Well Child Visits

Congratulations! Your baby is finally here. Newborns are wonderful, but exhausting! Having friends or family around to provide extra help and support can be very helpful. Make sure all visitors wash their hands well. Your baby’s first visit to our office takes place during their first week of life, usually 1-2 days after you are discharged from the hospital.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Check your baby’s weight.
• Monitor for signs of jaundice.
• Check to see how your baby is feeding.
• Answer questions about your new baby.

Immunizations:

• HepB#1 (if not given in hospital)
• RSV (seasonally - if not given on hospital)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Follow-up on Newborn Metabolic Screen done in hospital

Helpful Info: 

• Caring for Your Newborn

The 1-2 Week Visit (sooner if you have concerns!) is a time to talk about how your family is acclimating to the newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits and sleeping are common topics. If you are breastfeeding, you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our Lactation Consultants for personalized breastfeeding assistance.  By 2 weeks of age, your baby will likely have regained his or her birth weight. 

Please remember that it is important to always put your baby to sleep on his or her back in a flat, firm and separate sleep space to reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Remind you to give your baby a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D drops if you are breastfeeding.

Immunizations:  

• None

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• None

Helpful Info: 

• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

Families are usually settling in some by this visit. Feeding, sleeping and bowel habits are sometimes a concern. At this visit we will track your baby's growth and development and answer any questions. Your baby will be more alert, have longer wake windows, focusing on faces and very interested in lights and movement!

Immunizations: 

• None

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment

Helpful Info: 

• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

Your baby is growing rapidly and becoming more social!  Many babies gain almost 2 lbs per month in the first few months.  Some babies may be more fussy or colicky at this age. Be patient. Babies on average cry for 2 hours a day. Colicky babies eventually outgrow their crying phase. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do. Even if you feel frustrated, handle your baby gently and reach out for help from friends, relatives or your pediatrician. If you need a break and no one is available to help you, place your baby on his/her back gently in a safe space, such as a crib or bassinet and take a few minutes to calm down.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s first set of immunizations. Immunizations are safe, effective and keep your child and our community healthy. During this visit, you will be able to discuss any questions you may have about immunizations.

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#1 (DTaP, Hib, IPV)
• Prevnar#1
• Rotavirus#1

We do a lot at this visit, including:

Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

Immunizations: 

• Hepatitis B #2

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment

Your baby is becoming more active and verbal.  They may be starting to roll as well. Be careful not to leave your baby unattended, especially on a bed, couch or counter. They move faster than you think!

Babies need only breast milk or iron fortified formula for the first 4-6 months of life. We will talk at this appointment about the appropriate time to introduce solid foods and what foods to introduce first.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.
• Discuss when to start feeding your baby solid foods.

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#2 (DTaP, Hib, IPV)
• Prevnar#2
• Rotavirus#2

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• None

Helpful Info: 

• Starting Solid Foods

Your baby will be beginning to move more and will be able to sit up with a little support for short periods of time.  They will be grabbing and chewing on everything and may show signs of getting their first teeth.  Now is the time to start baby-proofing your house  if you haven't already done so!  You should also consider moving the mattress in your baby's crib down to the lowest level as they may start to experiment with standing soon.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.
• Screen for post-partum depression.

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#3 (DTaP, Hib, IPV)
• Prevnar#3
• Rotavirus#3
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment

Your baby may be starting to crawl, pulling to a stand and cruising on furniture. Babies will want to touch everything - this is how they learn. This is a messy time! Have fun and be patient.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Evaluate your baby's development
• Discuss baby-proofing your home. 

Immunizations: 

• HepB#3
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages and Stages Questionnaire

At this age, most often, your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk. However, it is perfectly healthy to continue breast milk, if that is what you prefer. Most babies need 3 meals, 2-3 snacks per day, and no more than 16-20 ounces of whole cow's milk per day. Your baby will be able to eat many of the foods you eat, but be careful to avoid small, hard foods that can cause choking.  They are also learning to become more social and may start using a few words that you can understand.  Many 1 year olds have some degree of "stranger danger" which is OK - their social skills are still developing - keep introducing them to new environments an people.

It is time to wean your child from the bottle and offer all liquids in a sippy cup. It is much easier to wean your child now than if you wait until they are older.

Your baby will be outgrowing the infant carrier car seat. Continue to have your baby in a rear facing car seat until at least age 2.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length, and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth.
• Screen your baby for vision abnormalities with our ocular photoscreen device.

