What to Expect at Your Child’s Wellness Visit

Routine pediatric wellness visits are a cornerstone of preventive care. These appointments give us the chance to take a close look at your child’s overall health—physical growth, developmental progress, and emotional well-being. They’re designed to catch potential concerns early, reinforce healthy habits, and make sure your child is meeting age-appropriate milestones.

During these visits, we check your child’s growth by measuring height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) to see how they’re tracking over time. We also perform a thorough physical exam to assess heart, lungs, muscles, and nervous system function. Developmental screenings help us monitor language, motor skills, and learning, while behavioral assessments give insight into emotional and social development.

Wellness visits aren’t just about finding problems—they’re proactive, evidence-based check-ins that support your child’s health now and in the future. Whether your child is an infant, a school-aged learner, or a teenager, these visits ensure continuity of care and promote lifelong well-being.

What Happens During a Wellness Visit?

Here’s what you can typically expect:

1. Growth and Development Check

We’ll measure your child’s height, weight, and sometimes head circumference for younger children. These numbers help us track growth patterns and ensure they’re on a healthy trajectory.

2. Physical Examination

A gentle, thorough exam to check heart, lungs, abdomen, skin, and more. This helps us catch any early signs of health issues.

3. Developmental and Behavioral Screening

We’ll talk about milestones—speech, motor skills, social interactions—and address any concerns about learning or behavior.

4. Vision and Hearing Tests

These screenings are essential for school readiness and overall development.

5. Vaccinations

Staying up-to-date on immunizations protects your child and the community from preventable illnesses.

6. Nutrition and Lifestyle Guidance

From picky eating to screen time, we’ll discuss practical tips for healthy habits.

7. Open Conversation

This is your time to ask questions—big or small. Sleep struggles? School worries? Emotional changes? We’re here to listen and guide.

Why These Visits Matter

Wellness visits are more than a checklist—they’re a proactive approach to health. They help us catch concerns early, support emotional well-being, and give parents confidence in their child’s growth and development. Even if your child seems perfectly healthy, these visits are key to keeping them that way.