Baby Health Checkup Schedule: Complete Guide to Well-Child Visits by Age

Is your baby growing well? Are they hitting their developmental milestones on track? Well-child visits (also called well-baby checkups) are the best way to find out. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a series of preventive health checkups from birth through age 6 to monitor growth, screen for developmental concerns, administer vaccinations, and provide guidance for parents. This guide covers the complete well-child visit schedule, what happens at each appointment, and how to make the most of every visit.

What Are Well-Child Visits?

Well-child visits are routine preventive healthcare appointments designed to track your baby's growth, development, and overall health. Unlike sick visits, these checkups happen on a set schedule even when your child is perfectly healthy. They are your pediatrician's opportunity to catch potential issues early and your chance to ask questions about feeding, sleep, behavior, and development.

Key facts about well-child visits

• Recommended by: American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Bright Futures guidelines
• Cost: Covered by most insurance plans with no copay under the Affordable Care Act
• Frequency: Most frequent in the first year (7+ visits), then annually after age 3
• Where: Pediatrician's office, family medicine clinic, or community health center
• What's included: Physical exam, growth measurements, developmental screening, immunizations, and parent guidance

💡 Well-child visits are covered at no cost by most insurance plans as preventive care. Don't skip them even if your baby seems perfectly healthy — early detection of issues leads to better outcomes.

Complete Well-Child Visit Schedule

The AAP recommends well-child visits at the following ages. Each visit has specific screening goals based on your child's developmental stage.

Age	Visit Type	Key Focus Areas
3-5 days	Newborn visit	Weight check, jaundice, feeding
1 month	Well-child	Growth, reflexes, feeding patterns
2 months	Well-child + vaccines	First round of immunizations
4 months	Well-child + vaccines	Motor development, social smiling
6 months	Well-child + vaccines	Sitting, solid foods introduction
9 months	Well-child + developmental screening	Crawling, stranger anxiety, ASQ screening
12 months	Well-child + vaccines	Walking attempts, first words, lead screening
15 months	Well-child + vaccines	Walking, vocabulary growth
18 months	Well-child + autism screening	Language explosion, M-CHAT screening
24 months	Well-child + autism screening	Two-word phrases, social skills, M-CHAT
30 months	Well-child + developmental screening	Speech clarity, potty training readiness
3 years	Annual well-child	Vision screening, blood pressure, BMI
4-6 years	Annual well-child	School readiness, vision, hearing

Newborn Visit (3-5 Days): The First Checkup

Your baby's very first doctor visit happens just days after birth. This critical appointment ensures your newborn is transitioning well to life outside the womb.

What the doctor checks

• Weight: Newborns typically lose 5-7% of birth weight in the first few days. The doctor confirms weight loss is within normal range
• Jaundice: Skin and eye color checked for signs of elevated bilirubin
• Feeding: Breastfeeding latch assessment, or formula intake review
• Umbilical cord stump: Checked for signs of infection
• Newborn screening results: Follow-up on the heel prick test done at the hospital

Developmental milestones at this age

• Startles at loud sounds (Moro reflex)
• Grasps a finger placed in their palm (grasp reflex)
• Briefly focuses on faces within 8-12 inches

Parent tip: Bring a written list of questions and concerns. Sleep deprivation makes it hard to remember everything in the moment.

1-Month Visit: Growth and Feeding Check

By one month, your baby should be regaining birth weight and establishing feeding patterns.

What the doctor checks

• Growth measurements: Weight, length, and head circumference plotted on growth charts
• Physical exam: Heart, lungs, hips, fontanelle (soft spot), eyes
• Feeding assessment: Weight gain pattern, feeding frequency
• Parental well-being: Screening for postpartum depression in parents

Developmental milestones at this age

• Lifts head briefly during tummy time
• Responds to sounds by turning head
• Makes eye contact
• Begins to make cooing sounds

2-Month and 4-Month Visits: Vaccines Begin

These visits mark the start of the childhood immunization schedule and track rapid physical and social development.

