Why Well-Child Visits Matter for Your Child’s Health
Why Well-Child Visits Matter for Your Child’s Health
A child’s life is full of firsts—first steps, first words, first goals, first masterpieces. With each milestone, children grow not only in size but in skills, relationships, and confidence. These moments set the foundation for lifelong health and well-being.
That’s why pediatric care is unique. Your child’s health needs change as they grow, and regular well-child visits help ensure they’re meeting important developmental and health goals.
What Is a Well-Child Visit?
A well-child visit is more than a check-up—it’s a partnership between you and your pediatrician to support your child’s growth and development. During these visits, your provider will:
- Perform a physical exam and health screenings
- Give vaccinations and booster shots as needed
- Diagnose and treat illnesses, infections, or injuries
- Offer guidance on nutrition, safety, and fitness
- Answer your questions about growth and development
- Refer to specialists if needed
When Should My Child Have Well-Child Visits?
Pediatricians at University of Utah Health follow a schedule based on key developmental stages. Here’s what to expect:
- Newborn: Three to four days after birth
- Infant: Two weeks, two months, four months, six months, nine months
- Toddler: 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months
- Age 3 and older: Once a year
These visits are critical for identifying concerns early and providing timely interventions.
“Regular visits allow us to identify developmental concerns at their earliest, which allows us to intervene with appropriate therapies at critical timepoints,” says Alanna Brickley, MD, a pediatrician at University of Utah Health.
Your Questions Matter
Parenting can feel overwhelming. Well-child visits are your chance to ask questions and get support. University of Utah Health providers can also connect you to helpful parenting resources.
Learn More From Our Specialists
The Basics: Your Daughter's Painful Urination
Is your young daughter complaining about painful urination when using the bathroom? Learn about the most common causes of pain or irritation in the vagina or vulva, how to prevent them, and treatment options.
What Kind of Burn Is It, and Does My Kid Need the ER?
Learn the differences between chemical, electrical, and thermal burns in kids, and why first-degree burns can be managed at home while third-degree burns should always be treated as a medical emergency.
A First Aid Guide to Playground Injuries
Playgrounds equal fun, but also falls, scrapes, and the occasional broken bone. Learn which common playground injuries need a Band-Aid versus a trip to urgent care or the pediatric emergency room.
What Parents Need to Know About Constipation in Kids
Constipation is one of the most common concerns parents bring to their pediatrician. Learn about the causes of constipation in kids and practical tips to help your child have softer, more comfortable bowel movements.
Managing Asthma in Children
Asthma can be a daunting diagnosis for parents, but it can be managed effectively with the right knowledge and tools. Learn how to recognize asthma symptoms, the importance of treatment adherence, and strategies to prevent exacerbations.
How to Tell Common Childhood Rashes Apart
Measles is just one of many childhood rashes that can look alarming. Learn about the most common viral rashes in kids—from measles and chickenpox to scarlet fever, roseola, and hand, foot, and mouth disease.
