Well-Child Visits in Henrico, VA

As a child grows and develops, especially during the early stages of life, it is best for pediatricians to monitor their development through a series of regularly scheduled appointments. These are known as well-child visits.

Well-Child Visit Schedule

Each well-child visit is strategically planned based on the child’s age. These types of appointments provide an excellent opportunity for a pediatrician to examine the child and determine whether or not they are meeting the normal developmental milestones.

Children are advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics to attend a well-child visit at the following ages:

  • 2 – 5 days
  • 1 month
  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 9 months
  • 12 months
  • 15 months
  • 18 months
  • 2 years
  • 2 and a half years 

Once the child reaches 3 years of age, it is recommended that they participate in a well-child visit once each year until they are 21 years old.

Primary Purpose of a Well-Child Visit

A doctor examines a young girls throat using a tongue depressor. The girl is sitting on a woman's lap, who is wearing a beige sweater. The setting appears to be a medical office.The biggest benefit to bringing your kid to regular well-child visits is to prevent potential physical, mental, or social issues such as:

  • Childhood diseases
  • Sleep disorders
  • Abnormalities in height, weight, or head circumference
  • Behavior disorders such as ADHD, OCD, etc.

Immunizations are often administered at well-child visits in order to avoid potential illnesses. Parents may also wish to discuss safety protocols for their home or the child’s school.

An added benefit to seeing a pediatrician so often during the first few months and years of a child’s life is that it gives parents the perfect opportunity to bond closely with their family physician. This greatly increases the likelihood that parents will reach out or ask additional questions of their pediatrician, which can substantially improve the health of the child.