7 month old well child visit

Family Life

AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits

Parents know who they should go to when their child is sick. But pediatrician visits are just as important for healthy children.

The Bright Futures /American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) developed a set of comprehensive health guidelines for well-child care, known as the " periodicity schedule ." It is a schedule of screenings and assessments recommended at each well-child visit from infancy through adolescence.

Schedule of well-child visits

• The first week visit (3 to 5 days old)
• 1 month old
• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• 9 months old
• 12 months old
• 15 months old
• 18 months old
• 2 years old (24 months)
• 2 ½ years old (30 months)
• 3 years old
• 4 years old
• 5 years old
• 6 years old
• 7 years old
• 8 years old
• 9 years old
• 10 years old
• 11 years old
• 12 years old
• 13 years old
• 14 years old
• 15 years old
• 16 years old
• 17 years old
• 18 years old
• 19 years old
• 20 years old
• 21 years old

The benefits of well-child visits

Prevention . Your child gets scheduled immunizations to prevent illness. You also can ask your pediatrician about nutrition and safety in the home and at school.

Tracking growth & development . See how much your child has grown in the time since your last visit, and talk with your doctor about your child's development. You can discuss your child's milestones, social behaviors and learning.

Raising any concerns . Make a list of topics you want to talk about with your child's pediatrician such as development, behavior, sleep, eating or getting along with other family members. Bring your top three to five questions or concerns with you to talk with your pediatrician at the start of the visit.

Team approach . Regular visits create strong, trustworthy relationships among pediatrician, parent and child. The AAP recommends well-child visits as a way for pediatricians and parents to serve the needs of children. This team approach helps develop optimal physical, mental and social health of a child.

More information

Back to School, Back to Doctor

Recommended Immunization Schedules

Milestones Matter: 10 to Watch for by Age 5

Your Child's Checkups

• Bright Futures/AAP Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care (periodicity schedule)

Preventive Health Care Visits in Infants

Healthy infants should be seen by their doctor often during the first year of life. Preventive health care visits (also called well-child visits) typically take place within a few days after birth or by 2 weeks of age and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 months of age. During these visits, the doctor uses age-specific guidelines to monitor the infant's growth and development and asks the parents questions about various developmental milestones (see table Developmental Milestones From Birth to Age 12 Months ). Tests are sometimes done, and during many visits, the doctor vaccinates the infant against various illnesses (see Childhood Vaccination Schedule ).

Health care visits also allow the doctor to educate the parents about eating, sleeping, behavior, child safety, nutrition, exercise, and good health habits. In addition, the doctor advises the parents what developmental changes to expect in their infant by the next visit.

Examination

The infant's length and height , weight , and head circumference are measured at every visit. The doctor examines the infant for various abnormalities, including signs of hereditary disorders or birth defects .

The eyes are examined, and vision is tested. Infants who were born very prematurely (before the completion of 32 weeks of development in the uterus) usually need more frequent eye examinations by an eye specialist to look for retinopathy of prematurity , which is an eye disease that occurs when infants are born before the blood vessels in their eyes are fully developed and may result in blindness, and for the development of refractive errors , which result in blurring of vision. These disorders are more common among infants who were born very prematurely.

The doctor checks the infant’s hips for signs that the hip joints are loose or dislocated ( developmental dysplasia of the hip ). The doctor checks the infant's teeth , if they are present, for cavities and the mouth for thrush , which is a common yeast infection among infants.

The doctor also examines the heart, lungs, abdomen, arms and legs, and genitals.

Screening tests are done to assess whether infants are at risk of certain disorders.

Blood tests are done to detect anemia , sickle cell disease , and exposure to lead .

Hearing tests are done shortly after birth to determine whether an infant has a hearing disorder or hearing loss (see Newborn Screening Tests ) and are repeated later if new concerns about the infant's hearing develop (see also Hearing Impairment in Children ).

Infants are screened for tuberculosis (TB) risk factors with a questionnaire at all well-child visits, usually beginning in infancy. Risk factors include exposure to TB, being born in or having traveled to areas of the world where TB is common (countries other than the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand and Western and North European countries), having a family member with TB, and having parents or close contacts who are recent immigrants from an area where TB is common or who have recently been in jail. Those with risk factors usually have tuberculosis screening tests done.

At these visits, the doctor gives parents age-appropriate safety guidelines.

