Well Child Checks are a staple of every new parent’s life. From the day they are born throughout their first year, your baby will have several wellness checks to ensure that they are healthy, happy, and reaching developmental milestones.
Well Child Checks are vital for immunizations, healthcare, and support from your pediatrician. At Kaniksu Community Health, we love establishing relationships with parents that last throughout their baby’s childhood. From newborn through adulthood, we will be there for every step along the way.
In this guide, we will explore Well Child Checks in-depth, including what to expect, when to schedule them, and how to give your little one the best care possible.
Well Child Checks are vital for immunizations, healthcare, and support from your pediatrician. At Kaniksu Community Health, we love establishing relationships with parents that last throughout their baby’s childhood. From newborn through adulthood, we will be there for every step along the way.
In this guide, we will explore Well Child Checks in-depth, including what to expect, when to schedule them, and how to give your little one the best care possible.
During their 1-month Well Check, the doctor will begin by checking your baby’s vital signs and taking their measurements. Then, the doctor will check in with you and how you’re feeling. They can offer tips and suggestions on how to nurture your baby’s development through play, tummy time, and reading.
Through feeding, playing, cuddling, and rest, your baby will develop according to their own body. If they have a condition that will affect their health and development, the pediatrician will discuss this in detail and give you advice on what to look for. 4 Months
Four-month-olds are smiling, cooing babies, reaching for toys and your hair, looking around, and holding their heads up with more stability. The care assistant will take your baby’s vitals and measurements, as usual, review how the child is doing, answer your questions, and let you know what to expect in the coming two months. Additionally, at this visit, we will start discussing introducing solid foods to your baby, a fun new adventure! Immunizations Due Your child is ready for the their second set of immunizations. These include:
The half-year mark is a major milestone in a baby’s life. Their personality will have emerged and begun to shine through as they engage more with you, their family, and the world around them. By this age, they may begin to sit on their own, enjoy looking at their reflection in mirrors and show emotional responses to others.
Your pediatrician will take your baby’s vitals and measurements as usual, then discuss some of the 6-month-old milestones to expect. If you are worried about your baby’s development, the doctor will listen intently and offer reassurance and guidance. If your baby is not mobile, does not sit up or hold things, does not laugh or smile, or does not respond to its caretakers, then make sure you bring these issues up with your doctor. The final four immunizations of the primary series will be administered at this visit by the pediatrician. During flu season, your baby is eligible to receive its first influenza immunization. This is administered to children in two doses roughly one month apart. 
As you celebrate your child’s first year of life, your pediatrician will offer advice on how to nurture them through late infancy into early toddlerhood. Over the next year, they will experience many changes to their cognitive, mental, and emotional development.
Your baby’s personality will emerge even more from this point forward, especially as they become more mobile, taking first steps, and communicative, saying first words and phrases. At the 12-month-old check-up, your baby will undergo a blood test that checks lead level and hemoglobin screening, which checks for anemia. The 1-year mark is also time for babies to receive the following:
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At the 8-week mark, your baby will be far more alert than when they were born. The average 2-month old is more visually engaged and able to look at an object for several seconds as well as watch you when you move.
At the beginning of this and every visit, your baby’s vital signs measurements will be taken and documented. Your pediatrician will review how they are eating, voiding, stooling, and sleeping. In addition, your pediatrician will review their development and milestone and give you guidance on what to expect for the next two months before their next checkup Immunizations Due Your infant is ready for the their first set of immunizations. These include:
Be sure to voice any concerns or questions you have about vaccines and immunizations with your pediatrician. Many parents who never second-guessed immunization can become anxious after they have a baby. They will discuss everything you need to know, listen to how you feel and answer your questions. At Kaniksu Community Health, we are committed to providing the highest level of care and protection, and toward that goal, we ensure that all of our patients are vaccinated on schedule and on time. 
