Well-Baby Checkup Schedule

A doctor can help your baby stay well. When should your baby see a pediatrician? What should you expect at each visit? Here's a schedule for well-baby visits.

Pediatrician visits are important for healthy children, to prevent infections, learn about nutrition and safety, track their growth and development, and answer your questions.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has developed a set of guidelines for wellness visits, laying out what screenings will help catch any problems early and keep your child’s health on track.

At each visit, your pediatrician team may take measurements, conduct a head-to-toe examination, update immunizations, and offer you (and your child) a chance to talk. Did you know, for example, that you can start reading to your baby from day one?

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The first week visit

This visit occurs at 3 to 5 days old and includes a hepatitis B vaccine if your child didn’t receive one in the hospital. Your doctor will also discuss feedings and signs of illness. Bring your hospital paperwork. For example, if your newborn didn’t pass the hearing test, you’ll need to retest within three months.

1 month old

Your child may receive a second hepatitis vaccine. Your doctor will ask about how well your baby is feeding, take measurements, and ask you how you are feeling. Many new parents become overwhelmed and sad, but, if you open up to your child’s doctor, you can turn this around.

2 months old

Your baby may be immunized against seven or eight illnesses. Immunizations may include RV (rotavirus), DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, HIB (haemophilus influenza type B), PCV13 (pneumococcal conjugate variant), and IPV (polio). Some common questions you may hear from your doctor:

• Do you have concerns about how your baby sees? (It’s normal for babies to cross their eyes sometimes.)
• Is your baby getting enough tummy time?
• How often are you feeding your baby each day?
• Do you wonder why your baby doesn’t smile at everyone?
• Are you wondering when it’s time to start solid foods?

Your pediatrician can guide you.

4 months old

Immunizations may include RV, DTaP, HIB, PCV13, and IPV. Bring your questions about how your baby falls asleep and about cleaning your child’s gums. Is it okay that my baby blows bubbles?

6 months old

This is your chance to talk to a pediatrician about:

• Your baby’s first tooth
• How well your baby rolls over and sits up with good head control
• The best way to treat diaper rash
• Introducing solid foods
• Any other questions on your mind

Immunizations may include hepatitis B, RV, DTaP, HIB, PCV13, IPV, COVID-19, and the flu (if it’s flu season).

9 months old

At this crossroads, your pediatrician will evaluate your baby’s development and may ask you to play together. Your child’s doctor may discuss your child’s sitting position and whether your baby can sit without assistance. Many parents are anxious when their babies cry when they drop them off with others. Ask the doctor what you can do.

12 months old

At one, your baby may be feeding herself and standing up or taking first steps. Your child’s pediatrician will help you evaluate your baby’s progress and handle a child who has trouble falling asleep or trying new foods. You will discuss weaning your baby off bottles and pacifiers. Your baby’s blood may be checked for low iron. Immunizations may include hepatitis B, HIV, PCV13, MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella), varicella, and hepatitis A.

It’s a good idea to continue with wellness visits at 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 2 and a half years, and then every year until adulthood.

These visits will protect your child against infections, address any delays in development or fears you may have, and catch problems fast. The behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorder may appear at age one, or even earlier. Some children show signs of attention issues as early three.

Don't forget the basics

Children ages three through five should be active most of the day. From six on, they should be active for at least an hour a day. Is your child a healthy weight? You can check on this calculator. A doctor’s visit can be a necessary reminder if your child isn’t on track.

Tests of hearing and vision should be routine during the first years. By four, your child should be able to answer questions in a vision test. Keep up the testing: There’s no need for children to struggle in school because they need glasses or can’t hear the teacher.

Prepare in advance with a list of questions. You might check in with other caregivers, such as another parent, grandparents, siblings, babysitters, or daycare workers. Do they have any questions about your baby? They may have noticed something and be waiting for a good moment to bring it up.

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