The following safety guidelines apply to infants from birth to age 12 months:

Use a rear-facing car seat and place it in the back seat of the vehicle.

Set the hot water heater to 120° F or less.

Prevent falls from changing tables and around stairs.

Place infants on their back to sleep on a firm, flat mattress for every sleep, do not share a bed, and do not place pillows, bumper pads, nonfitted sheets, stuffed animals or other toys, quilts, comforters, or weighted or loose blankets in the crib. (See also sidebar Safe to Sleep: Reducing the Risk of SIDS .)

Do not give infants foods and objects that can cause choking or be inhaled into the lungs.

Do not use baby walkers.

Place safety latches on cabinets and cover electrical outlets.

Remain alert when watching infants in the bathtub or near a pool or any body of water and when they are learning to walk.

Image courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control ( Transportation Safety Resources ). This guidance from the CDC is for the United States, and regulations may differ in other countries.

Nutrition and exercise

For infants, recommendations for nutrition are based on age. The doctor can help parents weigh the benefits of breastfeeding versus formula-feeding and give guidance regarding solid foods .

Parents should provide infants with a safe environment they can roam in and explore. Outdoor play should be encouraged from infancy.

Screen time (for example, television, video games, cell phones and other handheld devices, and noneducational computer time) may result in inactivity and obesity. Limits on the time a child spends using devices with screens should start at birth and be maintained throughout adolescence.

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• HealthyChildren.org

Bright Futures Tool and Resource Kit, 2nd Edition

Judith S. Shaw, EdD, MPH, RN, FAAP; Joseph F. Hagan Jr, MD, FAAP; Michelle T. Shepard, MD, FAAP; Edward S. Curry, MD, FAAP; Jack T. Swanson, MD, FAAP; Kathryn M. Janies, eds.

The indispensable companion to the most current edition of the Bright Futures Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children and Adolescents , the national standard for well-child care. These forms and materials relate to preventive health supervision and health screening for infants, children, and adolescents.

Bright Futures Parent Handouts for visits up to 2 years of age are provided in the following additional languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Somali, and Vietnamese.

Quick Links: The Well-Child Visit: Why Go and What to Expect (English | Spanish ) |  User Guide and Instructions for Toolkit Implementation   | Dedication, Editors, and Acknowledgments   |   Visit the Bright Futures Website   |   Making Bright Futures Work Webinar |  Other Bright Futures Resources  | Bright Futures Health Equity Resources |   Integration Resources

Forms, Handouts, and Resources

3 to 5 day visit, 1 month visit, 2 month visit, 4 month visit, 6 month visit, 9 month visit, 12 month visit, 15 month visit, 18 month visit, 2 year visit.

• 2.5 Year Visit

3 Year Visit

4 year visit, 5 year visit, 6 year visit, 7 year visit, 8 year visit, 9 year visit, 10 year visit.

• 11-14 Year Visit
• 15-17 Year Visit
• 18-21 Year Visit

Previsit Questionnaire

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: First Week Visit (3 to 5 Days) | Spanish

Visit Documentation Forms

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: First Week Visit (3 to 5 Days)

Parent Handouts

Bright Futures Parent Handout: First Week Visit (3 to 5 Days)

Arabic | Bengali | Chinese | French | Haitian Creole | Hmong | Korean | Polish | Portuguese | Russian | Somali | Spanish | Vietnamese

Supplemental Education Handouts

• Breastfeeding Your Baby: Getting Started | Spanish
• Car Safety Seat Checkup | Spanish
• Choosing a Pediatrician | Spanish
• Circumcision: What You Need to Know  | Spanish
• Crying and Your Baby: How to Calm a Fussy or Colicky Baby | Spanish
• Jaundice and Your Newborn | Spanish
• Safe Sleep and Your Baby: How Parents Can Reduce the Risk of SIDS and Suffocation | Spanish

Additional Resources

• AAP Periodicity Schedule
• AAP Immunization Resources
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 3–5 Day Visit
• Links to Commonly Used Screening Instruments and Tools
• Bright Futures Initial History Questionnaire | Spanish
• Bright Futures Medication Record | Bright Futures Problem List | Bright Futures Problem Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 1 Month Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 1 Month Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 1 Month Visit

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) | Spanish
• VIS—Hepatitis B Vaccine | Spanish
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 1 Month Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 2 Month Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 2 Month Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 2 Month Visit

