Baby’s First Year: Doctor Visit Schedule

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Bringing a baby home comes with magical milestones and unexpected twists and turns. But, there’s one thing you can expect: well-baby visits.

All Day Medical Care Clinic has experienced providers at each of our locations, which makes it easy to schedule the pediatric services you need during every stage of your child’s development.

Whether you’re expecting a baby or have already welcomed them home, here’s what you should know about their doctor visits during the first year of their life.

Why well-baby visits matter

Believe it or not, you can expect your baby to see the doctor at least six times before their first birthday for wellness visits. These appointments serve two essential purposes.

One important reason for well-baby exams involves checking their development. Babies grow incredibly quickly within the first two years of their life. So these appointments provide your doctor with a valuable opportunity to make sure everything is on track, and they also enable your doctor to spot signs of a problem as early as possible.

In addition to monitoring your baby’s health and wellness, these appointments also give you the chance to ask questions. In fact, you can consider your provider a trusted resource for all sorts of questions, from their sleeping, eating, and pooping habits to what to do if they seem to cry a lot.

Each of the well-baby visits you schedule during the first year of your child’s life can help prepare you and your precious bundle of joy for optimal health and wellness in the years to come.

The frequency of well-baby visits

As we mentioned, you can plan on six well-baby visits within the first year of your new child’s life. They typically occur within a specific timeframe, including:

The first week of birth, often within a few days of a hospital discharge
One month of age
Two months of age
Four months of age
Six months of age
Nine months of age

And, for the record, well-baby visits don’t stop once your child turns one year old. Instead, they just occur less frequently, usually at 12 months of age, 15 months, 18 months, and two years.

What to expect during your well-baby visits

Well-baby visits are often something to look forward to, because they can give you understanding about concerns you may have, and they can give you insight into how your child is growing and developing.

Each visit can vary, but they often include:

Performing a physical exam
Measuring weight, length, and head circumference
Checking reflexes
Administering routine vaccinations
Answering any questions you may have

You can also expect your provider to inquire about how you and your baby are faring, along with daily behaviors, such as sleeping, feeding, and development.

Preparing for your well-baby visits

We understand that office appointments with a young baby can be tricky, so we recommend taking a few steps in advance to make your visit as easy as possible.

First, if you can, try to schedule your appointment during optimal times in your baby’s schedule by avoiding mealtimes, nap times, or other times when your child is usually fussy. Making a checklist can also help make your visit as stress-free as possible by ensuring you have everything you need, such as:

Your insurance card
Wipes and a change of diapers
A change of clothes
Bottles or food for your baby, as appropriate
Burp cloths
A blanket or favorite toy
Teething rings and/or pacifiers
Your baby’s medical history if it’s your first appointment
A list of your baby skills so far, as well as notes on feedings, sleep, and the like
Any questions you’d like answered