Well-Care Visits

It's important to take your child to the doctor 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 doctor for:

• A 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 doctor 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.

Your child's doctor 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

There are many resources to help you find where to go to get your child vaccinated. You can go to your local pharmacy or visit their website to make an appointment. A primary care provider may also be able to give your child a vaccine or help you find where to go. Other good resources are your local health department or your health insurance company. They can also give you information on vaccines and help you know where to get them.