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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 Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation

The following doctors are part of the Sutter Health network. Learn about the doctors on this site.
Marjorie A. Bohn, D.O., M.S., FAAP

Marjorie A. Bohn, D.O., M.S., FAAP

  • Pediatrics

Brian Prystowsky, M.D.

Brian Prystowsky, M.D.

  • Pediatrics

View All Related Doctors

Services Near You

3838 California Street Care Center

3838 California Street Care Center

3838 California Street

San Francisco, CA 94118

(415) 600-2485

4700 Hoen Avenue Care Center

4700 Hoen Avenue Care Center

4700 Hoen Avenue

Santa Rosa, CA 95405

(707) 526-3360

3883 Airway Drive Care Center

3883 Airway Drive Care Center

3883 Airway Drive

Santa Rosa, CA 95403

(707) 521-7777

350 Rhode Island Street Care Center

350 Rhode Island Street Care Center

350 Rhode Island Street

San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 826-7575

View All Related Locations

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