Well-baby visits are essential for monitoring your infant's growth, development and overall health during the first years of life. Independence and Lee’s Summit Pediatrics provides routine well-baby visits to ensure your child is reaching important developmental milestones, staying up-to-date on vaccinations and receiving the best care possible. These visits typically begin in the first few days of life and continue regularly through the toddler years, with your baby's health being closely monitored at intervals recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
During a well-baby visit, we conduct a thorough physical exam, checking your baby’s growth, feeding habits, reflexes and developmental progress. We also track their weight, height and head circumference to ensure they are growing at a healthy rate. In addition, we will provide guidance on feeding, sleeping, safety and any other concerns or questions you may have. Vaccinations are also an important part of these visits, as we follow a recommended schedule to protect your baby from serious childhood diseases. Our goal is to provide a supportive and informative environment, helping you navigate the early stages of your baby's health and development with confidence. We are here to partner with you in raising a healthy and happy child.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends a well-baby visit schedule to ensure that your baby receives the necessary care, vaccinations and developmental screenings during their first few years. The recommended schedule is as follows:
- 3-5 days: A check-up within the first week to assess feeding, growth and development, and to address any concerns after birth.
- 1 month: Focuses on growth, feeding and early developmental milestones.
- 2 months: First set of vaccinations, including DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV, RV and the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine.
- 4 months: Second set of vaccinations, including DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV and RV.
- 6 months: Third set of vaccinations, including DTaP, IPV, Hib, PCV and RV, along with a check on growth and developmental progress.
- 9 months: A visit to monitor developmental milestones, such as sitting, crawling and social behaviors.
- 12 months: First birthday visit, including the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), varicella and hepatitis A vaccines.
- 15 months: A check-up with vaccinations and developmental screenings.
- 18 months: Developmental check and booster vaccines, including DTaP and Hib.
- 24 months (2 years): A visit to monitor growth, development, and offer any necessary screenings, with guidance on language, behavior and social skills.
- 3 years and beyond: Annual check-ups continue to monitor growth, developmental milestones and age-appropriate vaccines.
These visits are important opportunities to track your child’s health and well-being, and to address any concerns or questions you may have along the way. The schedule may vary based on your child's individual needs or any special health concerns, so it's always important to stay in close contact with your pediatrician.