What the doctor checks

• Growth measurements on standardized charts
• Physical exam from head to toe
• Immunizations: DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV13, Rotavirus, Hepatitis B (schedule varies slightly)
• Developmental assessment: Social smiling, tracking objects, head control

2-month milestones

• Social smile (smiling at people)
• Coos and gurgles
• Follows moving objects with eyes
• Holds head up during tummy time

4-month milestones

• Laughs out loud
• Reaches for and grasps toys
• Rolls from tummy to back
• Pushes up on elbows during tummy time
• Recognizes familiar faces

6-Month Visit: Halfway Through the First Year

Six months is a major milestone. Your baby is likely starting solid foods, sitting with support, and showing their personality.

What the doctor checks

• Growth measurements and growth chart review
• Physical exam including hip stability check
• Immunizations (third round of several vaccines)
• Nutrition counseling: Introduction of solid foods, allergy prevention strategies
• Safety guidance: Babyproofing for newly mobile babies

Developmental milestones at this age

• Sits with support or independently
• Transfers objects between hands
• Responds to own name
• Babbles with consonant sounds ("ba-ba", "da-da")
• Shows curiosity about surroundings

9-Month Visit: First Formal Developmental Screening

The 9-month visit is particularly important because the AAP recommends the first formal developmental screening using a standardized tool like the ASQ (Ages and Stages Questionnaire).

What the doctor checks

• Growth measurements
• Physical exam
• Developmental screening: ASQ-3 or equivalent validated screening tool
• Fine and gross motor assessment
• Language and social-emotional development review

Developmental milestones at this age

• Pulls to stand
• Crawls or scoots
• Uses pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger)
• Plays peek-a-boo
• Says "mama" or "dada" (may not be specific yet)
• Shows stranger anxiety

💡 The 9-month developmental screening is one of the most important. If you have any concerns about your baby's development, this is the ideal time to discuss them with your pediatrician.

12-Month Visit: The First Birthday Checkup

Your baby is officially a toddler. This visit celebrates their first year and checks for any concerns as they transition to a more mobile and independent phase.

What the doctor checks

• Growth measurements (head circumference measured through 36 months)
• Physical exam
• Immunizations: MMR, varicella, hepatitis A (first doses)
• Blood tests: Lead screening, hemoglobin/anemia check
• Dental assessment: Tooth eruption, first dentist visit recommendation

Developmental milestones at this age

• Stands alone, takes first steps
• Says 1-3 words with meaning
• Points to objects of interest
• Uses simple gestures (waving, clapping)
• Imitates actions and sounds

18-Month and 24-Month Visits: Autism Screening

These visits are critical because the AAP recommends formal autism spectrum disorder (ASD) screening at both 18 and 24 months using the M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers).

What the doctor checks

• Growth measurements
• Physical exam
• M-CHAT-R/F autism screening at both visits
• Developmental screening
• Language assessment: By 18 months, toddlers should say at least 10-15 words. By 24 months, they should combine two words

18-month milestones

• Walks independently
• Says at least 10-15 words
• Points to show things to others
• Follows simple one-step instructions
• Uses a spoon (messily)

24-month milestones

• Runs
• Combines two words ("more milk", "daddy go")
• Follows two-step instructions
• Begins pretend play
• Shows interest in other children

30-Month Visit: Language and Developmental Check

The 30-month visit includes the third formal developmental screening recommended by the AAP. Language development is a key focus at this age.

What the doctor checks

• Growth measurements and BMI calculation
• Physical exam
• Developmental screening (ASQ-3 or equivalent)
• Language assessment: Should use 50+ words, 2-3 word sentences
• Behavioral and social-emotional check

Developmental milestones at this age

• Jumps with both feet
• Builds tower of 6+ blocks
• Uses 2-3 word sentences regularly
• Begins to sort shapes and colors
• Shows defiant behavior (the "terrible twos")

3-Year Visit and Beyond: Annual Checkups

Starting at age 3, the AAP recommends annual well-child visits. These visits begin to include vision screening and blood pressure measurement.

