There are many screenings your child needs as they grow, from newborn to 21 years of age. Your doctor wants to help you keep track of all the appointments and screenings needed for your child. This blog can help you know what your child is due for.
There are 3 types of recommended screenings for children with their primary care provider* (PCP):
- Well Child Visits
- Developmental Screenings
- Blood Lead Screening
Well Child Visits: What happens at a Well Child Visit?
Your child’s PCP will:
- Check their weight and growth
- Provide important vaccines
- Share any tips about feeding, sleep, and more
These visits are on a schedule to make sure your child is growing as expected. Below is a suggested schedule:
- 3 to 5 days old
- By 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 1 year
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 2 years
- 30 months
- 3 years
After age 3, well-child visits are scheduled yearly through the teen years. It is important to go to these visits, even if your child is not sick.
Developmental Screening: What happens at a developmental screening?
Your child’s PCP checks for signs of talking, walking, and other development signs at these screenings. These screenings happen at 9, 18, 24, and 30 months of age. Early signs of developmental delays or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can be found at these visits.
Some signs PCPs look for are:
- Unable to babble, point, or make other gestures by 12 months (1 year).
- Unable to say single words by the age of 16 months (1 year and 4 months).
- Unable to say a two-word phrase by 24 months (2 years) of age.
- Repeating phrases (called echolalia).
- Not walking by 18 months (1 year and 6 months).
- The loss of language or social skills at any age.
Use the Sparkler app to keep track of your baby’s development. The app offers games to engage your child at any age. Learn more about the app here.
Blood Lead Screening: How can I protect my child?
There is no safe blood lead level in children. Even low levels of lead can affect your child’s development. Your child can be exposed to lead by swallowing or breathing in lead or lead dust. The best way to know if your child was exposed to lead is through blood lead screening.
When should you screen your child for blood lead?
Children get screened at 12 months (1 year) and 24 months (2 years). If your child has never been screened, your child should get screened between 24 months (2 years) and 72 months (6 years) of age.
The test is a simple finger or heel prick which provides quick results. A confirmatory test may be done if needed.
Your child’s PCP can start treatment to remove lead if your child tests positive. Learn more about blood lead screening here.
There are a lot of screenings that can help keep your child growing healthy. Check out our Pediatric Health page for a chart to see when your child is due for screenings. All of these services are at $0 cost. Ensure your child has a bright and healthy future. Call your PCP to schedule your visits!
After you bring your child to get 6 or more well-child visits within the first 15 months (1 year and 3 months) of your child’s life, you will automatically get a $50 gift card in the mail. If you meet with your child’s PCP for an in-office developmental screening, you will automatically get a $50 gift card! Your child must be between the ages of 0 to 36 months (3 years) to get the gift card. Please allow 8 weeks for your gift card to arrive by mail.
*Your primary care provider (PCP) is the doctor, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner in charge of your health care.
