Well-Baby Visit Guide

Know exactly what to expect at every well-baby checkup from birth through age 3. Covers all 11 AAP-recommended visits with vaccines, screenings, milestones your doctor will check, and questions worth asking.

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AAP Bright FuturesCDC Vaccine Schedule
3-5 daysVisit 1 of 11

Newborn Visit

Your baby's first checkup outside the hospital, typically 3-5 days after birth. The doctor ensures feeding is going well, checks for jaundice, and confirms your baby is regaining birth weight.

What to Expect

  • Full physical exam: heart, lungs, hips, reflexes, fontanelles (soft spots), umbilical cord stump
  • Weight check - most newborns lose 5-10% of birth weight and should start regaining by this visit
  • Jaundice assessment (skin color, possible bilirubin blood test)
  • Feeding evaluation: latch, frequency, wet/dirty diapers
  • Circumcision check if applicable
  • Parent mental health check-in (postpartum mood screening may begin)

Screenings

  • Newborn metabolic screening (PKU, thyroid, sickle cell - done at hospital, results reviewed)
  • Hearing screening follow-up (if done at hospital)
  • Jaundice/bilirubin check
  • Weight and feeding adequacy assessment

Vaccines at This Visit

  • Hepatitis B (HepB) - 2nd dose if 1st was given at birth; otherwise 1st dose

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Responds to sounds (startles, quiets)
  • Focuses on faces within 8-12 inches
  • Strong reflexes: rooting, sucking, grasping, Moro (startle)
  • Moves arms and legs equally on both sides

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • Is my baby gaining weight appropriately since hospital discharge?
  • Does my baby's skin color look normal, or should we test for jaundice?
  • Is breastfeeding/formula feeding going well based on diaper output?
  • When should I bring my baby to the ER vs. calling the office?
  • How should I care for the umbilical cord stump?
1 monthVisit 2 of 11

1-Month Visit

By one month, your baby should be back above birth weight. The doctor checks growth trends, early vision and hearing responses, and ensures feeding is well established.

What to Expect

  • Weight, length, and head circumference measurements plotted on growth chart
  • Physical exam: heart, lungs, abdomen, hips, eyes (red reflex), ears, genitals
  • Fontanelle (soft spot) assessment
  • Feeding discussion: breast milk, formula, or combination; frequency and duration
  • Sleep position counseling (back to sleep, safe sleep environment)
  • Postpartum depression screening for the parent (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)

Screenings

  • Postpartum depression screening (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)
  • Growth chart review and feeding adequacy
  • Review of newborn screening results if not yet discussed

Vaccines at This Visit

  • Hepatitis B (HepB) - 2nd dose (if not given at newborn visit)

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Briefly lifts head during tummy time
  • Focuses on faces, makes eye contact
  • Responds to sounds - may turn toward voice
  • Moves both arms and legs; strong suck reflex
  • Beginning to show social smile

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • Is my baby's weight gain on track?
  • My baby seems fussy in the evenings - is this normal colic or something else?
  • How much tummy time should my baby be getting each day?
  • Is my baby's head shape developing normally?
  • When can I take my baby out in public safely?
2 monthsVisit 3 of 11

2-Month Visit

A major vaccine visit. Your baby is becoming more social - expect the doctor to check for smiling, cooing, and improved head control. This visit involves several immunizations.

What to Expect

  • Weight, length, and head circumference measurements
  • Full physical exam including heart, lungs, hips, eyes, ears, abdomen
  • Developmental assessment: social smile, tracking objects, head control
  • Review of feeding patterns and sleep (brief wake windows, sleep schedule emerging)
  • Multiple vaccines administered (see below) - discuss pain management strategies
  • Discussion of infant safety: car seat, sleep environment, avoiding secondhand smoke

Screenings

  • Developmental surveillance (social smile, cooing, head control)
  • Postpartum depression follow-up screening
  • Growth chart tracking

