What is a well-child visit?
A well-child visit is a complete physical exam for younger children. During an exam, your doctor will check your child’s growth and development and answer any health questions you may have. Topics your physician will discuss may include sleep, safety, diseases or illnesses and expectations as your child grows.
The main purpose of a well-child visit is to keep your child up to date on immunizations and track their growth and development. It is also an opportunity to develop a trusting relationship with the pediatrician and ask questions about your child’s health.
Physical exam
During the physical exam, your child's doctor will track weight and height and compare your child versus other children the same age to determine if your child is growing at an appropriate pace. They'll administer any required vaccines and evaluate your child's overall health.
Your child's pediatrician will examine:
- Body temperature
- Heart and lungs
- Abdomen and other organs
- Ear, nose and throat
- Reflexes
- Vision and hearing
- Symptoms of jaundice in infants
After your child is born and you select a pediatrician, your doctor will recommend a frequency for well-child visits.