Your guide to well-child visits
Regular checkups help kids stay healthy. This guide explains when to schedule visits and what to expect.
Well-child visits are routine checkups for kids. They help your child grow and stay on track. They start when babies are a few days old. And they go on until your child turns 20.
At each visit, the provider checks your child from head to toe. They may also give vaccines (shots) and do screenings.
You can ask questions at every visit. And you can share any changes in sleep, mood, eating or school.
Kids need more visits in the first three years. That’s because babies and toddlers develop so quickly. After that, most kids go once a year.
What to expect at every age
Besides the physical exam, what doctors focus on most depends on your child’s age. Here’s what to expect from a checkup at every age.
Babies: Birth to 1 year
Babies see their primary care provider (PCP) at:
- 3 to 5 days
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
What to expect: Babies grow fast. The doctor will measure your baby’s head and body at every visit. They’ll ask about your child’s feeding and sleeping schedule. And they’ll answer questions you might have. Babies get many vaccines at this age, too. You doctor will tell you what your baby needs.
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Toddlers: 1 to 3 years
Children this age see their PCP at:
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 30 months
What to expect: The doctor will ask how your child is eating, sleeping and playing. They’ll check milestones. Is your child talking or walking? Do they like to explore?
Little kids: 3 to 5 years
Once your child turns 3, they should have a checkup once a year.
What to expect: Kids learn new skills fast. The doctor will want to know if your child can put on clothes alone, for example. They may talk about behavior, too. They can also share tips for routines.
School-age kids: 6 to 12 years
Kids in this age group should see their PCP once a year.
What to expect: The doctor may start checking your child’s blood pressure at every visit. They’ll want to talk with you and your child about school and friendships. They can also help you deal with screen time and other issues, like bullying.
Teenagers: 13 to 20 years
Teens should have a checkup once a year.
What to expect: Teens go through many changes. The changes in their bodies and feelings can feel overwhelming. Your teen may meet alone with the doctor for part of the visit. This helps your teen ask questions.
Checkups at this age may also include a screening for depression. You can also ask about whatever concerns you, like driving safety, smoking, safe sex and more.
Are these visits, shots and tests covered?
Yes. These visits, vaccines and screenings are covered at no extra cost to you. It’s all part of the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) or well-child programs. These programs help your kids stay healthy by finding health concerns early and treating them.
The building blocks of EPSDT are:
- Early: Finding health concerns that need care early
- Periodic: Getting regular health checks
- Screening: Checking your child’s body, mind, teeth, vision and hearing
- Diagnostic: Doing more tests when problems or risks are found
- Treatment: Correcting or improving health problems
The EPSDT benefit covers all medically necessary and preventive care, at no cost, for members up to age 21. For more info, see your member handbook or call us.
See our sources
Well-child checkup schedule: American Academy of Pediatrics
