Well Child Check Schedule

The Well Child Check schedule is a series of health visits recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for children from birth to age 21. These visits are essential for monitoring a child's growth, development, and overall health, as well as for preventing and detecting potential health problems early on. The schedule is designed to provide a framework for pediatricians and healthcare providers to assess a child's physical, emotional, and cognitive development at various stages of their life.

Infancy and Toddlerhood (0-3 years)

During the first three years of life, children experience rapid growth and development, and regular well-child checks are crucial for monitoring their progress. The recommended schedule for this age group includes visits at birth, 1-2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, and 2-3 years. During these visits, healthcare providers assess the child’s physical development, including weight, length, and head circumference, as well as their cognitive and emotional development, including language skills and social interactions.

Vaccination Schedule

A critical component of well-child checks during infancy and toddlerhood is the administration of vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend a series of vaccinations to protect children against serious diseases, including hepatitis B, rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), inactivated poliovirus (IPV), and pneumococcal conjugate (PCV). The vaccination schedule is as follows:

Early Childhood (4-6 years)

During early childhood, children continue to grow and develop rapidly, and well-child checks remain crucial for monitoring their progress. The recommended schedule for this age group includes visits at 4-5 years and 6 years. During these visits, healthcare providers assess the child’s physical development, including vision and hearing, as well as their cognitive and emotional development, including language skills, social interactions, and behavioral development.

Screening for Developmental Delays

Well-child checks during early childhood also include screening for developmental delays. Healthcare providers use standardized tools, such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ), to assess a child’s developmental progress and identify potential delays in areas such as language, social interactions, and cognitive development.

Late Childhood and Adolescence (7-21 years)

During late childhood and adolescence, well-child checks continue to be essential for monitoring a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development. The recommended schedule for this age group includes visits at 8-10 years, 11-12 years, 13-15 years, 16-17 years, and 18-21 years. During these visits, healthcare providers assess the child’s physical development, including vision and hearing, as well as their cognitive and emotional development, including academic performance, social interactions, and mental health.

Screening for Mental Health Concerns

Well-child checks during late childhood and adolescence also include screening for mental health concerns, such as depression, anxiety, and substance use. Healthcare providers use standardized tools, such as the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), to assess a child’s mental health and identify potential concerns.