Did you know regular well-child visits are one of the most important things you can do to keep your child healthy? Well-child visits also provide you with the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about your child's health.
Your child should have a well-child visit at the intervals listed below. We recommend that you call our office 3 months in advance to schedule an appointment with your child's primary care provider on the date that best fits your needs.
Pediatric Care North follows the American Academy of Pediatrics
guidelines on preventative health care for children from birth to 21 years of age.
Schedule of Visits:
3-5 Day Old Visit
Newborn screening, feeding and nutrition
In this visit, we will:
- 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)
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Follow-up on Newborn Metabolic Screen done in hospital
Bright Futures Parent Info
2 Week Visit
The 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. Babies usually lose weight right
after birth. 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.
In this visit, we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Review safe sleep practices
Immunizations: None
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Post-Partum Depression Assessment
Bright Futures Parent Info
2 Month Visit
Many babies seem more fussy or colicky at this age. Be patient. 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 to friends, relatives or your
pediatrician if the crying is getting to be too much. 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.
In this visit, we will:
- 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
- Screen for post-partum depression
Immunizations: DTaP,
IPV,
HepB,
Hib,
Rotavirus,
Pneumococcal 20
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: None
Bright Futures Parent Info
4 Month Visit
Your baby is becoming more active and verbal. 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.
In 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
- Screen for post-partum depression
Immunizations: DTaP,
IPV,
HepB,
Hib,
Rotavirus,
Pneumococcal 20
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Post-Partum Depression Assessment
Bright Futures Parent Info
6 Month Visit
Your baby will begin to move more and will be able to sit up
independently for short periods of time. Now is the time to start
baby-proofing your house - if you haven't already done so. You should move
the mattress in your baby's crib down to the lowest level.
In 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
- Screen for post-partum depression
Immunizations: DTaP,
IPV,
HepB,
Rotavirus,
Pneumococcal 20
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Post-Partum Depression Assessment
Bright Futures Parent Info
9 Month Visit
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.
In this visit, we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
Immunizations: None
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Post-Partum Depression Assessment
Bright Futures Parent Info
12 Month Visit
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. Avoid cavities and additional tears and make the change
now! Your baby will be outgrowing the infant carrier car seat. Continue to
have your baby in a rear facing car seat until age 2.
In 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 transition of breastmilk or formula to cow's milk and feeding guidance
Immunizations: Pneumococcal 20,
MMR,
Varicella
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Lead screening
Bright Futures Parent Info
15 Month Visit
Your child may be able to climb and run, so be sure to safety proof your
home.
In 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: DTaP,
Hib,
Hep A
Tests/Screenings/Assessments:
Bright Futures Parent Info
18 Month Visit
At 18 months, your child understands much more than he or she can say in
words. Use words to describe your child’s feelings and gestures. Read and
sing to your child often. When reading, use simple words to talk about the
pictures.
In this visit, we will:
- Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve
- Review your child’s development with you using the MCHAT (Autism screening tool) questionnaire
Immunizations: None
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Ages and Stages Questionnaire, MCHAT Questionnaire
Bright Futures Parent Info
2 Year Visit
At this age, your 2 year old may go from trying to be independent to
clinging to you; this is normal. 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.
In 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 dental health
- Discuss toilet training and time out
Immunizations: Hep A
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: MCHAT Questionnaire
Bright Futures Parent Info
2 1/2 Year Visit
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."
In this visit, we will:
- Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and record on a growth curve
- 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: None
Tests/Screenings/Assessments:
Bright Futures Parent Info
3 Year Visit
Your child will likely be moving into a world of make believe that they
create with their imagination. 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.
In 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
Immunizations: None
Tests/Screenings/Assessments:
Bright Futures Parent Info
4 Year Visit
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.
In 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
Immunizations: None
Tests/Screenings/Assessments:
Bright Futures Parent Info
5 Year Visit
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.
In 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
- Screen your child's hearing and vision
Immunizations: DTaP,
IPV,
MMR,
Varicella
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Vision and hearing screenings
Bright Futures Parent Info
6 Year Visit
Encourage good learning by helping your child organize a distraction-free
time to do homework and ensuring eleven hours of sleep each night. Teach
your child what to do if there is a fire and have practice fire
drills.
In 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: There are no scheduled immunizations
at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on
immunizations.
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Vision and hearing screenings
Bright Futures Parent Info
7 Year Visit
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!
In 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: There are no scheduled immunizations at
this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on
immunizations.
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Vision and hearing screenings
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
8 Year Visit
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.
In 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: There are no scheduled immunizations
at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on
immunizations.
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Vision and hearing screenings
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
9 Year Visit
Your child is becoming more responsible and will be able to take on more
tasks such as taking care of his/her own room. He or she may also start
reading independently for pleasure.
In 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: There are no scheduled immunizations
at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on
immunizations.
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Vision Testing, Hearing Testing, Lipid Profile (completed once between
9-11 years)
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
10 Year Visit
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.
Immunizations: None
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Vision Testing, Hearing Testing, Lipid Profile (completed once
between 9-11 years)
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
11 Year Visit
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.
Immunizations: Tdap,
HPV #1 (series of 2; 11-14 years),
Menveo #1
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Vision Testing,
Hearing Testing, Lipid Profile (completed once between 9-11 years)
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
12 Year Visit
Social and academic competence, emotional well-being, risk reduction,
violence and injury prevention, physical growth and development
Immunizations: HPV #2 (series of 2; 11-14 years)
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Adolescent Depression Screening
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
13 Year Visit
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.
Immunizations: There are no
scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and
needs to catch up on immunizations.
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Adolescent Depression Screening
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
14 Year Visit
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.
Immunizations: There are no
scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and
needs to catch up on immunizations.
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Adolescent Depression Screening
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
15 Year Visit
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.
Immunizations:
HPV (if not previously completed; series of 3; 15 years and
older)
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Adolescent Depression Screening
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
16 Year Visit
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.
Immunizations: Menveo #2,
MenB
(may be recommended)
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Adolescent Depression Screening
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
17-18 Year Visit
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. 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.
Immunizations: MenB (may be recommended)
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Adolescent Depression Screening
Bright Futures Parent Info
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
19-20 Year Visit
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. 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.
Immunizations: MenB (optional)
Tests/Screenings/Assessments: Adolescent Depression Screening
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
21 Year Visit
Bright Futures PATIENT Info
Flu vaccine is offered yearly after age 6 months and is highly recommended.
All vaccines are recommended at the age appropriate visits, if child is behind on vaccinations, the child will be placed on a catch-up schedule.