Vaccines at This Visit

  • DTaP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) - 1st dose
  • IPV (Inactivated Polio Vaccine) - 1st dose
  • Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) - 1st dose
  • PCV13 (Pneumococcal conjugate) - 1st dose
  • Rotavirus (RV) - 1st dose (oral)
  • Hepatitis B (HepB) - 2nd or 3rd dose depending on schedule

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Social smile (smiles at people, not just reflexively)
  • Coos and makes gurgling sounds
  • Follows objects with eyes past midline
  • Holds head up briefly during tummy time (45-degree angle)
  • Brings hands to mouth
  • Recognizes parent's face and voice

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • What side effects should I expect from the vaccines, and what should concern me?
  • My baby is starting to drool a lot - is that normal at 2 months?
  • How can I help my baby with tummy time if they hate it?
  • Is my baby's head control where it should be?
  • When should I start worrying if my baby isn't smiling yet?
  • Can I give infant acetaminophen for post-vaccine fussiness?
4 monthsVisit 4 of 11

4-Month Visit

Your baby is becoming more interactive - laughing, reaching for toys, and possibly rolling. Another important vaccine visit with the same series as 2 months.

What to Expect

  • Weight, length, and head circumference measurements
  • Full physical exam: eyes (tracks 180 degrees), ears, heart, hips, abdomen
  • Developmental assessment: laughing, reaching, improved head control
  • Discussion of early solid food readiness signs (most babies not ready yet)
  • Review of sleep patterns - may discuss sleep training readiness
  • Vaccine administration (2nd doses of several series)

Screenings

  • Developmental surveillance (reaching, laughing, head steadiness)
  • Growth chart review
  • Oral health assessment / fluoride varnish discussion

Vaccines at This Visit

  • DTaP - 2nd dose
  • IPV - 2nd dose
  • Hib - 2nd dose
  • PCV13 - 2nd dose
  • Rotavirus (RV) - 2nd dose (oral)

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Laughs out loud
  • Reaches for and grasps toys
  • Holds head steady when supported upright
  • Pushes up on elbows during tummy time
  • May begin to roll from tummy to back
  • Babbles with expression (vowel sounds like 'aah' and 'ooh')

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • Is my baby ready to start solid foods, or should we wait until 6 months?
  • My baby is waking frequently at night again - is this the 4-month sleep regression?
  • Should I be concerned that my baby hasn't rolled over yet?
  • My baby puts everything in their mouth - is this normal?
  • Is it okay to start sleep training at this age?
  • How much should my baby be eating per day?
6 monthsVisit 5 of 11

6-Month Visit

Halfway through the first year! Your baby is likely sitting with support, starting solid foods, and showing a bigger personality. Important vaccines and the first blood screening typically happen here.

What to Expect

  • Weight, length, and head circumference measurements
  • Full physical exam: check for tooth eruption, heart, lungs, abdomen, hips, skin
  • Developmental assessment: sitting, babbling, stranger awareness
  • Solid food introduction discussion: what foods, how to introduce allergens
  • Fluoride supplementation assessment and first dental care discussion
  • Vaccine administration (3rd doses of several series)

Screenings

  • Hemoglobin/hematocrit screening (blood test for anemia)
  • Lead risk assessment questionnaire
  • Developmental surveillance (sitting, babbling, reaching)
  • Oral/dental assessment
  • Depression screening follow-up

Vaccines at This Visit

  • DTaP - 3rd dose
  • PCV13 - 3rd dose
  • Rotavirus (RV) - 3rd dose (oral, if using RotaTeq; 2nd dose completes Rotarix)
  • Hepatitis B (HepB) - 3rd dose (if not already completed)
  • Influenza (flu) vaccine - 1st dose if flu season (2 doses needed first year, 4 weeks apart)

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Sits with support, may sit briefly without support
  • Rolls in both directions (tummy to back and back to tummy)
  • Babbles consonant sounds ('ba', 'da', 'ma')
  • Responds to own name
  • Shows curiosity - reaches for objects, brings things to mouth
  • Stranger awareness / beginning of separation anxiety

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • What solid foods should I introduce first, and how do I introduce allergens safely?
  • My baby's teeth are coming in - how should I care for them?
  • Is my baby sitting up well enough for their age?
  • My baby seems anxious around strangers - is separation anxiety starting?
  • Should my baby be drinking water now that we're starting solids?
  • How much breast milk or formula does my baby still need alongside solids?
9 monthsVisit 6 of 11

9-Month Visit

Your baby is likely crawling, pulling up, and becoming very mobile. The doctor will do a formal developmental screening and check that your baby is meeting key cognitive and motor milestones.

