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Checkups and Screening Tests

From your child’s birth through the teenage years, seeing a pediatrician regularly is important to check on your child’s growth and development as well as screen for possible problems such as vision and hearing problems.

During the first three years of life, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends checkups at:

  • 2 to 5 days old
  • 1 month old
  • 2 months old
  • 4 months old
  • 6 months old
  • 9 months old
  • 12 months old
  • 15 months old
  • 18 months old
  • 2 years old (24 months)
  • 3 years old (36 months)

After age three, visits are generally once a year. However, if your child has a special health concern, you may need more frequent visits. Always follow the schedule outlined by your pediatrician.

What Checkups Include

Male doctor examining little boy's ear

A comprehensive well-baby or well-child visit may include:

  • Recording of vital growth statistics and plotting of height and weight on your child’s individual growth chart.
  • Blood pressure check.
  • Full body exam.
  • Collecting and updating of family health history.
  • Questions about your child’s development, both physical and emotional.
  • Questions about your child’s home and school environment to screen for safety and health concerns.
  • Questions about diet, exercise, sleep, safety and emotional well-being.
  • General health education and answers to your family’s medical questions.
  • Cholesterol testing between age 9 and 11. Sooner and more frequently for children at special risk for high cholesterol.
  • Periodic scoliosis screening.
  • Periodic vision screening.
  • Periodic hearing screening.
  • A dental health check and referral to a dentist by age 2.
  • Vaccinations.

Special Concerns for Teens

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening all teens for substance abuse problems and discussing sexual health. California law protects teens’ privacy and allows them to receive certain types of healthcare services on their own. Confidential healthcare includes:

  • Prevention of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
  • Treatment for pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
  • The diagnosis and treatment of sexual and physical abuse.
  • Care and counseling for drug and alcohol problems.

If any of these issues come up during a routine checkup or regular doctor’s visit, your child has the  right to speak privately with his or her doctor and keep that specific information confidential.  Sutter Health encourages teens to share information with their parents.

Sports Physicals and School Enrollment

To participate in organized sports or enroll in day care, preschool or grade school, a physical exam is typically required. Your pediatrician’s office can assist you with scheduling a sports physical and completing health form requirements. An exam within one calendar year will be accepted for a sports physical.

Related Content

  • Newborn and Baby Care
  • Specialty Pediatric Care
  • Well-Child Care
  • Pediatric Forms and Resources

Health and Wellness

What is Normal?

What is Normal?

There’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal” in early childhood development, so it’s hard to know when to be concerned. Here’s what you need to know about how doctors screen for developmental delays and treat them.

What is Normal? What is Normal?

Doctors at Palo Alto Medical Foundation

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
Kathleen Babington, M.D.

Kathleen Babington, M.D.

  • Pediatrics

Leigh A. Mueller, D.O.

Leigh A. Mueller, D.O.

  • Pediatrics

Jonathan K. Wong, M.D.

Jonathan K. Wong, M.D.

  • Pediatrics

Namrata Singh, M.D.

Namrata Singh, M.D.

  • Pediatrics

Wendy Wang, M.D.

Wendy Wang, M.D.

  • Pediatrics

Nancy Zises, M.D., FAAP

Nancy Zises, M.D., FAAP

  • Pediatrics

Jackie Busse, M.D., FAAP

Jackie Busse, M.D., FAAP

  • Pediatrics

Katherine A. Yang, M.D.

Katherine A. Yang, M.D.

  • Pediatrics

Lindsay L. Watson, M.D.

Lindsay L. Watson, M.D.

  • Pediatrics

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Services Near You

Palo Alto Center

Palo Alto Center

795 El Camino Real

Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 321-4121

Dublin Center

Dublin Center

4050 Dublin Blvd.

Dublin, CA 94568-3112

(925) 875-6100

Daly City Center

Daly City Center

901 Campus Drive

Suite 111

Daly City, CA 94015

(650) 652-8500

Fremont Center

Fremont Center

3200 Kearney Street

Fremont, CA 94538

(510) 490-1222

Los Gatos Center

Los Gatos Center

15400 Los Gatos Blvd.

Los Gatos, CA 95032

Fremont Psychiatry

Fremont Psychiatry

39650 Liberty Street

Suite 310

Fremont, CA 94538

(510) 498-2890

San Carlos Center

San Carlos Center

301 Industrial Road

San Carlos, CA 94070

(650) 321-4121

Aptos Center

Aptos Center

7600 Old Dominion Court

Aptos, CA 95003

(831) 458-6200

Santa Cruz Chanticleer Center (2911)

Santa Cruz Chanticleer Center (2911)

2911 Chanticleer Avenue

Santa Cruz, CA 95065

(831) 477-2350

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