• Keep Your Family Safe: Fire Safety and Burn Prevention at Home | Spanish
• VIS—DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Vaccine | Spanish
• VIS—Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae type b) Vaccine | Spanish
• VIS—Polio Vaccine | Spanish
• VIS—Rotavirus Vaccine | Spanish
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 2 Month Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 4 Month Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 4 Month Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 4 Month Visit

• Children’s Dental Health: What You Need to Know | Spanish
• Lead Is a Poison: What You Need to Know | Spanish
• VIS—Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine  | Spanish
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 4 Month Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 6 Month Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 6 Month Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 6 Month Visit

• A Parent’s Guide to Water Safety | Spanish
• Choking Prevention and First Aid for Infants and Children | Spanish
• VIS—Influenza (Flu) Vaccine (Inactivated or Recombinant) | Spanish
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 6 Month Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 9 Month Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 9 Month Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 9 Month Visit

• Your Child Is On the Move: Reduce the Risk of Gun Injury
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 9 Month Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 12 Month Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 12 Month Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 12 Month Visit

• Beyond Screen Time: A Parent’s Guide to Media Use | Spanish
• VIS—MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) Vaccine | Spanish
• VIS—Varicella (Chickenpox) Vaccine | Spanish
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 12 Month Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 15 Month Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 15 Month Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 15 Month Visit

• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 15 Month Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 18 Month Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 18 Month Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 18 Month Visit

• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 18 Month Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 2 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 2 Year Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 2 Year Visit

• VIS—Influenza (Live, Intranasal) Vaccine | Spanish
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 2 Year Visit

2½ Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 2½ Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 2½ Year Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 2½ Year Visit | Spanish

• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 2½ Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 3 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 3 Year Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 3 Year Visit | Spanish

• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 3 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 4 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 4 Year Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 4 Year Visit | Spanish

• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 4 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 5 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 5 Year Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 5 Year Visit | Spanish

• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 5 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 6 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 6 Year Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 6 Year Visit | Spanish

• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 6 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 7 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 7 Year Visit

Parent/Patient Handouts

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 7 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Patient Handout: 7 Year Visit | Spanish

• Bullying: It’s Not OK
• VIS—Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine | Spanish
• VIS—Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) Vaccine | Spanish
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 7 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 8 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 8 Year Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 8 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Patient Handout: 8 Year Visit | Spanish

• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 8 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 9 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 9 Year Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 9 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Patient Handout: 9 Year Visit | Spanish

• Puberty: Ready or Not, Expect Some Big Changes | Spanish
• Navigating the Teen Years: Tips for Parents  | Spanish
• VIS—HPV (Human Papillomavirus) Vaccine | Spanish
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 9 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 10 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 10 Year Visit

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 10 Year Visit | Spanish

Bright Futures Patient Handout: 10 Year Visit | Spanish

11–14 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 11–14 Year Visits–Parent | Spanish

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 11–14 Year Visit–Patient | Spanish

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 11–14 Year Visits–Patient (Sensitive Questions Included) | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 11–14 Year Visits

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 11–14 Year Visits | Spanish

Bright Futures Patient Handout: 11–14 Year Visits | Spanish

• Drug Abuse Prevention Starts With Parents
• Teen Checkups: A Message From Your Pediatrician | Spanish
• Talking With Your Teen: Tips for Parents
• Bright Futures Medical Screening Reference Table: 11–21 Year Visits

15–17 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 15–17 Year Visits–Parent | Spanish

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 15–17 Year Visits–Patient | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 15–17 Year Visits

Bright Futures Parent Handout: 15–17 Year Visits | Spanish

Bright Futures Patient Handout: 15–17 Year Visits | Spanish

• Acne: How to Treat and Control It | Spanish

18–21 Year Visit

Bright Futures Previsit Questionnaire: 18–21 Year Visits | Spanish

Bright Futures Visit Documentation Form: 18–21 Year Visits

Patient Handouts

Bright Futures Patient Handout: 18–21 Year Visits | Spanish

• Health Care for College Students | Spanish

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Doctor Visits

Make the Most of Your Child’s Visit to the Doctor (Ages 1 to 4 Years)

Take Action

Young children need to go to the doctor or nurse for a “well-child visit” 7 times between ages 1 and 4.

A well-child visit is when you take your child to the doctor to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally. This is different from other visits for sickness or injury.

