Well Child Visits
Promoting Healthy Growth & Development
Did you know regular well child visits are one of the most important things you can do to keep your child healthy? At well child visits we discuss age-appropriate developmental issues, school performance, family issues including updating family history, behavioral expectations, growth and nutrition and age-related safety issues.
Your child's immunization record will be reviewed and immunizations will be given following the recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Because we care for the health and safety of your child and all of our patients, we require that you adhere to these recommendations. If you chose to decline vaccines or follow an "alternative" schedule, we ask that you seek another pediatric practice.
Your child should have a well child visit at the intervals listed below. We recommend that you call our office many months in advance to schedule an appointment with your child's primary care physician. Our schedule is available more than 1 year in advance to accommodate your scheduling needs.
Schedule of Visits
3-5 Days
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 are healthy and wash their hands well. Whether your baby was born at Corewell Health, where our physicians will see you in the hospital, or your baby was born at another hospital in Grand Rapids, your baby’s first visit to our office is usually 1-2 days after you are discharged from the hospital.
If you are breastfeeding, we encourage the opportunity to meet with one of our Lactation Consultants for personalized breastfeeding assistance. We will try to coordinate your visit when a Lactation Consultant is available. Call our office if you want to assure the opportunity to meet with a Lactation Consultant. If so, try to time your appointment so your baby comes ready to feed.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Check your baby’s weight.
- Monitor for signs of jaundice.
- Check to see how your baby is feeding.
- Answer questions about your new baby.
- Screen for post-partum depression.
- Visit with Lactation Consultant if desired and available.
Immunizations:
- HepB#1 (if not given in hospital)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Follow-up on Newborn Metabolic Screen (done in hospital)
Helpful Info:
2 Week Visit
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 may have the opportunity to meet with one of our Lactation Consultants for personalized breastfeeding assistance. We try to coordinate your visit so the Lactation Consultant is available. Call our office if you want to assure the opportunity to meet with the Lactation Consultant. If so, try to time it so your baby comes ready to feed.
It is normal for babies to lose up to 10% of their birthweight after being born, but by 2 weeks of age your baby will likely have regained his or her birth weight. Please remember that it is important to always put your baby to sleep on his or her back in a flat, firm and separate sleep space to reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Remind you to give your baby a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D drops if you are breastfeeding.
- Screen for post-partum depression.
Immunizations:
- None
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- None
Helpful Info:
2 Month Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s first set of immunizations. Immunizations are safe, effective and keep your child and our community healthy. During this visit, you will be able to discuss any questions you may have about immunizations.
- Screen for post-partum depression.
Immunizations:
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Post Partum Depression Assessment
Helpful Info:
4 Month Visit
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!
Babies need only breast milk or iron fortified formula for the first 4-6 months of life. We will talk at this appointment about the appropriate time to introduce solid foods and what foods to introduce first.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Discuss when to start feeding your baby solid foods.
- Screen for post-partum depression.
Immunizations:
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Post Partum Depression Assessment
- Anemia Surveillance
Helpful Info:
6 Month Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Discuss the introduction of fluoridated water to encourage the development of strong and healthy teeth. If you have city or rural water, your water is fluoridated. If you have well water, you should have your water tested for fluoride before offering it to your baby.
- Screen for post-partum depression.
Immunizations:
- Vaxelis#3 (DTaP#3, HIB#3, IPV#3, HepB#4)
- Prevnar#3
- Rotavirus#3
- Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Post Partum Depression Assessment
- TB Surveillance
- Lead Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
Helpful Info:
9 Month Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Discuss your baby's upcoming dental care. Your baby should see a dentist at 1 year of age. You should be brushing your child's teeth with an infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Immunizations:
- Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Oral Health Surveillance
Helpful Info:
1 Year Visit
At this age, your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk. However, it is acceptable to continue breast milk if that is what you prefer. Most babies need 3 meals and 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.
It is time to wean your child from bottles and offer all liquids in a sippy cup. It is much easier to wean your child now than if you wait until they are older. Avoid cavities and additional tears by transitioning your child now.
Your baby will likely have outgrown the infant carrier car seat. Continue to have your baby in a rear facing car seat until age 2.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length, and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Test your baby for anemia (hemoglobin) and lead
Immunizations:
- HepA#1
- MMR#1
- Varicella#1
- Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- TB Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Hemoglobin test
- Lead Test
Helpful Info:
15 Month Visit
Your child may be able to climb and run, so be sure to safety proof your home.
Poison control is available 24 hours a day:
1-800-222-1222 - keep this number handy in your cell phone and on your refrigerator.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Screen your baby for vision abnormalities with our ocular photoscreen device.
Immunizations:
- Pentacel (DTaP, HIB, IPV)
- Prevnar#4
- Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Anemia Surveillance
- Pediavision screen
Helpful Info:
18 Month Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Discuss dental health.
- Discuss temper tantrums.
Immunizations:
- HepA#2
- Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire,
- MCHAT Questionnaire
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Lead Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
Helpful Info:
2 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit. Your child may need immunizations if they are behind on their shots.
- Review your child’s development with you using the MCHAT (Autism screening tool) questionnaire.
