For parents & clinicians
Why Well-Child Visits Are More Than a Checkup
The short answerWell-child visits offer a time to discuss a child's growth, development, preventive care, and family questions. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and Bright Futures publish a schedule of recommended screenings and assessments from infancy through adolescence. [1]
What this means for your child
Use the key takeaways and questions below to start a conversation with your child’s healthcare provider.
Study details and guidance
Developmental surveillance is recommended at every health supervision visit, while standardized developmental screening is recommended at nine, eighteen, and thirty months. The AAP also recommends autism-specific screening at eighteen and twenty-four months; additional screening may be appropriate when concerns arise. [3]
Key takeaways
- Well-child visits offer a time to discuss a child’s growth, development, preventive care, and family questions. [1] Not yet rated
- The recommended items differ by visit. [2] Not yet rated
- Screening identifies children who may need further evaluation; it does not by itself establish a diagnosis. [3] Not yet rated
What can happen at a visit?
The AAP's schedule covers the health history, physical examination, immunizations, and screening assessments appropriate for each age. The recommended items differ by visit. [2] Families can use the visit to raise questions about feeding, sleep, behavior, development, or other concerns.
Developmental monitoring and screening
Developmental surveillance is recommended at every health supervision visit, while standardized developmental screening is recommended at nine, eighteen, and thirty months. The AAP also recommends autism-specific screening at eighteen and twenty-four months; additional screening may be appropriate when concerns arise. [3]
Screening identifies children who may need further evaluation; it does not by itself establish a diagnosis. Families can share observations with their child's provider and discuss what a result means and whether follow-up is needed. [3]
Why schedules vary
The AAP states that its schedule is intended for children developing satisfactorily without important health problems, and that additional visits may be needed when concerns arise. Children with developmental, psychosocial, or chronic health issues may need care beyond preventive visits. [1] Ask your child's provider how the schedule applies to your family.
Questions to bring
The schedule reflects professional recommendations, not a guarantee of a particular outcome. Recommendations and individual circumstances can change; use the current AAP schedule and your child's care team for decisions. [1]