At a well-child visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions about things like your child’s behavior, eating habits, and sleeping habits.

Learn what to expect so you can make the most of each visit.

Well-Child Visits

How often do i need to take my child for well-child visits.

Young children grow quickly, so they need to visit the doctor or nurse regularly to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally.

Children ages 1 to 4 need to see the doctor or nurse when they’re:

• 12 months old
• 15 months old (1 year and 3 months)
• 18 months old (1 year and 6 months)
• 24 months old (2 years)
• 30 months old (2 years and 6 months)
• 3 years old
• 4 years old

If you’re worried about your child’s health, don’t wait until the next scheduled visit — call the doctor or nurse right away.

Child Development

How do i know if my child is growing and developing on schedule.

Your child’s doctor or nurse can help you understand how your child is developing and learning to do new things — like walk and talk. These are sometimes called  “developmental milestones.”

Every child grows and develops differently. For example, some children will take longer to start talking than others. Learn more about child development .

At each visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you how you’re doing as a parent and what new things your child is learning to do.

Ages 12 to 18 Months

By age 12 months, most kids:.

• Stand by holding on to something
• Walk with help, like by holding on to the furniture
• Call a parent "mama," "dada," or some other special name
• Look for a toy they've seen you hide

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 12 months .

By age 15 months, most kids:

• Follow simple directions, like "Pick up the toy"
• Show you a toy they like
• Try to use things they see you use, like a cup or a book
• Take a few steps on their own

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 15 months.

By age 18 months, most kids:

• Make scribbles with crayons
• Look at a few pages in a book with you
• Try to say 3 or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
• Point to show someone what they want
• Walk on their own
• Try to use a spoon

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 18 months . 

Ages 24 to 30 Months

By age 24 months (2 years), most kids:.

• Notice when others are hurt or upset
• Point to at least 2 body parts, like their nose, when asked
• Try to use knobs or buttons on a toy
• Kick a ball

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 24 months . 

By age 30 months, most kids:

• Name items in a picture book, like a cat or dog
• Play simple games with other kids, like tag
• Jump off the ground with both feet
• Take some clothes off by themselves, like loose pants or an open jacket

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 30 months .

Ages 3 to 4 Years

By age 3 years, most kids:.

• Calm down within 10 minutes after you leave them, like at a child care drop-off
• Draw a circle after you show them how
• Ask “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is Daddy?”

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 3 years . 

By age 4 years, most kids:

• Avoid danger — for example, they don’t jump from tall heights at the playground
• Pretend to be something else during play, like a teacher, superhero, or dog
• Draw a person with 3 or more body parts
• Catch a large ball most of the time

Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 4 years . 

Take these steps to help you and your child get the most out of well-child visits.

Gather important information.

Bring any medical records you have to the appointment, including a record of vaccines (shots) your child has received.

Make a list of any important changes in your child’s life since the last doctor’s visit, like a:

• New brother or sister
• Serious illness or death in the family
• Separation or divorce
• Change in child care

Use this tool to  keep track of your child’s family health history .

Ask other caregivers about your child.

Before you visit the doctor, talk with others who care for your child, like a grandparent, daycare provider, or babysitter. They may be able to help you think of questions to ask the doctor or nurse.

What about cost?

Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance plans must cover well-child visits. Depending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get well-child visits at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to find out more.

Your child may also qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Learn about coverage options for your family.

If you don’t have insurance, you may still be able to get free or low-cost well-child visits. Find a health center near you and ask about well-child visits.

To learn more, check out these resources:

• Free preventive care for children covered by the Affordable Care Act
• How the Affordable Care Act protects you and your family
• Understanding your health insurance and how to use it [PDF - 698 KB]

Ask Questions

Make a list of questions you want to ask the doctor..

Before the well-child visit, write down 3 to 5 questions you have. This visit is a great time to ask the doctor or nurse any questions about:

• A health condition your child has (like asthma or an allergy)
• Changes in sleeping or eating habits
• How to help kids in the family get along

Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• Is my child up to date on vaccines?
• How can I make sure my child is getting enough physical activity?
• Is my child at a healthy weight?
• How can I help my child try different foods?
• What are appropriate ways to discipline my child?
• How much screen time is okay for young children?

Take a notepad, smartphone, or tablet and write down the answers so you remember them later.

Ask what to do if your child gets sick. 

