Your baby is finally here—Congratulations! Newborns are wonderful, but exhausting! Having friends or family around to provide extra help and support can be very helpful. Make sure all visitors wash their hands well. Your baby’s first visit to our office takes place during his or her first week of life, usually 1-2 days after you are discharged from the hospital.
At this visit we will:
You have survived the first month! By now, you should have developed some routines for your days and nights and feeding, whether breast or bottle-feeding, should be comfortable and familiar. Tummy time is an excellent activity to include in your daily routine at least 3 times per day.
At this visit, we will:
- Measure your baby's weight, length, and head size, and record it on the growth curve.
- Check to see how your baby is feeding.
- Answer questions you have about your new baby.
- If you need help or support with breastfeeding, please ask to schedule time with our lactation consultant in addition to your pediatrician.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
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.
At this visit, we will:
- Measure your baby's weight, length, and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Administer 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.
- If you need help or support with breastfeeding, please ask to schedule time with our lactation consultant in addition to your pediatrician.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
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.
At this visit, we will:
Enter 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.
At this visit, we will:
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.
At this visit, we will:
- Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- Review your baby's development.
- Screen your baby's eyes for any abnormalities.
- There are no immunizations schedule at 9 months. Speak to your provide to make sure your baby's immunizations are up-to-date.
- Test for anemia and lead exposure with a finger prick.
- Discuss your baby's upcoming dental care. Your baby should see a dentist at 1 year of age. You should be brushing your child's teeth with an infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
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 16-24 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!
At this visit, we will:
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.
At this visit, we will:
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.
At this visit, we will:
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.
At this visit, we will:
- Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
- There are no scheduled immunizations due at this visit. Your child may need immunizations if they are behind.
- Test for anemia and lead exposure with a finger prick in the office. (If your child has CHP or BCBS, the test may be subject to a fee as your insurance does not cover this).
- Screen your baby's eyes for any abnormalities.
- Discuss toilet training and time out.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
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.
At this visit, we will:
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.
At this visit, we will:
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.
At this visit, we will:
- Measure your child’s weight and length and record on a growth curve
- Review your child's speech and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Discuss kindergarten readiness.
- Screen your child's eyes for any abnormalities.
- Perform a PurTone Hearing Test to screen your child's hearing.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
Encourage good learning by helping your child organize a distraction-free time to do homework and ensuring eleven hours of sleep a 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.
At this visit, we will:
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.
At this visit, we will:
Ensure that your child ALWAYS wears a helmet when bicycling, skateboarding, scooter riding and skating. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
At this visit, we will:
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. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
At this visit, we will:
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. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
At this visit, we will:
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.
At this visit, we will:
- Measure your child's weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Administer your child's immunizations.
- Screen your child's vision and hearing.
- Review your child's school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition.
- Review safety issues.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
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.
At this visit, we will:
- Measure your child's weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Screen your child's vision and hearing.
- Review your child's school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
- Complete sports physical forms (if requested) and discuss sport safety.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
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 the visit with the parent out of the room.
At this age, we will:
- Measure your child's weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Screen your child's vision and hearing.
- Review your child's school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
- Complete sports physical forms (if requested) and discuss sport safety.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
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 the visit with the parent out of the room.
At this age, we will:
- Measure your child's weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Screen your child's vision and hearing.
- Review your child's school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increasd awareness of body image and diet.
- Complete sports physical forms (if requested) and discuss sport safety.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
Your child 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 the visit with the parent out of the room.
At this age, we will:
- Measure your child's weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Screen your child's vision and hearing.
- Review your child's school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increasd awareness of body image and diet.
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior.
- Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
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.
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.
At this age, we will:
- Measure your child's weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Screen your child's vision and hearing.
- Administer your child's immunizations.
- Review your child's school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increasd awareness of body image and diet.
- Complete sports physical forms (if requested) and discuss sport safety.
- Preform urinalysis.
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending of family history, secual activity, etc).
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
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 the visit with the parent out of the room.
At this age, we will:
- Measure your child's weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Screen your child's vision and hearing.
- Administer your child's immunizations.
- Review your child's school performance and development.
- Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increasd awareness of body image and diet.
- Complete sports physical forms (if requested) and discuss sport safety.
- Preform urinalysis.
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending of family history, secual activity, etc).
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.
Your child is now transitioning to adult life! They will still look to you for support and guidance but will be more on their own when it comes to decision making. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.
At this visit ,we will:
- Measure your child’s weight and length and record on a growth curve.
- Provide immunizations
- Screen your child's vision and hearing
- Discuss transitions to life after high school—whether that be work, travel, vocational school or college
- Discuss importance of responsible decision making and recognizing healthy -vs- unhealthy relationships
- Complete college physical forms and any required college screening labs/tests
- Preform urinalysis.
- Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.)
- Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance
- Discuss transfering care to adult medicine provider.
- Please refer to Bright Futures for information about your child.