A 9-month-old is curious, adventurous, and always interested in the world around them. They will be eating solid foods 2-3x a day in addition to breast milk and formula and are starting to express their independence. At this stage, most babies are very vocal and have some ability to move. They will have a range of emotional expressions from deep frowns to big, happy smiles. They can also express anger and frustration more clearly, so it will be easier to differentiate their cries and understand their feelings. Your pediatrician will ensure the baby’s growth is on par with their sex and age. Then, they will begin to discuss their oral hygiene, as your baby may have a tooth erupted. If you are concerned about any developmental delays, they can be addressed during this time. Lack of emotional response, limited eye contact, infrequent mobility, and poor motor skills can indicate an issue that the doctor should know about. They can address these concerns and, if need be, refer you and your baby to a specialist. Bear in mind that every baby is unique, and some children reach milestones later without having any major conditions.
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At a year-and-a-half old, your toddler is excited to be learning more skills. Having mastered walking, they may now be climbing onto chairs and other short pieces of furniture without help. You may find them beaming and clapping for themselves after these impressive feats, looking to you for praise.
Your 18-month-old may insist on going wherever they want one moment, then cling to you the next. They do this to remind themselves of their secure emotional base, which gives them the confidence to explore. Extra patience and a sense of humor can help you with the tough task of setting limits and then regularly reinforcing them.
At the 18-month WCC, the pediatrician will perform a complete physical exam and check your child's progress toward important milestones.
Depending on immunizations your child received at their previous visits, they may be due for a dose of HepA (hepatitis A), for example, or DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis). If it's flu season, your doctor will also recommend an influenza immunization.
Based on your child's risk factors or any symptoms or concerns, your pediatrician may screen and recommend tests for anemia, lead poisoning, blood pressure, hearing or vision problems. Unless your child has already visited the dentist, your pediatrician will check for any new teeth that need an application of fluoride varnish. Teeth that were treated with varnish at least 6 months ago get another application.
Developmental ScreeningsYour pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track. They will also discuss any questions you have about your child's behavior and development. In addition, they will ask you to complete developmental and autism spectrum disorder screening questionnaires. These tools help pediatricians and families decide if more evaluations are needed and if a child might benefit from early intervention services like speech and physical therapy.
Questions your pediatrician may ask
Your 18-month-old may insist on going wherever they want one moment, then cling to you the next. They do this to remind themselves of their secure emotional base, which gives them the confidence to explore. Extra patience and a sense of humor can help you with the tough task of setting limits and then regularly reinforcing them.
At the 18-month WCC, the pediatrician will perform a complete physical exam and check your child's progress toward important milestones.
Depending on immunizations your child received at their previous visits, they may be due for a dose of HepA (hepatitis A), for example, or DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis). If it's flu season, your doctor will also recommend an influenza immunization.
Based on your child's risk factors or any symptoms or concerns, your pediatrician may screen and recommend tests for anemia, lead poisoning, blood pressure, hearing or vision problems. Unless your child has already visited the dentist, your pediatrician will check for any new teeth that need an application of fluoride varnish. Teeth that were treated with varnish at least 6 months ago get another application.
Developmental ScreeningsYour pediatrician will measure and weigh your baby to make sure their growth is on track. They will also discuss any questions you have about your child's behavior and development. In addition, they will ask you to complete developmental and autism spectrum disorder screening questionnaires. These tools help pediatricians and families decide if more evaluations are needed and if a child might benefit from early intervention services like speech and physical therapy.
Questions your pediatrician may ask
- Does your child engage with others for play? Have they started to enjoy scribbling or pretend play?
- Do they help dress and undress themselves?
- Do they point to pictures in a book, or to show you something interesting?
- Do they try to copy some of your actions, like sweeping with a broom?
- Do they turn and look at you if something new happens?
- Do they use words to ask for help?
- How will I know when my child is ready to begin toilet training?
- Is it OK to use time-outs?
- What's the best way to calm them when they're upset?
- What are some ideas for ways to play with them?
- Should my child watch TV or videos or use other digital media?
- How often should I read to my toddler?