Make sure you know how to get in touch with a doctor or nurse when the office is closed. Ask how to get hold of the doctor on call — or if there's a nurse information service you can call at night or during the weekend. 

What to Expect

Know what to expect..

During each well-child visit, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your child, do a physical exam, and update your child's medical history. You'll also be able to ask your questions and discuss any problems you may be having.

The doctor or nurse will ask questions about your child.

The doctor or nurse may ask about:

• Behavior — Does your child have trouble following directions?
• Health — Does your child often complain of stomachaches or other kinds of pain?
• Activities — What types of pretend play does your child like?
• Eating habits — What does your child eat on a normal day?
• Family — Have there been any changes in your family since your last visit?

They may also ask questions about safety, like:

• Does your child always ride in a car seat in the back seat of the car? 
• Does anyone in your home have a gun? If so, is it unloaded and locked in a place where your child can’t get it?
• Is there a swimming pool or other water around your home?
• What steps have you taken to childproof your home? Do you have gates on stairs and latches on cabinets?

Your answers to questions like these will help the doctor or nurse make sure your child is healthy, safe, and developing normally.

Physical Exam

The doctor or nurse will also check your child’s body..

To check your child’s body, the doctor or nurse will:

• Measure your child’s height and weight
• Check your child’s blood pressure
• Check your child’s vision
• Check your child’s body parts (this is called a physical exam)
• Give your child shots they need

Learn more about your child’s health care:

• Find out how to get your child’s shots on schedule
• Learn how to take care of your child’s vision

Content last updated February 2, 2024

Reviewer Information

This information on well-child visits was adapted from materials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.

Reviewed by: Sara Kinsman, M.D., Ph.D. Director, Division of Child, Adolescent, and Family Health Maternal and Child Health Bureau Health Resources and Services Administration

Bethany Miller, M.S.W. Chief, Adolescent Health Branch Maternal and Child Health Bureau Health Resources and Services Administration

Diane Pilkey, R.N., M.P.H. Nursing Consultant, Division of Child, Adolescent, and Family Health Maternal and Child Health Bureau Health Resources and Services Administration

You may also be interested in:

Help Your Child Stay at a Healthy Weight

Protect Yourself from Seasonal Flu

Get Your Child’s Vision Checked

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• Second Opinion

Well Child/Baby Visit Questionnaires

Prior to your well child/baby visit please download and fill out the corresponding questionnaire from the list below then submit your completed questionnaire .

Please only use this link for submitting well child/baby visit questionnaires.

Well baby check

• Well baby check 2 week
• Well baby check 1 month
• Well baby check 2 month
• Well baby check 4 month
• Well baby check 6 month
• Well baby check 9 month
• Well baby check 12 month
• Well baby check 15 month
• Well baby check 18 month

Well child check

• Well child check 2 year
• Well child check 2 1/2 year
• Well child check 3 year
• Well child check 4 year
• Well child check 5 year
• Well child check 6 year
• Well child check 7 year
• Well child check 8 year
• Well child check 9-11 year
• Well child check 12-17 year
• Well child check 18 year

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Well Child Visits: Bright Futures Parent Education

Primary care locations.

Parent and patient handouts from the Bright Futures Tool and Resource Kit address key information for health supervision care from infancy through adolescence. You may receive print outs of this, or similar, information following well visits at a CHOP Primary Care location.

First week visit (3 to 5 days)

1 month visit, 2 month visit, 4 month visit, 6 month visit, 9 month visit, 12 month visit, 15 month visit, 18 month visit, 2 year visit, 2½ year visit, 3 year visit, 4 year visit, 5 and 6 year visits, 7 and 8 year visits.

• English - parent handout
• Spanish - parent handout
• English - patient handout
• Spanish - patient handout

9 and 10 year visits

11-14 year visits, 15-17 year visits, 18-21 year visits.

With our patient portal you can schedule appointments, access records, see test results, ask your care provider questions, and more.

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Bright Futures Information for Parents: 6 Month Visit

Here are some suggestions from Bright Futures experts that may be of value to your family.​​

How Your Family Is Doing

If you are worried about your living or food situation, talk with your health care professional. Community agencies and programs such as WIC and SNAP can also provide information and assistance.

Don’t smoke or use e-cigarettes. Keep your home and car smoke-free. Tobacco-free spaces keep children healthy.

Don’t use alcohol or drugs.

