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The importance of well-child doctor visits

GEHA | January 9, 2019

Keep your children healthy by taking them for regular well-child visits.

As a parent, you know when to take your children to the doctor if they are sick. But did you know that annual pediatrician visits are just as important for children to be healthy and develop normally?

Benefits of well-child visits:

  1. Prevention. Scheduled immunizations are given to protect your child from serious diseases. You can also ask your pediatrician about nutrition and safety in the home and at school.

  2. Track growth and development. The doctor will track your child’s growth and can help identify developmental milestones in physical, mental, language and social skills.

  3. Raise concerns. Make a list of topics you want to talk about with your child’s pediatrician such as development, behavior, sleep, eating or relations with other family members and ask your top three to five questions at the start of the visit.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends well-child visits at the following ages:

  • 3 to 5 days old
  • 1 month old
  • 2 months old
  • 4 months old
  • 6 months old
  • 9 months old
  • 12 months old
  • 15 months old
  • 18 months old
  • 2 years old
  • 2 ½ years old
  • 3 years old
  • Once every year thereafter until age 21

Source:
“AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits,” healthychildren.org, American Academy of Pediatrics, last updated 24 July 2023.