Well Child Visits

Congratulations! Your baby is finally here. Your baby’s first visit to our office takes place during his or her first week of life, usually 1-2 days after you are discharged from the hospital.

Helpful Info: 

• Caring for Your Newborn

By 2 weeks of age, your baby will likely have regained his or her birth weight. Please remember that it is important to always put your baby to sleep on his or her back in a flat, firm and separate sleep space to reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.

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• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

At this visit we will track your baby's growth and development and answer any questions. Your baby may be starting to smile now and that helps a lot!

Helpful Info: 

• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

Babies are doing more smiling and cooing.
They are also holding their heads more steady.  Many babies seem more fussy or colicky at this age. Colicky babies eventually outgrow their crying phase.  

Helpful Info: 

• Crying and Your Baby: How to Calm a Fussy or Colicky Baby

Your baby is becoming more active and verbal. Be careful not to leave your baby unattended, especially on a bed, couch or counter. They move faster than you think!

Babies need only breast milk or iron fortified formula for the first 4-6 months of life. We will talk at this appointment about the appropriate time to introduce solid foods and what foods to introduce first.

Helpful Info: 

• Starting Solid Foods

Your baby will begin to move more and will be able to sit up independently for short periods of time. Now is the time to start baby-proofing your house - if you haven't already done so. You should move the mattress in your baby's crib down to the lowest level.

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• Teething

Your baby may be starting to crawl, pulling to a stand and cruising on furniture. Babies will want to touch everything - this is how they learn. This is a messy time! Have fun and be patient.

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• Teething

At this age, your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk. However, it is healthy to continue breast milk, if that is what you prefer, for your baby. Most babies need 3 meals, 2-3 snacks per day, and no more than 16-20 ounces of whole cow's milk per day. Your baby will be able to eat many of the foods you eat, but be careful to avoid small, hard foods that can cause choking.

Your baby will be outgrowing the infant carrier car seat. Continue to have your baby in a rear facing car seat until age 2.

Helpful Info: 

• Playing Is How Toddlers Learn

Your child may be able to climb and run, so be sure to safety proof your home.

Poison control is available 24 hours a day: 1-800-222-1222 - keep this number handy in your cell phone and on your refrigerator.

Helpful Info: 

• Choking Prevention and First Aid for Infants and Children

At 18 months, your child understands much more than he or she can say in words. Use words to describe your child’s feelings and gestures. Read and sing to your child often. When reading, use simple words to talk about the pictures.

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• Is Your Toddler Communicating With You?

At this age, your 2 year old may be more verbal and exhibiting more independence from you. 

It is better for toddlers to play than to watch TV. Even having television playing in the background interrupts healthy toddler play - background music is a better choice.

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• Playground Safety

Your baby is not really a baby anymore. They are firmly in the toddler years. One moment they seem so big and the next still very small. This is the "do-it-myself time."

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• Snacks for Toddlers

Your child will likely be moving into a world of make believe that they create with their imagination. Toys for dress up and make believe are important at this age. Read books, sing songs and play rhyming games with your child each day.

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• Toilet Training.

Four year olds often like to sing, dance and act. They like to tell "tall tales" and make up stories.  Enjoy these fun moments with your little one! 

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• Encourage Your Child to Be Physically Active

At this age, your child needs more independence. However, you need to set clear limits. A regular bedtime and consistent bedtime routine are important. Be a great role model.

There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

Continue to encourage good nutrition and exercise for your child. This is the time he or she is building good health habits for a lifetime! There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

Helpful Info: 

• Growing Up Healthy: Fat, Cholesterol, and More

Positive self-image is important as your child begins to enter the changes that come with puberty. Empower them to feel good about themselves, their interaction with others and praise their effort more than the outcome.

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• Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem

Your child be is becoming more responsible and will be able to take on more tasks such as taking care of his/her own room. He or she may also start reading independently for pleasure.

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• The Importance of Family Routines

Your ten year old still requires adult supervision when you are away. Watching TV with your child allows you to discuss any controversial topics that may come up, but limit screen time to 2 hours per day. Family mealtime is important to keeping communication open and fostering healthy lives.

Your child may be transitioning to middle school at this age. He or she may be participating in more group activities. Expand your conversations about healthy living practices to include tobacco, drug and alcohol avoidance.

Helpful Info: 

• Substance Abuse Prevention

Your child will be in middle school at this age. Continue your conversations about healthy living practices to include tobacco, drug and alcohol avoidance. Your child should be able to assume more responsibility for personal hygiene and chores. 

Even though friends are becoming more important at this age, having a caring adult to provide a listening ear and from which to obtain accurate health information is equally important. Foster open communication with your child. 

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

Helpful Info:  

• Teens, Behavior

Your child may be showing an increasing interest in extracurricular activities. Have conversations about risk taking behaviors, driving, alcohol, drug use, family rules and expectations. Discuss media and internet safety. Make certain that they have an adult they can confide in if they are unable to communicate with you.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

Helpful Info: 

• Teens, Behavior

Your teen may be adjusting to the transition to high school. Development of family relationships continues to be important, but it is also normal for teens to place more and more emphasis on their peer relationships.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

Helpful Info: 

• Teens, Behavior

Possible conflict can arise at this time as your teen assesses your family values versus those of culture and peers. Keep the lines of communication open and give them additional responsibility while being present for them when they inevitably make mistakes. Be supportive and allow them to develop resilience and self-pride.

Helpful Info: 

• A Message to Parents of Teen Drivers

Your child is getting closer to finishing high school and entering the adult world. Making mistakes are a normal part of growing up. Continue to provide emotional support and guidance for them during this time. 

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

Helpful Info: 

• Teens, Behavior

Your child is now transitioning to adult life! They will still look to you for support and guidance, but will be more on their own when it comes to decision making. 

Helpful Info: 

• Teens, Behavior