- Test for anemia and lead exposure with a finger prick in the office.
- Discuss toilet training and discipline.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- MCHAT Questionnaire
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Lead Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Lead Test
- Hemoglobin Test
Helpful Info:
2 1/2 Year Visit
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."
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and record on a growth curve
- Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit.
- Evaluate your child’s development with the ASQ. Please do the ASQ developmental screening 2-3 days prior to the visit, which was included with your portal reminder.
- Discuss dental health (if they have not yet seen a dentist, they should!)
- Discuss healthy meals/snacks, avoid food pouches and no or little juice.
- Screen your baby for vision abnormalities with our ocular photoscreen device.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages & Stages Developmental Screening
- PediVision Screen
Helpful Info:
3 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit. Your child may need immunizations if they are behind on their shots or during flu season.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Lead Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Vision Testing
Helpful Info:
4 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your child's immunizations.
Immunizations:
- MMRV
- Quadracel (DTaP, IPV)
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Lead Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Vision Testing
- Hearing Testing
Helpful Info:
5 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Review your child’s speech and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Discuss kindergarten readiness.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Lead Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Vision Testing
- Hearing Testing
- Fluoride Varnish
Helpful Info
6 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Screen your child's hearing and vision.
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Review safety issues.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Lead Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Vision Testing
- Hearing Testing
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
7 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Review safety issues.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Vision Surveillance
- Hearing Surveillance
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
Helpful Info:
8 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Screen your child's vision and hearing
- Review your child’s school performance and development
- Discuss involvement in activities
- Discuss sleep
- Discuss anticipating pubertal changes
- Discuss exercise and nutrition
- Review safety issues
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Hearing Testing
Helpful Info:
9 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Review safety issues.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Vision Surveillance
- Hearing Surveillance
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
Helpful Info:
10 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Screen your child's vision and hearing
- Provide your child’s immunizations
- Review your child’s school performance and development
- Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships
- Discuss sleep
- Discuss exercise and nutrition
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Hearing and Vision Testing
- Lipid Profile
Helpful Info:
11 Year Visit
our 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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your child’s immunizations.
- Screen your child for anemia and dysipidemia per AAP recommendations.
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
Immunizations:
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Vision Surveillance
- Hearing Surveillance
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Depression Screening
Helpful Info:
12 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Screen your child's vision.
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
Immunizations:
- HPV#2 (if not previously completed; series of 2; 11-12 years)
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Adolescent Depression Screening
- Hearing Testing
Helpful Info:
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Adolescent Depression Screening
- Hearing Testing
13 Year Visit
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.
During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
- Screen for Depression and Anxiety
- Check for Anemia in menstruating females
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Vision Surveillance
- Hearing Surveillance
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Adolescent Depression Screening
Helpful Info:
14 Year Visit
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.
During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
- Screen for Depression and Anxiety
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Vision Surveillance
- Hearing Surveillance
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Adolescent Depression Screening
Helpful Info:
15 Year Visit
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.
During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Review your child’s school performance.
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
- Screen for Anxiety and Depression.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Adolescent Depression Screening
- Urine Chlamydia Screen (females)
- Hearing Testing
Helpful Info:
16 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your teen’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Measure your teen’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your teen is participating in sports, please bring any forms to the appointment)
- Review your teen’s school performance and development
- Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships/dating
- Discuss sleep
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.)
Immunizations:
- MCV4#2
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Urine Chlamydia Screening (females)
Helpful Info:
17 Year Visit
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.
During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Review your child’s school performance.
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
- Screen for Depression and Anxiety
- Begin preparing for transition to an Adult Provider
Immunizations:
- MenB (optional)
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Vision Surveillance
- Hearing Surveilllance
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Adolescent Depression Screening
- Urine Chlamydia Screen (females)
Helpful Info:
18 Year Visit
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.
During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Provide immunizations.
- Screen your child's vision.
- Discuss transitions to life after high school—whether that be work, travel, vocational school or college.
- Discuss importance of responsible decision making and recognizing healthy -vs- unhealthy relationships.
- Complete college physical forms and any required college screening labs/tests.
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
- Screen for Anxiety and Depression
- Discuss transitioning your child to an adult care provider.
Immunizations:
- MenB (optional)
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- TB Surveillance
- Depression Screening
- Hearing Test
- Urine Chlamydia Screen (females)
- Hemoglobin Test (females)
- Universal HIV Testing offered
- Lipid Test
Helpful Info:
19 Year Visit and Beyond
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.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Provide immunizations.
- Screen your child's vision.
- Discuss transitions to life after high school—whether that be work, travel, vocational school or college.
- Discuss importance of responsible decision making and recognizing healthy -vs- unhealthy relationships.
- Complete college physical forms and any required college screening labs/tests.
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
- Transition your child to an adult care provider.
Immunizations:
- MenB (optional)
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Hearing Surveilllance
- TB Surveillance
- Anemia Surveillance
- Dyslipidemia Surveillance
- Adolescent Depression Screening
- Urine Chlamydia Screen (females)
- Universal HIV Testing
Helpful Info:
