthy habits in Healthy Habits: Nutrition, Sleep, and Self-Care for Kids.

6. Q&A for parents and caregivers

Bring your questions, big or small. Whether you’re curious about toilet training, screen and phone use, or even sleeping and curfews, your visit is a safe space to get answers about childcare from a trained professional.  Don’t be shy – your provider has likely heard questions like yours before and is there to provide reassurance, resources, and support.

Get their next well-child visit on the calendar

As your child grows, so will your questions. New stages bring new changes, and well-child visits are designed to support you through each one. That’s why pediatricians recommend a regular schedule with monthly visits during infancy, then yearly checkups during childhood and beyond.

Keeping up with well-child visits is one of the simplest ways to support your child’s health, development, and long-term well-being.

Call your provider to schedule your child’s next visit today.