Choose a mature, trained, and responsible babysitter or caregiver.

Ask your health care professional questions about child care programs.

Talk with your health care professional​ or call for help if you feel sad or very tired for more than a few days.

Spend time with family and friends.

Your Baby's Development

Place your baby so she is sitting up and can look around.

Talk with your baby by copying the sounds she makes.

Look at and read books together.

Play games such as peekaboo, patty-cake, and so big.

Don’t have a TV on in the background or use a TV or other digital media to calm your baby.

If your baby is fussy, give her safe toys to hold and put into her mouth. Make sure she is getting regular naps and playtimes.

Feeding Your Baby

Know that your baby’s growth will slow down.

Be proud of yourself if you are still breastfeeding. Continue as long as you and your baby want.

Use an iron-fortified formula if you are formula feeding.

Begin to feed your baby solid food when he is ready.

Look for signs your baby is ready for solids. He will:

• Open his mouth for the spoon.
• Sit with support.
• Show good head and neck control.
• Be interested in foods you eat.

Starting New Foods Introduce one new food at a time.

Use foods with good sources of iron and zinc, such as:

• Iron- and zinc-fortified cereal
• Pureed red meat, such as beef or lamb

Introduce fruits and vegetables after your baby eats iron- and zinc-fortified cereal or pureed meat well.

Offer solid food 2 to 3 times per day; let him decide how much to eat.

Avoid raw honey or large chunks of food that could cause choking.

Consider introducing all other foods, including eggs and peanut butter, because research shows they may actually prevent individual food allergies.

To prevent choking, give your baby only very soft, small bites of finger foods.

Wash fruits and vegetables before serving.

Introduce your baby to a cup with water, breast milk, or formula.

Avoid feeding your baby too much; follow baby’s signs of fullness, such as:

• Leaning back
• Turning away

Don’t force your baby to eat or finish foods.

It may take 10 to 15 times of offering your baby a type of food to try before he likes it.

Healthy Teeth

Ask your health care professional ​​​​​about the need for fluoride.

Clean gums and teeth (as soon as you see the first tooth) 2 times per day with a soft cloth or soft toothbrush and a small smear of fluoride toothpaste (no more than a grain of rice).

Don’t give your baby a bottle in the crib. Never prop the bottle.

Don’t use foods or juices that your baby sucks out of a pouch.

Don’t share spoons or clean the pacifier in your mouth.

Use a rear-facing–only car safety seat in the back seat of all vehicles.

Never put your baby in the front seat of a vehicle that has a passenger airbag.

If your baby has reached the maximum height/weight allowed with your rear-facing–only car seat, you can use an approved convertible or 3-in-1 seat in the rear-facing position.

Put your baby to sleep on her back.

Choose crib with slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart.​

• Lower the crib mattress all the way.​

Don’t use a drop-side crib.

Don’t put soft objects and loose bedding such as blankets, pillows, bumper pads, and toys in the crib. If you choose to use a mesh playpen, get one made after February 28, 2013.

Do a home safety check (stair gates, barriers around space heaters, and covered electrical outlets).

Don’t leave your baby alone in the tub, near water, or in high places such as changing tables, beds, and sofas.

Keep poisons, medicines, and cleaning supplies locked and out of your baby’s sight and reach.

Put the Poison Help line number into all phones, including cell phones. Call your health care professional if you are worried your baby has swallowed something harmful.

Keep your baby in a high chair or playpen while you are in the kitchen.

Do not use a baby walker.

Keep small objects, cords, and latex balloons away from your baby.

Keep your baby out of the sun. When you do go out, put a hat on your baby and apply sunscreen with SPF of 15 or higher on her exposed skin.​

What to Expect at Your Baby's 9 Month Visit

We will talk about:

• Caring for your baby, your family, and yourself
• Teaching and playing with your baby
• Disciplining your baby
• Introducing new foods and establishing a routine
• Keeping your baby safe at home and in the car

Helpful Resources:

• Smoking Quit Line: 800-784-8669
• Poison Help Line: 800-222-1222
• Information About Car Safety Seats: www.nhtsa.gov/parents-and-caregivers
• Toll-free Auto Safety Hotline: 888-327-4236

Consistent with Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 4th Edition

The information contained in this webpage should not be used as a substitute for the medical care and advice of your pediatrician. There may be variations in treatment that your pediatrician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances. Original handout included as part of the Bright Futures Tool and Resource Kit, 2nd Edition.