What to Expect

  • Weight, length, and head circumference measurements
  • Full physical exam: teeth, ears (may check for fluid), heart, lungs, abdomen
  • Formal developmental screening questionnaire (ASQ or similar)
  • Fine motor assessment: pincer grasp, transferring objects between hands
  • Discussion of baby-proofing as baby becomes mobile
  • Feeding update: texture progression, finger foods, cup introduction

Screenings

  • Formal developmental screening (ASQ-3 or PEDS)
  • Growth chart review and nutritional assessment
  • Lead risk assessment
  • Oral/dental check

Vaccines at This Visit

  • Hepatitis B (HepB) - 3rd dose (if not given at 6 months)
  • Influenza vaccine - if flu season and not yet received
  • No new vaccine series typically starts at 9 months (catch-up if needed)

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Sits independently without support
  • Crawls or scoots (some babies skip crawling)
  • Pulls to stand holding onto furniture
  • Uses pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick up small objects
  • Points at objects, looks where you point
  • Understands 'no' and simple words
  • Plays peek-a-boo, waves bye-bye

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • My baby isn't crawling yet - should I be concerned?
  • How can I encourage my baby to self-feed with finger foods safely?
  • My baby pulls up on everything - when should I lower the crib mattress?
  • Is my baby making enough different sounds / babbling enough?
  • Should I be worried about my baby's flat spot on their head?
  • What foods are still choking hazards at this age?
12 monthsVisit 7 of 11

12-Month (1-Year) Visit

Happy first birthday! This is a big visit with several new vaccines, blood tests, and a milestone check. Your baby may be taking first steps, saying first words, and showing a clear personality.

What to Expect

  • Weight, length, and head circumference measurements - transition to WHO/CDC toddler growth charts
  • Full physical exam: walking assessment, teeth count, heart, lungs, abdomen, genitals
  • Developmental assessment: first words, gestures, cruising/walking, problem-solving
  • Nutrition discussion: transition from formula to whole milk, continued breastfeeding, balanced diet
  • Several new vaccines administered (see below)
  • Blood draw for lead and hemoglobin testing

Screenings

  • Lead blood level test (required in many states)
  • Hemoglobin/hematocrit (anemia screening)
  • Formal developmental screening (ASQ-3 or PEDS)
  • Autism screening awareness (formal screening at 18 months)
  • TB risk assessment questionnaire
  • Oral/dental assessment - referral for first dental visit recommended by age 1

Vaccines at This Visit

  • MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) - 1st dose
  • Varicella (Chickenpox) - 1st dose
  • Hepatitis A (HepA) - 1st dose
  • PCV13 - 4th dose (booster)
  • Hib - booster dose (3rd or 4th depending on brand)
  • Influenza - annual dose if flu season

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Pulls to stand, cruises along furniture, may take first independent steps
  • Says 1-3 words with meaning ('mama', 'dada', 'uh-oh')
  • Uses gestures: waves, points, shakes head
  • Follows simple one-step instructions ('give me the ball')
  • Uses pincer grasp easily, can feed self finger foods
  • Shows attachment to caregivers, may show separation anxiety
  • Imitates actions (clapping, putting phone to ear)

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • My baby isn't walking yet - is that normal at 12 months?
  • How many words should my baby be saying by now?
  • When and how should I transition from formula/breast milk to cow's milk?
  • Should I be concerned about my toddler's picky eating?
  • Is it normal for my baby to have tantrums already?
  • When should I schedule a first dentist visit?
15 monthsVisit 8 of 11

15-Month Visit

Your toddler is becoming increasingly independent - walking (or close to it), pointing at everything, and testing boundaries. This visit catches up on any remaining vaccines.

