Well-Baby Visit Schedule: What to Expect at Each Age
- Well-baby visits are check-ups that ensure Baby is healthy and developing typically; they will change as Baby grows.
- In Baby’s first several years of life, their healthcare provider will assess their progress toward milestones, ask questions about their abilities, and address potential developmental delays.
- Prepare for well-baby visits by tracking Baby’s milestones and making note of any questions you have for Baby’s healthcare provider.
As soon as Baby comes into the world, they will begin routine well-baby (or well-child) visits with their healthcare provider. These visits will change with Baby’s health needs as they get older. Here’s what you should know for well-baby visits at each age
What is a well-baby visit?
Well-baby visits are check-ups that ensure Baby is healthy and developing on track. During these visits, Baby’s healthcare provider will ask medical-related questions, do a physical exam, and discuss Baby’s developmental milestones and abilities. If there are any concerns about Baby’s development, Baby’s healthcare provider will discuss them with you and help make the appropriate referrals.
How often are well-baby visits?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends Baby’s first doctor visit be at 3 to 5 days old. After that, Baby should have well-baby visits at months 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30. Once Baby turns 3, the AAP recommends one check-in a year until age 21. If Baby was born prematurely, they will follow the same well-baby schedule unless their healthcare provider recommends additional check-ups.
How to Prepare for a Well-Child Visit
These appointments are a great time to discuss any questions or concerns you might have about Baby’s care; a little prep will help you direct the conversation with ease! Here are a few ways you can prepare for Baby’s well-child visits:
- Write down any questions you have for Baby’s healthcare provider
- Fill out these Ability and Milestone Checklists
- Track Baby’s progress in the Pathways.org Baby Milestones App
Well-Child Visits by Age
Here’s what to expect at each appointment as Baby ages:
3-5 Days Old Visit
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Baby’s measurements, including weight, length, and head circumference
- Physical health
- You may talk about:
- Safe sleep
- Results from Baby’s hearing and blood screenings (received in the hospital)
- How Baby is being fed—by breast milk or formula—and how much they need to eat
- Starting Tummy Time
- Diapering details and what to expect, like the color of Baby’s poo and consistency
1 and 2 Months Visits
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Measurements
- Physical health
- Breast milk or formula intake
- Progress on 0-3 month milestones and abilities
- You may talk about:
- Baby starting to lift and hold up their head during Tummy Time
- Baby’s daily bowel movements and wet diapers
- How you are feeling as Baby’s caregiver
4 and 6 Months Visits
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Measurements
- Physical health
- Breast milk or formula intake
- Iron intake
- Progress on 4-6 month milestones and abilities
- You may talk about:
- Teething and Baby’s first teeth
- Baby rolling over during Tummy Time
- Baby’s daily bowel movements and wet diapers
- Signs Baby is ready to start solid foods
9 Months Visit
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Measurements
- Physical health
- Breast milk or formula intake
- Progress on 7-9 milestones and abilities
- Screenings: developmental and behavioral
- You may talk about:
- Baby’s hearing and vision
- Baby sitting independently
- Baby’s feeding behaviors
- Changes in pooping as Baby tries new foods
12 Months Visit
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Measurements
- Physical health
- Iron level
- Progress on 10-12 month milestones and abilities
- Screenings: hearing, vision, blood lead level, and blood pressure based on risk
- You may talk about:
- Baby’s first steps
- Baby’s feeding behaviors
- Changes in napping and sleep
- Changes in pooping as Baby tries new foods
15 and 18 Months (1 1/2 Years Old) Visits
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Measurements
- Physical health
- Iron level
- Progress on 13-18 month milestones and abilities
- Screenings: developmental, behavioral, and autism spectrum disorder (18 months); hearing, vision, blood lead level, and blood pressure based on risk
- You may talk about:
- Baby’s growing vocabulary
- Baby walking independently
- Changes in pooping as Baby tries new foods
24 Months (2 Years Old) Visit
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Measurements
- Physical health
- Progress on 19-24 month milestones and abilities
- Screenings: autism spectrum disorder, tuberculosis, anemia, hearing, and vision
- You may talk about:
- What foods Baby is eating
- Temper tantrums
- Changes in napping and sleep
- Signs Baby is ready to start potty training
30 Months (2 1/2 Years Old) and 3 Years Old Visits
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Measurements
- Physical health
- Risk for hearing and vision problems
- Progress on 2-3 year old milestones and abilities
- Screenings: developmental and behavioral (30 months); vision and oral (3 years)
- You may talk about:
- How you and Baby communicate
- How Baby plays with others
- Separation anxiety
- Potty training
4, 5 and 6 Years Old Visits
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Measurements
- Physical health
- Blood pressure
- Progress on 4-6 year old abilities
- Screenings: hearing, vision, oral, fine, and gross motor skills
- You may talk about:
- Swimming skills and safety
- Starting school
- Reading and speech ability
- Changes in napping and sleep
- Picky eating
- Bathroom habits
7+ Years Old Visits
- Baby’s healthcare provider will assess:
- Measurements
- Physical health
- Blood pressure
- Screenings: vision and hearing
- You may talk about:
- Your child’s emotional health
- Physical activity and diet
- Body changes
Want to learn more about baby’s development and track their milestones?
Download the FREE Pathways.org Baby Milestones App!