Immunizations: 

• HepA#1
• MMR#1
• Varicella #1
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Lead Testing
• Anemia Surveillance
• Oral Health Surveillance
• Fluoride Varnish
• Vision Photoscreen

Helpful Info: 

• Playing Is How Toddlers Learn

Your child will be getting more mobile, talkative and curious about the world around them.  They may even be able to climb and run, so be sure to safety proof your home.  At this age, toddlers enjoy books, music, and kid appropriate toys that are great for development.  They also put everything they can grab in their mouths, so be sure to keep their environment safe from choking hazards.

Poison control is available 24 hours a day: 1-800-222-1222 - keep this number handy in your cell phone and on your refrigerator.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#4 (DTaP, Hib, IPV)
• Prevnar#4
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

At 18 months, your child understands much more than he or she can say. They are developing likes and dislikes and starting to build their own personlaity. Use words to describe your child’s feelings and praise them for good behavior. Read and sing to your child often and use simple words to talk about the pictures.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth.
• Discuss temper tantrums.

Immunizations: 

• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages and Stages Questionnaire
• MCHAT Questionnaire
• Anemia Surveillance
• Lead Surveillance
• Oral Health Surveillance
• Fluoride Varnish

At this age, your 2 year old may be getting more independent, but still need a lot of reassurance from parents and caregivers.  Allowing them to try things themselves in a safe envirnoment is great for their development.

As a reminder, it is better for toddlers to play than to watch TV. Even having television playing in the background interrupts healthy toddler play - background music is a better choice.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s development with you using the MCHAT (Autism screening tool) questionnaire.
• Discuss Lead Screening
• Screen your baby for vision abnormalities with our ocular photoscreen device.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.
• Discuss toilet training and time outs.

Immunizations: 

• HepA#2
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• MCHAT Questionnaire
• Oral Health Surveillance
• Lead Test
• Fluoride Varnish
• Vision Photoscreen

Your baby is not really a baby anymore. They are firmly in the toddler years. One moment they seem so big and the next still very small. This is the "do-it-myself time."  Keep in mind that toddlers may want to be doing things themselves, but still need a lot of attention to make sure they are being safe.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and record on a growth curve
• Evaluate your child’s development with the ASQ.  Please do the ASQ developmental screening 2-3 days prior to the visit, which is on our website.
• Discuss dental health  (if they have not yet seen a dentist, they should!)
• Discuss healthy meals/snacks, avoid food pouches and no or little juice

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages & Stages Developmental Screening
• Vision Photoscreen

Helpful Info: 

• Snacks for Toddlers

Your child will likely be becoming more imaginative and using pretend play to intereact with their toys and environment. Toys for dress up and make believe are important at this age. Read books, sing songs and play rhyming games with your child each day.  If you haven't started yet, this is a good age to introduce potty training!

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit.  Your child may need immunizations if they are behind on their shots or during flu season.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Lead Surveillance
• Vision Testing
• Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info: 

• Toilet Training

Four year olds often like to sing, dance and act. They like to tell "tall tales" and make up stories.  Enjoy these fun moments with your little one!  Parents should continue to help with brushing teeth even though your child will want to do it all by themselves.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your child's immunizations.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.

Immunizations: 

• Proquad (MMR#2, Varicella#2)
• Quadracel (DTaP, IPV)
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Lead Surveillance
• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing
• Fluoride Varnish

At this age, your child needs more independence. However, you need to set clear limits. A regular bedtime and consistent bedtime routine are important. Be a great role model. Show an interest in what they are learning.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s speech and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition.
• Discuss kindergarten readiness.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.

Immunizations: if not received at 4 year visit

• Proquad (MMR-#2, Varicella#2)
• Quadracel (DTaP, IPV) 
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Lead Surveillance
• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing
• Fluoride Varnish

Encourage good learning by helping your child organize a distraction-free time to do homework and ensuring ten to eleven hours of sleep each night. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index  and record on a growth curve.
• Screen your child's hearing and vision.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition.
• Review safety issues.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Lead Surveillance
• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing

Continue to encourage good nutrition and exercise for your child. This is the time he or she is building good health habits for a lifetime! There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index  and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition.
• Review safety issues.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Positive self-image is important as your child begins to enter the changes that come with puberty. Empower them to feel good about themselves, their interaction with others and praise their effort more than the outcome.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
• Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
• Screen your child's vision and hearing
• Review your child’s school performance and development
• Discuss involvement in activities
• Discuss sleep
• Discuss anticipating pubertal changes
• Discuss exercise and nutrition
• Review safety issues

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing

Helpful Info: 

• Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem

Your child is becoming more responsible and will be able to take on more tasks such as taking care of his or her own room. 

