The First Year · Checkups
Well-baby visits, made simple: what to expect.
From her first-week checkup to her second birthday, here's when she'll see her pediatrician, what happens at each visit, and how to make every one count.
There's a little thrill the first time a nurse calls your baby's name in the waiting room. You carry her in, set her on the paper-covered table, and watch her kick at the bright lights. You're about to find out how much she's grown, and you get to ask every question you've been saving up.
Well-baby visits are some of the happiest appointments you'll ever keep. They're a regular chance to celebrate her growth, catch up on her milestones and get answers from someone who knows her well.
The visit schedule, birth to 2
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends checkups at these ages in the first two and a half years:
- The first week. At 3 to 5 days old.
- The first year. At 1, 2, 4, 6 and 9 months.
- The second year. At 12, 15 and 18 months.
- The toddler years. At 2 years (24 months) and 2½ years (30 months).
After that, she'll have one checkup a year. If a visit date sneaks up on you, just call the office. They'll help you get back on track.
What happens at a checkup
Every visit follows a similar, gentle rhythm. Her pediatrician will measure how much she's grown since last time, check her from head to toe and talk with you about her development: how she moves, plays, communicates and connects with the people around her.
- Growth. Her growth is measured at each visit and tracked over time.
- Milestones. You'll talk about what she's doing now, like smiling, babbling, rolling or pulling up. Bring your stories. You see her every day.
- Hearing. All babies should have a hearing screening no later than 1 month of age. Most hospitals do it before you go home, so she may already be done.
- Eyes. Her eyes are checked at birth and at well-child visits after that. Starting at 1 to 2 years, some offices use a quick instrument-based vision screening.
- Everyday life. Sleep, feeding, safety at home and anything else on your mind.
Screenings, explained
Along the way, the AAP recommends a few simple screenings for every child during regular well-child visits. They take a closer look at how she's developing, so that if she ever needs a little extra support, she gets it early.
- Developmental screening. At least at 9, 18 and 30 months.
- Autism screening. At 18 and 24 months.
These are recommended for every child, so they're simply part of the routine.
Vaccines on the recommended schedule
Many visits include vaccines that protect her from serious, preventable diseases. The American Academy of Pediatrics publishes a recommended immunization schedule, updated for 2026, and calls it the ideal timeline for healthy children as their immune systems develop. Her pediatrician will let you know what's due at each visit.
A few reassuring things to know: if she misses a vaccine, she doesn't need to start over. And a mild illness usually doesn't mean she has to wait, so you can often keep the appointment. If you have questions about any vaccine, her pediatrician welcomes them.
Bring your top questions
The AAP suggests making a list of the topics you want to talk about and bringing your top three to five questions or concerns to the start of the visit. Jot them in your phone as they come up during the week. No question is too small.
How to get ready
A little planning makes each visit calmer for both of you.
- Write it down. Keep a running list of questions, along with any changes you've noticed in her sleep, eating or behavior.
- Bring the basics. A diaper or two, a change of clothes, something for her to eat and a favorite comfort item.
- Ask about anything. Good topics include development, behavior, sleep, eating, safety and how she's getting along with the rest of the family.
- Take notes. It's easy to forget details later, especially on little sleep.
- Plan for her first dentist visit. The AAP recommends one starting at her first birthday.
Call her pediatrician anytime between visits if she seems unwell or you're worried. You don't have to wait for the next checkup.
A team that grows with her
The AAP describes well-child care as a team approach. Regular visits build a strong, trusting relationship between her pediatrician, you and her. Her doctor brings the medical know-how. You bring everything you've noticed, all day, every day. Together, you see the whole picture.
Look how far she's come
At her first-week visit, she fit in the crook of your arm. By her second birthday checkup, she may walk in holding your hand, wave at the nurse and climb up onto the table herself. Every visit in between is a small celebration of her, and of you.
Here's to every checkup, Mama. Each one is a happy reminder of how beautifully she's growing.
The date and the story of every first, ready to print.
Where this comes from
This article draws on guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. It's here to help, not to replace your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician. If you have questions, ask them.
- AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Developmental Monitoring and Screening, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Can your baby hear you say "I love you"?, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Vision Screenings, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- All About the AAP Recommended Immunization Schedule, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- AAP Releases Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule for 2026, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)
- Brush, Book, Bed, American Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org)