Well Child Visits
Well Visits
The number one goal of parents is to make sure their little ones are healthy and have the best quality of life possible. Of course, this means having a pediatrician in which you can always turn, whether for preventive care or treatment when health problems arise. You want a pediatrician you can trust to always provide quality and individualized care for your little one time and time again.
Why Well Visits Are Important
Of course, why treat a health issue that could easily have been prevented in the first place, right? The best way to detect problems early on and to also protect your child from a variety of potentially serious health issues is by bringing them in to visit their pediatrician regularly. These checkups will occur frequently, particularly for the first few years of your little one’s life. This is because your child is reaching a lot of developmental milestones during these first few years and it’s important that you have a children’s doctor that can make sure that they are reaching these milestones.
Plus, these checkups are also important for parents, too. After all, we know that parents have a lot of questions regarding everything from their child’s nutrition to activity levels to vaccinations. While these checkups are most certainly about making sure your child is leading a healthy life it’s also important that you have all of your questions and concerns answered to promote that healthy lifestyle in your child. Make sure to write down any questions ahead of time so that you will have all of your questions addressed during your child’s next visit.
What To Expect During your Checkup
These checkups are crucial for preventing a variety of health problems and also making sure your little one gets the care and treatment they need should an issue arise. During these wellness checkups your pediatrician will monitor your child’s:
- Height and weight
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Vision and hearing
- Developmental and screening questionnaires
- Head to toe physical exam
Your child will also be encouraged to get a series of AAP recommended immunizations throughout their childhood to protect against serious and potentially life-threatening health problems. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has created a comprehensive vaccination schedule to make sure your child is getting all the immunizations they need.
Once your child is born it’s important that you bring them in regularly to see their doctor for checkups. After all, preventive medical care is the best way to stave off certain illnesses and injuries. Plus, these checkups also ensure that if there is a health problem present that it’s detected right away when it’s much easier to treat.
Well checks should be scheduled 2-3 months in advance.
Want to learn more about well visits at The Children's Clinic of Klamath? Call our Klamath Falls, OR office at (541) 884-1224 to learn more today!
Schedule of Visits
3-5 Days
The first visit is very important to make sure your newborn is growing as they should be. Especially for first time parents, and even those with experience, it is crucial to your babies health to make sure they are eating enough and having good wet and poopy diapers. This is your opportunity to ask any questions that you may have regarding the care of your newborn.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Check your baby’s weight.
- Monitor for signs of jaundice.
- Check to see how your baby is feeding.
- Answer questions about your new baby.
Immunizations:
- HepB#1 (if not given in hospital)and RSV if your baby is born in October through March
Helpful Info:
2 Week Visit
The 2 Week Visit (sooner if you have concerns!) is a time to talk about how your family is acclimating to the newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits and sleeping are common topics. Babies usually lose weight right after birth. If you are breast feeding and having difficulty we can refer you to a local Lactation Specialist.
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Remind you to give your baby a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D drops if you are breastfeeding.
Immunizations:
- None
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Your babies second Metabolic screen (the 1st was done at the hospital)
- Confirm your baby has passed their newborn hearing screen
Helpful Info:
2 Month Visit
Many babies seem more fussy or colicky at this age. Be patient. Colicky babies eventually outgrow their crying phase. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do. Even if you feel frustrated, handle your baby gently and reach out for help to friends, relatives or your pediatrician if the crying is getting to be too much. If you need a break and no one is available to help you, place your baby on his/her back gently in a safe space, such as a crib or bassinet and take a few minutes to calm down.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s first set of immunizations. Immunizations are safe, effective and keep your child and our community healthy. During this visit, you will be able to discuss any questions you may have about immunizations.
- Screen for post-partum depression.
Immunizations:
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Post Partum Depression Assessment
- Ages and Stages questionnaire
Helpful Info:
4 Month Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s second set of immunizations. Immunizations are safe, effective and keep your child and our community healthy. During this visit, you will be able to discuss any questions you may have about immunizations.
Immunizations:
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Post Partum Depression Assessment
- Ages and Stages questionnaire
Helpful Info:
6 Month Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Discuss dental care for upcoming teeth
Immunizations:
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Post Partum Depression Assessment
- Ages and Stages questionnaire
Helpful Info:
9 Month Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Discuss your baby's upcoming dental care. You should start looking for a dentist for your baby. You should be brushing your child's teeth if they have any, with an infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
Immunizations:
- YAY! No immunizations due unless your child is behind or you would like a flu vaccine.
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Ocular photo screening for babies 1st eye evaluation
Helpful Info:
1 Year Visit
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.
It is time to wean your child from the bottle and offer all liquids in a sippy cup. It is much easier to wean your child now than if you wait until they are older. Avoid cavities and additional tears and make the change now!
Your baby will be outgrowing the infant carrier car seat. Continue to have your baby in a rear facing car seat until age 2.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length, and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth.
Immunizations:
- HepA#1
- MMR#1
- VAR#1
- Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Lead Screening Questionnaire
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Fluoride Varnish
- Anemia screen
Helpful Info:
15 Month Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
Immunizations:
- DTaP #4
- PCV 15 #4
- HIB #4
- Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire
Helpful Info:
18 Month Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Provide your baby’s immunizations.
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth.
- Discuss temper tantrums.
