Child well visits, birth to 15 months
Checking in: Questions to ask at your child's well visits
Welcoming a new child is exciting. But caring for a baby can also leave you with a lot of unanswered questions. Your baby’s care provider can help. From giving immunizations to offering you feeding tips, care providers help your baby grow up healthy. That includes making sure you have the answers and support you need.
A note about immunizations at child well visits
Your child’s care provider will give your baby immunizations during most visits. Immunizations work better and reduce the risk of infection by working with the body's natural defenses to help safely develop immunity to disease. Keeping your baby on schedule is also key, so don’t forget to schedule visits on time.
Learn what to ask at your child's well visits
Preparation is key for a stress-free appointment. Your baby should go to at least 8 child well visits before they are 15 months old. Knowing what will happen at each of these appointments can help you get ready. Knowing what to pack for your visit and questions you might ask when you get there can make your life easier. Watch the videos and view the questions below to get ready for each early child well visit.
Child Well Visits: Newborn
Your newborn will need a checkup before going home from the hospital. Watch the video to learn what screenings and immunizations you can expect at your child’s first appointment.
Child Well Visits: 3 to 5-day visit
Watch the video to get an idea of what to expect at your appointment
In addition, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- How can I keep my baby comfortable and safe from seasonal weather?
- What can I do to make breastfeeding more comfortable for me and baby?
- When will my baby gain more weight?
- Should I always put my baby to sleep on their back?
- How do I care for my baby’s umbilical cord?
- How often should my baby get a bath?
- How do I calm and soothe my baby?
Child Well Visits: 1 Month Appointment
Watch the video to get an idea of what to expect at your appointment
In addition, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- When will my baby sleep through the night?
- What should I do for the peeling skin on my baby’s head?
- How do I care for my infant's skin?
- What is a normal number of wet or soiled diapers I should change every day?
- Are there programs to help me buy formula or breast pumps?
Child Well Visits: 2 Month Appointment
Watch the video to get an idea of what to expect at your appointment
In addition, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- How often should my baby be eating?
- Should I be using formula in addition to breastfeeding?
- How can I keep my baby comfortable after immunizations?
- How can I find childcare I can trust?
- When should I stop swaddling my baby?
- I’ve been feeling sad and anxious since delivering my baby. What should I do?
- What is “tummy time”?
Child Well Visits: 4 Month Appointment
Watch the video to get an idea of what to expect at your appointment
In addition, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- Is Tylenol safe to give my baby for a fever?
- How can I help my baby have healthy teeth?
- How can I soothe my baby during teething?
- How can we begin to create a sleeping routine?
- How long should my baby spend doing “tummy time” each day?
- How long should my baby nap each day?
Child Well Visits: 6 Month Appointment
Watch the video to get an idea of what to expect at your appointment
In addition, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- When and how should I introduce foods other than breastmilk or formula?
- How can I wean my baby off night feedings?
- How long should my baby use a pacifier?
- Can my baby sleep with a favorite blanket or toy?
- When can my baby start drinking from a sippy cup?
Child Well Visits: 9 Month Appointment
Watch the video to get an idea of what to expect at your appointment
In addition, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- I think my baby is behind in development (e.g., crawling). What can I do to help?
- What do I need to babyproof in my home once my baby can crawl?
- Should I be brushing my baby’s new teeth?
- How long should my baby be sleeping at night?
- How long should I let my baby cry at night?
Child Well Visits: 12 Month Appointment
Watch the video to get an idea of what to expect at your appointment
In addition, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- What should I do when baby pulls my hair or bites?
- Are my baby’s sleep patterns normal?
- How can I treat diaper rash?
- What can I do about sore arms and back from holding my baby?
- Should my baby nap at the same time each day?
- How do I keep my child safe as they learn to walk and explore?
Child Well Visits: 15 Month Appointment
Watch the video to get an idea of what to expect at your appointment
In addition, here are some questions you may want to ask:
- When should my baby switch from a crib to a bed?
- How much juice or milk should my baby be drinking?
- Should my baby have screen time?
- When should my baby go to the dentist?
- When should I switch to a front-facing car seat?
Wellness visits are also important for your child after 15 months
As your child grows, it’s important to continue to have regular checkups with your health care provider. You can view checklists for preventive care visits at every age, from 1 month to adulthood.
Looking for resources to help support you and your child?
- Most health insurance plans cover early child well visits or provide assistance. Call the number on your insurance card for more details.
- If you are a UnitedHealthcare Community Plan member, you may have access to our Healthy First Steps program, which can help you find a care provider, schedule well-child visits, connect with educational and community resources and more. To get started, call 1-800-599-5985, TTY 711, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.1
- If you need help getting to an appointment, or getting formula or healthy food, call the number on your insurance card.
- If you are having a hard time getting food or are experiencing unemployment, your care provider may be able to connect you with resources that can help.