Well-Child Visits: A Checkup for a Healthy Future

A well-child visit is a regular checkup that helps track your child’s physical, emotional, and social development. These visits ensure your child hits important growth milestones, stays up to date on vaccinations, and gets early support for any concerns. These checkups also give you a chance to talk with a trusted provider about your child’s health, successes, and challenges. The earlier potential issues are caught, the better!

Prevention @ 100%

Your covered eligible in-network preventive care is paid in full by the Trust, including well-child physicals, immunizations, and flu shots — with no deductibles, co-insurance, or co-pays.  Please refer to your plan booklet for details on what preventive services are covered.

What to Expect at a Well-Child Visit

A well-child visit is a comprehensive health checkup that includes a full physical exam and discussions about various aspects of your child’s well-being. 

During the visit, your healthcare provider may:

  • Take measurements and conduct screenings
  • Update immunizations
  • Provide guidance based on your child’s developmental stage
  • Answer your questions and offer advice

Key Discussion Topics

Beyond the physical exam, well-child visits are a great time to talk about your child’s overall well-being. Some common topics include:

  • Growth and development
  • Family health history
  • Everyday life and challenges
  • Successes and milestones
  • Behavioral and mental health concerns
  • Nutrition, sleep, and healthy habits

These conversations help your provider give personalized guidance and recommend additional resources if needed.

Preparing for Your Visit

To make the most of your appointment:

  • Jot down any concerns: Note changes in your child’s health, behavior, or routines.
  • Make a list of questions: Prioritize the most important ones.
  • Bring helpful info: School reports, childcare feedback, or an Individualized Education Program (IEP) can provide valuable insights.

How Often Should Kids Have a Checkup?

Regular well-child visits should follow this schedule:

  • Before age 1: at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 9 months
  • Ages 1-4: at 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months, 3 years, and 4 years
  • Ages 5-18: Once a year

Your provider can help determine the best schedule for your child. Please refer to your plan booklet for details on what preventive services are covered.

After the Visit: What’s Next?

Before leaving, create a simple action plan with your provider. This might include:

  • Healthy habits like improving sleep or diet
  • Scheduling follow-up appointments
  • Communicating with teachers about special needs

Keep in touch with your healthcare team between visits for ongoing support.

Plan Ahead for a Smooth Checkup

Click here to download a Well-Child Visit Checklist from the Trust.

Sources: doh.wa.gov, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)/Bright Futures, uhc.com