Routine Checkups

Topic Overview

It's important for your child to have regularly scheduled checkups, often called well-child visits or health checkups, beginning shortly after birth and lasting through the teen years.

These appointments allow your doctor to keep a close eye on your child's general health and development. Finding possible problems early gives your child the best chance for proper and successful treatment. Also, any concerns you have about your child can be discussed during these visits.

During these visits, the doctor examines your child and asks you questions about your child's development and behaviour. Immunizations also are either given or scheduled at this time.

In some areas, your child may see a public health nurse for routine checkups and immunizations.

Your child's doctor will recommend a schedule for routine checkups. One example is for visits at ages:

• 3 to 5 days old.
• By 1 month.
• 2 months.
• 4 months.
• 6 months.
• 9 months.
• 1 year.
• 15 months.
• 18 months.
• 2 years.
• 30 months.
• 3 years.

After age 3 and through the teen years, regular checkups will allow your health care provider to monitor your child’s health and check for possible problems.