Inclusion in this webpage does not imply an endorsement by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP is not responsible for the content of the resources mentioned in this webpage. Website addresses are as current as possible but may change at any time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not review or endorse any modifications made to this handout and in no event shall the AAP be liable for any such changes.

Last Updated

American Academy of Pediatrics

Health Library 6 Month Well-Child Visit

Find another condition or treatment, healthy baby development and behavior.

Below are milestones most babies will reach between now and 9 months old. Talk with your doctor at your baby’s next well-visit if your baby is not yet reaching these milestones or there are skills your baby no longer shows each day.

Social and Emotional Milestones

• Is shy, clingy or fearful around strangers
• Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry or surprised
• Looks when you call their name
• Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you or cries)
• Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo

Language and Communication Milestones

• Makes different sounds like “mamama” and “bababa”
• Lifts arms to be picked up

Thinking and Learning Milestones

• Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like a spoon or toy)
• Bangs two things together

Physical Development Milestones

• Gets to a sitting position by themselves
• Moves things from one hand to the other hand
• Uses fingers to “rake” food toward themselves
• Sits without support

Healthy Ways to Help Your Baby Learn and Grow

Development.

• Hold your baby up while they sit and learn to balance on their own. Encourage them by giving a toy to look at and letting them look around.
• Teach your baby social skills by copying your baby when they smile and make sounds.
• Point to things your baby looks at and name them (for example, a book, tree or cup). Talk with your baby by repeating the sounds they make.
• Sing and play music for your baby. Read together every day, pointing to items in the book and using simple words to talk about the pictures.
• Encourage your baby to crawl, scoot and roll on the ground by placing toys a little out of reach.
• Play games such as peek-a-boo and patty-cake.
• Hold and cuddle with your baby often, giving praise and lots of loving attention.
• If your baby becomes fussy, take a break from whatever you’re doing and offer comfort. Help your baby learn to calm themselves by rocking, singing, sucking their fingers or a pacifier, or holding a favorite stuffed animal.
• Breast milk or infant formula should continue to be your baby’s main source of nutrition until 1 year of age.
• Look for signs your baby is ready for soft foods. Before eating soft foods, your baby should be able to sit with support, have good head and neck control, show interest in the foods you eat, and open their mouth for the spoon.
• When starting new foods, introduce one, single-ingredient food at a time. Wait three-five days before introducing another new food to make sure your baby doesn’t have a reaction. Use a spoon to give food, and don’t mix infant foods in the baby’s bottle. Learn more about introducing solid foods to your baby , including appropriate beginner foods and portion sizes.
• Introduce your baby to a cup with a small amount of water, breast milk or formula.
• Clean your baby’s gums and teeth twice a day with a soft cloth or toothbrush. Use a small amount of fluoride toothpaste, no more than a grain of rice.
• Avoid giving your baby a bottle in the crib. Never prop the bottle.
• Avoid juice.
• Your baby may sleep 12–16 hours each night, with two-three naps during the day. Remember to lay your baby on its back to sleep.
• Calm or rock your baby before bed until they are tired. It is good for babies to be drowsy when put down for bedtime, but allow them to fall asleep on their own.
• Follow a nighttime routine to help your baby feel safe and secure before sleep.

Vehicle Safety

• Use a rear-facing car seat in the backseat of your vehicle. Learn more about car seat safety and installation.
• Never leave your baby alone in a car. Practice safe behaviors that prevent you from ever forgetting your baby in the car, like putting your purse or cell phone in the backseat.
• Learn more about the dangers of hot cars and how to keep your child safe.

Home Safety

• Learn first aid for choking and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
• Cover electrical outlets and block stairs with a small gate.
• Lock up medicines and cleaning supplies. Save the Poison Help Line number (1-800-222-1222) in all phones.
• Keep cords, latex balloons, plastic bags and small objects like coins, marbles and batteries away from your child.
• Never leave your baby alone in the tub, near water or in high places like a changing table, bed or couch.
• Your baby is becoming more active and learning to move. Don’t wait to baby-proof your home. Learn more about home safety.

This information is meant to support your visit with your child’s doctor. It should not take the place of the advice of your pediatrician.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Bright Futures (4th Edition) by the American Academy of Pediatrics

Last Updated 06/2023

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