Well-Child Visits: What to Expect and Why They Matter

Young children grow and develop at an amazing pace. Regular well-child visits with a doctor make sure they're on the right track. These visits are about much more than just shots—they're a chance to monitor your child's health, growth, and development and address any concerns you may have.

What are well-child visits?

Regular checkups for young children, called well-child or well-baby visits, focus on preventing illnesses through vaccinations, identifying potential health problems early, and making sure your child is developing as expected. These visits also give you the chance to talk about any questions or worries you have about your child's health.

Benefits of well-child visits

There are many benefits to taking your child for regular well-child visits. Here are some of the most important:

1. Prevention: Your child will get scheduled shots to protect them from serious diseases like measles, whooping cough, and polio. The doctor can also talk about healthy habits, food, and safety tips to prevent accidents and illnesses.
2. Early detection: Well-child visits allow doctors to identify possible health problems early on when they are often easier to treat.
3. Developmental tracking: Doctors will watch how your child grows and learns. They will look at things like how tall and heavy your child is, the size of their head, and when they reach important milestones like rolling over, sitting up, talking, and walking. The doctor will check if your child is growing and learning at a good rate.
4. Building a team: Regular checkups help you and your child's healthcare team develop open communication and strong collaboration.

Age-specific well-child visit schedule

The frequency of well-child visits depends on your child's age.

Common health concerns at different ages

Certain health issues pop up more frequently during a child's development at specific ages. These common issues can vary widely depending on age, but knowing what to watch for can help parents stay prepared and informed.

Infants (0-12 months)

• Teething: Typically starting between 4-7 months, teething can lead to irritability, drooling, and sometimes mild fevers. While uncomfortable, teething is normal, and remedies like teething rings or cold cloths can provide relief.
• Ear infections: Infants are more prone to ear infections because their immune systems and the structure of their eustachian tubes are developing. Look out for frequent ear tugging, crying during feedings, and trouble sleeping.

Toddlers (1-3 years)

• Allergies: As toddlers start eating a wider variety of foods and exploring the outdoors, allergies may begin to surface. Food allergies, skin reactions, or environmental triggers may become more noticeable.
• Behavioral changes: Toddlers begin to declare their independence, which can lead to temper tantrums and frustration. These changes are expected, but you may want to keep an eye out for extreme shifts that may indicate something more is at play.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

• Growth spurts: Preschoolers may experience growth spurts, which can sometimes be accompanied by growing pains—dull aches in the legs, typically at night.
• Speech and language delays: Children should be developing more complex language skills by this age. Pay attention if it seems they struggle to form sentences, have unclear speech, or have difficulty following instructions.

School-age children (5-12 years)

• Vision and hearing problems: Vision and hearing issues may become more apparent when kids start school, as difficulties with reading or paying attention in class can signal an underlying issue.
• Obesity and nutritional concerns: With more exposure to snacks and less time for activity, some children may face weight-related concerns at this age.

Adolescents (13-18 years)

• Hormonal changes: Acne, mood swings, and changes in sleep patterns are all common during this time.
• Mental health: As social and school pressures increase, some teenagers may struggle with anxiety or depression. Watch for withdrawal from friends, a drop in school performance, or changes in eating or sleeping habits.

What to expect during a well-child visit

The doctor will get a grasp on your child's health by performing a physical exam and reviewing both your child's and your family's medical history.

• Physical examination: The doctor will measure your child's height, weight, and blood pressure. They'll also check on bone development and overall physical health to make sure everything is on track.
• Developmental assessment: The doctor will look at age-appropriate milestones, paying particular attention to areas like communication, motor skills, and social interactions.
• Immunizations and screenings: Vaccinations will be given per schedule to keep your child protected from preventable diseases. The provider might also suggest additional screening tests for vision, hearing, or anemia.
• Time for discussion: This is your change to bring up questions or concerns about nutrition, behavior, sleep patterns, or safety, and discuss upcoming milestones like starting daycare or school.

EPSDT and Medicaid

Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) is an important part of well-child visits for children covered by Medicaid. It ensures that children and adolescents receive comprehensive and preventive healthcare services. EPSDT includes a full range of screenings such as physical exams, developmental assessments, immunizations, and diagnostic services and treatments needed to address any conditions discovered during a well-child visit. It guarantees that children up to age 21 can have regular checkups and necessary follow-up care to support their growth and development.

How to prepare for a well-child visit

To get the most out of your child's well-child visit, here are some tips:

• Write down anything you want to discuss with the doctor in advance—big or small.
• Bring a copy of your child's vaccination records to each visit.
• Dress your child in loose clothing to make it easier for the physician to perform a physical exam.
• Arrive early to complete the paperwork and settle in.

Regular checkups are important to keep your child healthy and developing well. Don't hesitate to ask questions and be involved to help your kiddo thrive.

What happens if you discover a disability during a well-child visit?

Sometimes, well-child visits can uncover developmental delays or disabilities. If your doctor identifies a potential issue, they will likely recommend further evaluations or early intervention services. Early intervention programs provide therapy and support for children with developmental challenges and can significantly impact long-term outcomes.

For families navigating a disability diagnosis, Medicaid waivers could be one source of support. Many states offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that allow family members to be paid for caregiving. These waivers vary by state, but they generally provide financial assistance for in-home care, therapy services, and other supports that help families care for a child with special needs.

If your child qualifies for Medicaid due to a disability, you may be eligible for these programs. You can use our free program matching tool to check for eligibility.