What the doctor checks

• Growth measurements including BMI
• Blood pressure screening (starting at age 3)
• Vision screening using eye charts or photoscreening
• Hearing screening
• Dental health assessment
• School readiness evaluation (ages 4-5)

3-year milestones

• Pedals a tricycle
• Draws circles and simple shapes
• Speaks in 3-4 word sentences clearly enough for strangers to understand
• Plays with other children (cooperative play)
• Knows own name, age, and gender

4-5 year milestones

• Hops on one foot
• Uses scissors
• Tells stories
• Counts to 10
• Dresses independently

How to Prepare for Each Visit

A little preparation makes well-child visits more productive and less stressful for everyone.

What to bring

• Insurance card and ID
• Immunization record (if not stored at the office)
• List of questions or concerns
• Feeding/sleep log or app data
• Favorite toy or pacifier for comfort

Questions to ask your pediatrician

• Is my baby's growth on track?
• Are there any developmental milestones we should be working toward?
• Is the feeding/sleeping schedule appropriate for this age?
• When should I call about a fever or illness?
• Are there any vaccines due at the next visit?

💡 Write down your questions before the visit. It's easy to forget them once you're in the office, especially with a fussy baby.

What Happens If Screening Flags a Concern?

Hearing that your child's screening shows a potential delay can be scary, but remember: screening is designed to catch things early when intervention is most effective.

Understanding screening results

• On track: Development is within the normal range for age
• Monitor: Slight concern; re-screen at the next visit
• Refer: Further evaluation by a specialist recommended

Next steps if referred

• Your pediatrician will provide referrals to developmental specialists, early intervention programs, or therapists
• Early Intervention programs (birth to age 3) are available in every US state and are often free or low-cost
• Early intervention has been shown to significantly improve outcomes for language delays, motor delays, and autism spectrum disorder

Remember: A screening flag does not mean a diagnosis. Many children who are flagged at one visit are on track by the next. The purpose of screening is to ensure that no child falls through the cracks.

Track Health with BebeSnap

Keeping detailed records between well-child visits helps your pediatrician get the full picture of your baby's health. BebeSnap makes it easy to stay organized.

• Growth Tracking: Record height, weight, and head circumference to see growth curves at a glance. Share accurate data with your doctor at every visit
• AI Stool Analysis: Snap a photo of your baby's diaper, and our AI analyzes stool health. Monitor between checkups with confidence
• AI Health Consultation: Got a question between visits? Ask our AI chatbot for instant guidance on feeding, sleep, development, and more

👉 BebeSnap AI Chatbot Guide

FAQ

Q: What happens if I miss a well-child visit?
A: Call your pediatrician to reschedule as soon as possible. Missing one visit is not the end of the world, but getting back on schedule is important. Your doctor can often combine missed screenings with the next appointment.

Q: My baby screamed the entire visit. Did the doctor get accurate information?
A: Absolutely. Pediatricians are experienced with fussy babies and can still perform thorough examinations. Crying does not affect the accuracy of physical measurements or developmental screenings, especially since many screenings are based on parent-reported questionnaires.

Q: How is a well-child visit different from a sick visit?
A: Well-child visits are scheduled preventive appointments focused on growth, development, vaccinations, and anticipatory guidance. Sick visits are unscheduled appointments when your child has symptoms like fever, cough, or rash. Both are important, and one does not replace the other.

Q: Should I bring my partner to well-child visits?
A: If possible, yes. Having both caregivers present means both hear the doctor's guidance directly, and two people are more likely to remember questions and instructions. It also gives the pediatrician a fuller picture of your family's home environment.

References

• AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits - HealthyChildren.org
• AAP Periodicity Schedule - Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care
• Well-Child Visits - Nemours KidsHealth
• Well-Child Visits - MedlinePlus
• Cleveland Clinic - What to Expect at Well-Child Visits