Regular pediatric visits are essential for monitoring your child’s growth and development. These visits also ensure your child is up-to-date on vaccinations and can help spot potential health concerns early on. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has outlined a recommended schedule for well-child visits, as well as the vaccines that should be administered during each appointment. Here’s a closer look at when you should see your pediatrician and which vaccines your child will receive at each milestone.
Why Are Pediatric Visits Important?
Pediatric visits serve several key purposes, including:
- Monitoring Growth and Development: Your pediatrician will assess your child’s physical, emotional, and social development to ensure they are progressing as expected.
- Administering Vaccines: Vaccinations are crucial for protecting your child against preventable diseases.
- Health Screenings: Regular check-ups allow your doctor to detect early signs of developmental or health issues and address them before they become more serious.
- Building a Relationship: Establishing a relationship with your pediatrician allows you to feel comfortable discussing your child’s health concerns.
The CDC recommends a schedule of well-child visits, which typically begin shortly after birth and continue through adolescence. Below is a breakdown of these visits and the corresponding vaccinations.
1. Newborn Visit (1-2 Weeks)
Your first visit to the pediatrician typically occurs within the first two weeks after birth. This visit focuses on your baby’s health and addressing any concerns you may have as new parents.
What Happens During This Visit?
- The pediatrician will assess your baby’s weight, feeding habits, and overall health.
- The pediatrician will also monitor for any issues such as jaundice or feeding problems.
Vaccines:
- Hepatitis B (HepB): The first dose of the HepB vaccine is usually given shortly after birth, typically in the hospital. If your child didn’t receive this dose at birth, it will be given during this visit.
2. 2-Month Visit
This is a critical visit where several important vaccines are administered to your child. It’s often the first time your baby receives multiple vaccines in one visit.
What Happens During This Visit?
- Your baby will have their first check-up to monitor growth, development, and overall health.
- The pediatrician will address any concerns you may have regarding feeding or behavior.
Vaccines:
- DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
- IPV (Inactivated Poliovirus)
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
- PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine)
- RV (Rotavirus)
- HepB (Second dose)
These vaccines protect your child against serious illnesses, including diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, pneumonia, rotavirus (which can cause severe diarrhea), and hepatitis B.
3. 4-Month Visit
The 4-month visit is another milestone where several vaccines are given to boost your baby’s immunity.
What Happens During This Visit?
- The pediatrician will check your baby’s growth and development.
- You may discuss any concerns regarding sleep, feeding, or early motor skills.
Vaccines:
- DTaP (Second dose)
- IPV (Second dose)
- Hib (Second dose)
- PCV13 (Second dose)
- RV (Second dose)
These vaccines continue to protect against serious diseases, including whooping cough, polio, pneumonia, and rotavirus.
- 6-Month Visit
By six months, your baby is becoming more active, and their immune system is developing further. The 6-month check-up is an important time for vaccinations and continued monitoring.
What Happens During This Visit?
- Your pediatrician will assess your baby’s growth, as well as their ability to sit up, respond to sounds, and explore their environment.
- You’ll also talk about introducing solid foods and managing sleep.
Vaccines:
- DTaP (Third dose)
- IPV (Third dose)
- Hib (Third dose)
- PCV13 (Third dose)
- RV (Third dose)
At this point, your child will have completed their primary series of vaccinations to help protect them against several potentially dangerous diseases.
5. 12-Month Visit
The first birthday is an exciting milestone, and it’s also time for your child to receive additional vaccines that help boost immunity.
What Happens During This Visit?
- The pediatrician will monitor your child’s growth, speech, and motor skills.
- You may also discuss transitioning to solid foods, sleep habits, and socialization.
Vaccines:
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- HepA (Hepatitis A, first dose)
- PCV13 (Fourth dose)
These vaccines provide protection against measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and hepatitis A, which are highly contagious illnesses.
6. 15-Month Visit
This visit provides an opportunity to address any developmental concerns and make sure your child is on track with motor skills, language, and socialization.
What Happens During This Visit?
- A review of developmental milestones and addressing any concerns about your child’s growth and behavior.
Vaccines:
- DTaP (Fourth dose)
- Hib (Fourth dose)
- IPV (Third dose)
7. 18-Month Visit
At 18 months, your child is becoming more active and curious about the world around them. This visit helps ensure that they continue progressing on schedule.
What Happens During This Visit?
- The pediatrician will review your child’s speech, motor skills, and emotional development.
- You may discuss toilet training, eating habits, and social behavior.
Vaccines:
- HepA (Second dose)
- DTaP (Fifth dose)
8. 4-5 Year Visit
The 4-5 year visit is an important check-up as your child approaches school age. This visit focuses on ensuring that they are ready for kindergarten both physically and mentally.
What Happens During This Visit?
- Your child will be assessed for readiness for school and kindergarten.
- Developmental milestones will be checked, including social behavior, communication, and physical coordination.
Vaccines:
- DTaP (Sixth dose)
- IPV (Fourth dose)
- MMR (Second dose)
- Varicella (Second dose)
These vaccines continue to protect your child as they enter a new phase of life, with increased exposure to other children and environments.
Regular pediatric visits are a crucial part of ensuring your child’s health and well-being. Following the CDC’s recommended schedule for well-child visits and vaccinations helps protect your child against serious diseases and ensures they are developing properly. Be sure to stay in regular contact with your pediatrician, follow through on their recommendations, and never hesitate to ask questions if you have concerns about your child’s health.