What to Expect

  • Weight, length, and head circumference measurements
  • Full physical exam: gait assessment (if walking), teeth, ears, heart, lungs
  • Developmental assessment: walking, word count, pointing, following directions
  • Discussion of behavior: tantrums, biting, boundary-testing - all normal
  • Feeding update: self-feeding progress, cup use, weaning discussion if applicable
  • Vaccine administration (boosters and catch-up doses)

Screenings

  • Developmental surveillance (walking, vocabulary, social interaction)
  • Growth chart review
  • Nutritional assessment (iron-rich diet, vitamin D)

Vaccines at This Visit

  • DTaP - 4th dose (booster)
  • Hepatitis A (HepA) - 2nd dose (given 6 months after 1st dose)
  • Any catch-up vaccines not given at 12 months

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Walks independently (most toddlers walk by 15 months; up to 18 months is normal)
  • Says 3-5+ words
  • Points to show you things (shared attention)
  • Follows simple one-step commands
  • Stacks 2 blocks, puts objects in containers
  • Drinks from a cup with help
  • Imitates household activities (sweeping, stirring)

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • How many words should my toddler be saying by 15 months?
  • My toddler throws food at every meal - is this a phase?
  • When should I worry about my toddler not walking yet?
  • My toddler has tantrums when told 'no' - how should I respond?
  • Is it okay that my toddler still uses a pacifier / bottle?
18 monthsVisit 9 of 11

18-Month Visit

A critical visit for autism screening. Your toddler should be walking well, saying several words, and engaging in pretend play. The doctor will do a formal M-CHAT autism screen at this visit.

What to Expect

  • Weight, length, and head circumference measurements
  • Full physical exam: gait, coordination, teeth, ears for fluid, heart, lungs
  • Formal autism screening with M-CHAT-R/F questionnaire
  • Developmental assessment: vocabulary (should be 10-25+ words), pretend play, pointing
  • Discussion of discipline strategies, screen time limits, reading to your toddler
  • Dental referral if first dental visit hasn't happened yet

Screenings

  • M-CHAT-R/F (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised with Follow-Up) - formal autism screening
  • Formal developmental screening (ASQ-3 or equivalent)
  • Oral/dental assessment and referral
  • Growth chart review

Vaccines at This Visit

  • Hepatitis A (HepA) - 2nd dose (if not given at 15 months)
  • DTaP - 4th dose (if not given at 15 months)
  • Influenza - annual dose during flu season
  • Any catch-up vaccines as needed

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Walks steadily, may run, climbs stairs with help
  • Says 10-25+ words; points to body parts when named
  • Points to show you things and to request things (proto-declarative pointing)
  • Engages in pretend play (feeds a doll, talks on toy phone)
  • Follows two-step instructions ('get the ball and bring it here')
  • Scribbles with crayons
  • Shows interest in other children
  • Has temper tantrums when frustrated (normal at this age)

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • What does the autism screening involve, and what do the results mean?
  • My toddler isn't combining words yet - should I be concerned?
  • How much screen time is appropriate at this age?
  • My toddler hits/bites when frustrated - how do I handle this?
  • Should I be worried that my toddler doesn't point at things?
  • When should I start potty training awareness?
24 monthsVisit 10 of 11

24-Month (2-Year) Visit

Your toddler is becoming a little communicator - combining words into phrases, showing strong preferences, and asserting independence. A second formal autism screening happens at this visit.