Immunizations:
- Hep A #2
- Influenza vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- MCHAT Questionnaire
- Lead Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Fluoride Varnish
Helpful Info:
2 Year Visit
At this age, your 2 year old may go from trying to be independent to clinging to you; this is normal. 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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit. Your child may need immunizations if they are behind on their shots.
- Review your child’s development with you using the MCHAT (Autism screening tool) questionnaire.
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.
- Discuss toilet training and time out.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- MCHAT Questionnaire
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Lead Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Fluoride Varnish
Helpful Info:
2 1/2 Year Visit
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."
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and record on a growth curve
- Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit.
- Evaluate your child’s development with the ASQ.
- Discuss dental health (if they have not yet seen a dentist, they should!)
- Discuss healthy meals/snacks, avoid food pouches and no or little juice.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages & Stages Developmental Screening
Helpful Info:
3 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit. Your child may need immunizations if they are behind on their shots or during flu season.
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Anemia Surveillance
- Lead Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Vision Testing
- Fluoride Varnish
Helpful Info:
4 Year Visit
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! Parents should continue to help with brushing teeth even though your child will want to do it all by themselves.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Provide your child's immunizations.
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.
Immunizations:
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Lead Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Vision Testing
- Hearing Testing
- Fluoride Varnish
Helpful Info:
5 Year Visit
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. Show an interest in what they are learning.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Review your child’s speech and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Discuss kindergarten readiness.
- Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Ages and Stages Questionnaire
- Lead Surveillance
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Vision Testing
- Hearing Testing
- Fluoride Varnish
6 Year Visit
Encourage good learning by helping your child organize a distraction-free time to do homework and ensuring eleven hours of sleep each night. Teach your child what to do if there is a fire and have practice fire drills. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Screen your child's hearing and vision.
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Review safety issues.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist Questionnaire
- Oral Health Surveillance
- Vision Testing
- Hearing Testing
7 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Review safety issues.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist Questionnaire
Helpful Info:
8 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Screen your child's vision and hearing
- Review your child’s school performance and development
- Discuss involvement in activities
- Discuss sleep
- Discuss anticipating pubertal changes
- Discuss exercise and nutrition
- Review safety issues
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Vision Testing
- Hearing Testing
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist Questionnaire 
Helpful Info:
9 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Review safety issues.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during season)
- HPV can be started
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist Questionnaire
Helpful Info:
10 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Screen your child's vision and hearing
- Provide your child’s immunizations
- Review your child’s school performance and development
- Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships
- Discuss sleep
- Discuss exercise and nutrition
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Vision Testing
- Hearing Testing
- Pediatric Symptom Checklist Questionnaire 
11 Year Visit
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Provide your child’s immunizations.
- Screen your child for dysipidemia per AAP recommendations.
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
Immunizations:
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Standard Assessment of Concussion Questionnaire
- CRAFFT and SBIRT Questionnaires (Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Screenings)
- PHQ-9/ASq Questionnaire (Depression screen)
- Lipid Screening
Helpful Info:
12 Year Visit
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. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Screen your child's vision.
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
Immunizations:
- HPV#2 (if not previously completed; series of 2; 11-12 years)
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Standard Assessment of Concussion Questionnaire
- CRAFFT and SBIRT Questionnaires (Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Screenings)
- PHQ-9/ASq Questionnaire (Depression screen)
- Vision screening
- Hearing screening
13 Year Visit
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. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Standard Assessment of Concussion Questionnaire
- CRAFFT and SBIRT Questionnaires (Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Screenings)
- PHQ-9/ASq Questionnaire (Depression screen)
Helpful Info:
14 Year Visit
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. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Review your child’s school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Standard Assessment of Concussion Questionnaire
- CRAFFT and SBIRT Questionnaires (Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Screenings)
- PHQ-9/ASq Questionnaire (Depression screen)
Helpful Info:
15 Year Visit
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. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Review your child’s school performance.
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
Immunizations:
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Standard Assessment of Concussion Questionnaire
- CRAFFT and SBIRT Questionnaires (Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Screenings)
- PHQ-9/ASq Questionnaire (Depression screen)
- Vision Screening
- Hearing Screening
Helpful Info:
16 Year Visit
Congratulations! You are solidly in the teen years! It is exciting to see the wonderful person your child is becoming. 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. During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of the visit with the parent out of the room.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your teen’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
- Measure your teen’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your teen is participating in sports, please bring any forms to the appointment)
- Review your teen’s school performance and development
- Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships/dating
- Discuss sleep
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.)
Immunizations:
- MCV4#2
- Men B #1 with 2nd dose due 6 months after the 1st
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Standard Assessment of Concussion Questionnaire
- CRAFFT and SBIRT Questionnaires (Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Screenings)
- PHQ-9/ASq Questionnaire (Depression screen)
- GC/Chlamydia urine testing (for females)
Helpful Info:
17-18 Year Visit
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. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
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.
We do a lot at this visit, including:
- Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
- Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
- Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
- Review your child’s school performance.
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
Immunizations:
- MenB (if not previously done)
- Flu vaccine (during flu season)
Tests/Screens/Assessments:
- Standard Assessment of Concussion Questionnaire
- CRAFFT and SBIRT Questionnaires (Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Screenings)
- PHQ-9/ASq Questionnaire (Depression screen)
- GC/Chlamydia urine testing (for females)
Helpful Info:
