Well Child Visits

Congratulations! Your baby is finally here. Newborns are wonderful, but exhausting! Having friends or family around to provide extra help and support can be very helpful. Make sure all visitors wash their hands well. Your baby’s first visit to our office takes place during his or her first week of life, usually 1-2 days after you are discharged from the hospital.

The 2 Week Visit (sooner if you have concerns!) is a time to talk about how your family is acclimating to the newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits and sleeping are common topics. If you are breastfeeding, you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our Lactation Consultants for personalized breastfeeding assistance. Babies usually lose weight right after birth.

Families are usually settling in some by this visit. Feeding, sleeping and bowel habits are sometimes a concern. At this visit we will track your baby's growth and development and answer any questions. Your baby may be starting to smile now and that helps a lot!

Many babies seem more fussy or colicky at this age. Be patient. Colicky babies eventually outgrow their crying phase. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do. Even if you feel frustrated, handle your baby gently and reach out for help to friends, relatives or your pediatrician if the crying is getting to be too much. If you need a break and no one is available to help you, place your baby on his/her back gently in a safe space, such as a crib or bassinet and take a few minutes to calm down.

Your baby is becoming more active and verbal. Be careful not to leave your baby unattended, especially on a bed, couch or counter. They move faster than you think!

Your baby will begin to move more and will be able to sit up independently for short periods of time. Now is the time to start baby-proofing your house - if you haven't already done so. You should move the mattress in your baby's crib down to the lowest level.

Your baby may be starting to crawl, pulling to a stand and cruising on furniture. Babies will want to touch everything - this is how they learn. This is a messy time! Have fun and be patient.

At this age, your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk. However, it is healthy to continue breast milk, if that is what you prefer, for your baby. Most babies need 3 meals, 2-3 snacks per day, and no more than 16-20 ounces of whole cow's milk per day. Your baby will be able to eat many of the foods you eat, but be careful to avoid small, hard foods that can cause choking.

Your child may be able to climb and run, so be sure to safety proof your home.

At 18 months, your child understands much more than he or she can say in words. Use words to describe your child’s feelings and gestures. Read and sing to your child often. When reading, use simple words to talk about the pictures.

At this age, your 2 year old may go from trying to be independent to clinging to you; this is normal. It is better for toddlers to play than to watch TV. Even having television playing in the background interrupts healthy toddler play - background music is a better choice.

Your baby is not really a baby anymore. They are firmly in the toddler years. One moment they seem so big and the next still very small. This is the "do-it-myself time."

Your child will likely be moving into a world of make believe that they create with their imagination. Toys for dress up and make believe are important at this age. Read books, sing songs and play rhyming games with your child each day.

Four year olds often like to sing, dance and act. They like to tell "tall tales" and make up stories.  Enjoy these fun moments with your little one!  Parents should continue to help with brushing teeth even though your child will want to do it all by themselves.

At this age, your child needs more independence. However, you need to set clear limits. A regular bedtime and consistent bedtime routine are important. Be a great role model. Show an interest in what they are learning.

Encourage good learning by helping your child organize a distraction-free time to do homework and ensuring eleven hours of sleep each night. Teach your child what to do if there is a fire and have practice fire drills. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

Continue to encourage good nutrition and exercise for your child. This is the time he or she is building good health habits for a lifetime! There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

Positive self-image is important as your child begins to enter the changes that come with puberty. Empower them to feel good about themselves, their interaction with others and praise their effort more than the outcome.

Your child be is becoming more responsible and will be able to take on more tasks such as taking care of his/her own room. He or she may also start reading independently for pleasure.

Your ten year old still requires adult supervision when you are away. Watching TV with your child allows you to discuss any controversial topics that may come up, but limit screen time to 2 hours per day. Family mealtime is important to keeping communication open and fostering healthy lives.

Your child may be transitioning to middle school at this age. He or she may be participating in more group activities. Expand your conversations about healthy living practices to include tobacco, drug and alcohol avoidance.

Your child will be in middle school at this age. Continue your conversations about healthy living practices to include tobacco, drug and alcohol avoidance. Your child should be able to assume more responsibility for personal hygiene and chores. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

Even though friends are becoming more important at this age, having a caring adult to provide a listening ear and from which to obtain accurate health information is equally important. Foster open communication with your child. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

Your child may be showing an increasing interest in extracurricular activities. Have conversations about risk taking behaviors, driving, alcohol, drug use, family rules and expectations. Discuss media and internet safety. Make certain that they have an adult they can confide in if they are unable to communicate with you. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

Your teen may be adjusting to the transition to high school. Development of family relationships continues to be important, but it is also normal for teens to place more and more emphasis on their peer relationships. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

Congratulations! You are solidly in the teen years! It is exciting to see the wonderful person your child is becoming. Possible conflict can arise at this time as your teen assesses your family values versus those of culture and peers. Keep the lines of communication open and give them additional responsibility while being present for them when they inevitably make mistakes. Be supportive and allow them to develop resilience and self-pride. During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of the visit with the parent out of the room.

Your child is getting closer to finishing high school and entering the adult world. Making mistakes are a normal part of growing up. Continue to provide emotional support and guidance for them during this time. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

Your child is now transitioning to adult life! They will still look to you for support and guidance, but will be more on their own when it comes to decision making.