At your well-child visits, you will get information on topics such as:

• Sleep


• Safety


• Childhood diseases


• Vaccinations


• What to expect as your child grows

Write down your questions and concerns and bring them with you. This will help you get the most out of the visit.

Your provider will pay special attention to how your child is growing compared to normal developmental milestones. The child's height, weight, and head circumference are recorded on a growth chart. This chart remains part of the child's medical record. Talking about your child's growth is a good place to begin a discussion about your child's general health. Ask your provider about the body mass index (BMI) curve, which is the most important tool for identifying and preventing obesity.

Your provider will also talk about other wellness topics such as family relationship issues, school, and access to community services.

There are several schedules for routine well-child visits. One schedule, recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics, is given below.

PREVENTIVE HEALTH CARE SCHEDULE

It  is recommended that visits occur at the following ages (your provider may have you add or skip visits depending on your child's health or your parenting experience):

• Newborn Visit


• 2 months


• 4 months


• 6 months


• 9 months


• 12 months


• 15 months


• 18 months


• 2 years


• 3 years


• Each year after that until age 19