Well-Child Visits — Preventive Care at Every Stage
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Well-child visits are the single most important tool we have for keeping children healthy. These regularly scheduled wellness exams give Dr. Berica Day the opportunity to track your child’s growth and development over time, administer vaccines on the recommended schedule, screen for conditions that may not yet show symptoms, and answer every parenting question you have been storing up since the last visit. Prevention is always less complicated than treatment — and well-child visits are how we stay ahead.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends well-child visits at specific intervals starting from birth. At Happy Days Pediatrics, we follow this schedule closely while also making sure every family receives the time and attention they need at every single appointment. No family leaves a well-child visit with unanswered questions.
Well-child visits look different at every age. A two-week visit is focused on newborn feeding, weight gain, and parental adjustment. A 12-month visit includes developmental milestones and walking. A 10-year visit covers puberty education and school performance. We tailor every visit to your child’s age and individual needs — not a one-size-fits-all checklist.
What To Expect
- Height, weight, head circumference (infants), and BMI measurement and growth chart tracking
- Blood pressure check (starting at age 3)
- Vision and hearing screening (age-appropriate)
- Developmental and behavioral milestone review
- Autism screening at 18 and 24 months
- Depression and anxiety screening in adolescents
- Vaccine review and administration per CDC schedule
- Oral health guidance
- Nutrition, physical activity, and sleep counseling
- Age-appropriate anticipatory guidance — what to expect before the next visit
- Time for parent questions — we schedule for this specifically
Recommended Well - Child Visit Schedule
Newborn (3–5 days after birth)
2 weeks
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
12 months
15 months
18 months
24 months
30 months
3 years — then annually through age 21
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does a well-child visit take?
We schedule enough time for each visit to be thorough — not rushed. Most well-child visits take 30 to 45 minutes depending on your child’s age and how many questions you bring. You should never feel hurried out the door.
What should I bring to a well-child visit?
Bring your child’s immunization records if you have them, your insurance card, a photo ID, and a written list of any questions or concerns. Writing questions down beforehand helps make sure you don’t forget anything important once you’re in the room.
Does my child need to fast before a well-child visit?
No. Fasting is not required for routine wellness exams. If lab work is ordered — for example, cholesterol screening at certain ages — we will let you know ahead of time whether fasting is needed.
My child seems perfectly healthy. Do we still need to come in?
Yes, and this is exactly the point of well-child visits. Many developmental conditions, vision problems, and health concerns are identified during routine exams before any symptoms are present. Vaccines also follow a schedule that requires visits at specific ages regardless of how healthy your child appears. Skipping well-child visits means falling behind on prevention.
Can I combine a well-child visit with a sick visit?
When possible, yes — but it depends on the situation. If your child is sick at the time of a scheduled well-child visit, we may need to reschedule the wellness portion. Call us and we will figure out the best approach.
What if my child cries or is scared during the visit?
Completely normal and completely expected, especially in young children. Dr. Day and our team are experienced at making children feel as comfortable as possible. We go at the child’s pace and never force anything. Fear of the doctor is something we work through together over time.
Keep your child on schedule. Call (210) 816-1330 or request a well-child appointment online.