Physical Exam Schedule for Your Child’s Health
Stay on Track with Regular Check-ups at Southtowns Pediatrics
At Southtowns Pediatrics, regular physical exams are essential for monitoring your child’s growth and development. Each visit is an opportunity to ensure your child is healthy, address concerns, and stay on track with recommended screenings and vaccinations. We also understand that every family is different, and we offer the flexibility of a delayed vaccination schedule if that is your preference. Below is a detailed schedule of when these exams should occur and what you can expect at each visit.
Newborn to Age 3: A Crucial Time for Development
Your child’s development is rapid and crucial during the first few years of life. Regular check-ups help us monitor their growth and address any early concerns.
Initial Newborn Visit (Within the first week of life)
Your baby’s first visit allows us to ensure they adjust well after birth. We’ll check vital signs and weight and provide guidance on feeding and care at home.
1 Month Visit
We assess your baby’s growth, feeding patterns, and sleep habits, supporting common newborn challenges.
2 Month Visit
This visit typically includes vaccinations, as the CDC recommends, along with growth and developmental checks. If you prefer a delayed vaccination schedule, we can discuss and plan it during this visit.
4 Month Visit
We’ll continue tracking your baby’s development and administering any necessary vaccinations. A delayed vaccination schedule can also be accommodated.
6 Month Visit
Your baby is growing quickly by now! We’ll focus on developmental milestones and discuss introducing solid foods if you haven’t already. This visit usually includes vaccinations, but we can adjust based on your chosen schedule.
9 Month Visit
At this stage, we administer the ASQ 3 Developmental Questionnaire to assess your child’s communication, motor skills, problem-solving, and social development. This helps identify any areas where your child might need additional support.
12 Month Visit
A big milestone—your baby turns one! This visit includes lead-level blood work to screen for lead exposure and routine vaccinations. We will continue to follow the plan set earlier for families on a delayed vaccination schedule.
14/15 Month Visit
As your child becomes more mobile, we’ll focus on motor skills, nutrition, and any safety concerns you might have. Vaccinations can be administered according to your chosen schedule.
18/19 Month Visit
At this visit, we administer both the M-CHAT (Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers) and the ASQ 3 Developmental Questionnaire to screen for autism and ensure your child is meeting important developmental milestones. We will also continue with any vaccinations as per your schedule.
2 Year Visit
Another critical visit includes M-CHAT, lead-level blood work, and a full developmental assessment. We’ll also discuss your child’s language development, social skills, and behavior. Vaccinations will be administered as per your preferred schedule.
2 1/2 Year Visit
We revisit the ASQ 3 Developmental Questionnaire to ensure continued progress in key developmental areas.
From Age 3 and Up: Yearly Check-ups for Continued Health
Starting at age 3, yearly physical exams are essential for maintaining your child’s health as they grow. These visits help ensure that your child meets developmental milestones, stays healthy, and is up-to-date with vaccinations or continues on a delayed vaccination schedule.
3 Years and Up
We'll conduct a comprehensive physical exam each year until your child transitions into adult care. This includes tracking growth, assessing physical and mental development, discussing nutrition and physical activity, and addressing any other health concerns. We’ll also continue with any vaccinations according to your schedule.
Why Regular Physical Exams Are Important
- Monitor Development: Ensure your child is reaching important milestones.
- Prevent Illness: Stay up-to-date with vaccinations to prevent serious diseases or follow a vaccination schedule that aligns with your preferences.
- Address Concerns Early: Identify and address potential health issues before they become serious.
- Build a Health History: Establish a comprehensive health record that follows your child into adulthood.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Physical Exam
At Southtowns Pediatrics, we’re committed to providing the best care for your child at every stage of their development. If it’s time for your child’s next physical, or if you have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Schedule an appointment today and ensure your child stays on track for a healthy future.