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition.
• Review safety issues.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Lipid Profile testing (completed once between 9-11 years)

Helpful Info: 

• The Importance of Family Routines

Your ten year old still requires adult supervision when you are away. Watching TV with your child allows you to discuss any controversial topics that may come up, but limit screen time to 2 hours per day. Family mealtime is important to keeping communication open and fostering healthy lives.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve
• Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
• Screen your child's vision and hearing
• Provide your child’s immunizations
• Review your child’s school performance and development
• Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships
• Discuss sleep
• Discuss exercise and nutrition
• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing
• Lipid Profile (completed once between 9-11 years)

Your child may be transitioning to middle school at this age. He or she may be participating in more group activities. Expand your conversations about healthy living practices to include tobacco, drug and alcohol avoidance.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your child’s immunizations.
• Screen your child for dysipidemia per AAP recommendations.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition.
• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.

Immunizations: 

• Tdap#1
• MCV#1
• HPV#1 (series of 2; 11-12 years)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Surveillance
• Hearing Surveillance
• Lipid Profile (completed once between 9-11 years)
• Anxiety Screening
• Depression Screening

Your child will be in middle school at this age. Continue your conversations about healthy living practices to include tobacco, drug and alcohol avoidance. Your child should be able to assume more responsibility for personal hygiene and chores. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Screen your child's vision.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.

Immunizations:  

• HPV#2 (if not previously completed; series of 2; 11-12 years)
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Hearing Surveillance
• Vision Testing
• Anxiety Screening
• Depression Screening

Even though friends are becoming more important at this age, having a caring adult to provide a listening ear and from which to obtain accurate health information is equally important. Foster open communication with your child. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Anxiety Screening
• Depression Screening

Helpful Info:  

• Teens

Your child may be showing an increasing interest in extracurricular activities. Have conversations about risk taking behaviors, driving, alcohol, drug use, family rules and expectations. Discuss media and internet safety. Make certain that they have an adult they can confide in if they are unable to communicate with you. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Anxiety Screening
• Depression Screening

Helpful Info: 

• Teens

Your teen may be adjusting to the transition to high school. Development of family relationships continues to be important, but it is also normal for teens to place more and more emphasis on their peer relationships. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight and length and record on a growth curve.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Review your child’s school performance.
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
• Complete driver's permit if your child is 15y 6mo old or older.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing
• Anxiety Screening
• Depression Screening

Helpful Info: 

• Teens

Congratulations! You are solidly in the teen years! It is exciting to see the wonderful person your child is becoming. Possible conflict can arise at this time as your teen assesses your family values versus those of culture and peers. Keep the lines of communication open and give them additional responsibility while being present for them when they inevitably make mistakes. Be supportive and allow them to develop resilience and self-pride. During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of the visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your teen’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
• Measure your teen’s blood pressure and heart rate
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your teen is participating in sports, please bring any forms to the appointment)
• Review your teen’s school performance and development
• Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships/dating
• Discuss sleep
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.)

Immunizations: 

• MCV4#2
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing
• Anxiety Screening
• Depression Screening

Your child is getting closer to finishing high school and entering the adult world. Making mistakes are a normal part of growing up. Continue to provide emotional support and guidance for them during this time. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Review your child’s school performance.
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.

Immunizations: 

• MenB (optional)
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Lipid Profile
• Anxiety Screening
• Depression Screening

Helpful Info: 

• Teens

Your child is now transitioning to adult life! They will still look to you for support and guidance, but will be more on their own when it comes to decision making. 

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Provide immunizations.
• Screen your child's vision.
• Discuss transitions to life after high school—whether that be work, travel, vocational school or college.
• Discuss importance of responsible decision making and recognizing healthy -vs- unhealthy relationships.
• Complete college physical forms and any required college screening labs/tests.
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
• Transition your child to an adult care provider.

Immunizations: 

• MenB (optional)
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Anxiety Screening
• Depression Screening