What to Expect

  • Weight, height (standing), and head circumference measurements
  • Full physical exam: posture, gait, teeth (should have ~16 teeth), vision, hearing
  • Second formal autism screening with M-CHAT-R/F
  • Developmental assessment: 2-word phrases, pretend play, problem-solving, social skills
  • Discussion of potty training readiness, sleep in a toddler bed, preschool preparation
  • Nutritional counseling: balanced diet, limiting juice, milk intake (16-24 oz/day max)

Screenings

  • M-CHAT-R/F - second formal autism screening (AAP recommends at 18 and 24 months)
  • Formal developmental screening (ASQ-3)
  • Lead blood level test (if at risk or required by state)
  • Dental referral follow-up
  • Growth chart review - BMI tracking begins
  • Vision screening (observation-based)

Vaccines at This Visit

  • Hepatitis A (HepA) - 2nd dose (if not yet completed)
  • Influenza - annual dose during flu season
  • Any catch-up vaccines as needed

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Speaks 50+ words, combines 2 words into phrases ('more milk', 'daddy go')
  • Runs, kicks a ball, walks up stairs holding railing
  • Follows 2-step instructions without gestures
  • Plays alongside other children (parallel play)
  • Sorts shapes and colors, completes simple puzzles
  • Shows defiant behavior (says 'no!' frequently) - normal assertion of independence
  • Imitates adults and older children
  • Begins to show empathy (comforts a crying friend)

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • Is my toddler's speech development on track? How many words should they have?
  • My toddler is very picky - is their nutrition adequate?
  • Is my child ready to start potty training?
  • My toddler still wakes up at night - is this normal at 2?
  • How do I handle aggressive behavior (hitting, throwing) at this age?
  • Should I be concerned about my toddler's attention span?
30 months / 3 yearsVisit 11 of 11

30-Month & 3-Year Visit

Your child is a full-fledged toddler/preschooler - having conversations, playing with others, and mastering physical skills. The doctor checks for school readiness and any lingering developmental concerns.

What to Expect

  • Weight, height, and BMI calculation and plotting
  • Full physical exam: vision screening (may use eye chart), dental check, heart, lungs, posture
  • Developmental assessment: sentence formation, imaginative play, social interaction
  • Discussion of preschool readiness, socialization, daily routines
  • Behavior guidance: fears, nightmares, sibling adjustment, potty training progress
  • Vision screening with instruments or eye chart (formal screening starts at 3-4 years)

Screenings

  • Formal developmental screening (ASQ-3) if at 30 months
  • Vision screening (instrument-based or Snellen chart at 3 years)
  • Hearing screening if concerns or risk factors present
  • Dental assessment and referral confirmation
  • BMI tracking and nutritional assessment
  • Blood pressure measurement (begins at 3 years per AAP)
  • Dyslipidemia risk assessment

Vaccines at This Visit

  • Influenza - annual dose during flu season
  • Any catch-up vaccines as needed
  • No new routine vaccines at 30 months; next series (DTaP 5th dose, IPV 4th dose, MMR 2nd dose, Varicella 2nd dose) due at 4-6 years

Milestones Your Doctor Will Check

  • Speaks in 3-4 word sentences, asks 'why?' questions
  • Understood by strangers ~75% of the time by age 3
  • Climbs well, runs easily, pedals a tricycle (by 3 years)
  • Draws circles, begins to use scissors, turns book pages one at a time
  • Engages in imaginative/pretend play with others
  • Takes turns in games (with reminders)
  • Can state first name and age
  • Shows a wide range of emotions, can be separated from parents without major distress
  • Is mostly potty trained or actively training (daytime)

Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

  • Is my child's speech clear enough that strangers can understand them?
  • My child still has accidents - is potty training on track?
  • Is my child ready for preschool socially and emotionally?
  • Should I be concerned about my child's fears (dark, monsters, loud noises)?
  • How much physical activity does my child need daily?
  • When is the next round of vaccines due?

Sources

  • AAPAmerican Academy of Pediatrics - Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 4th Edition. Recommended preventive pediatric health care (periodicity schedule).
  • CDCCenters for Disease Control and Prevention - Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for ages 18 years or younger. Updated annually.
  • AAPAmerican Academy of Pediatrics - Screening recommendations including M-CHAT-R/F for autism at 18 and 24 months, developmental screening with ASQ-3, and lead/anemia screening.

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Your pediatrician may adjust the visit schedule, vaccines, or screenings based on your child's individual needs, health history, and risk factors.