visit schedule

Congratulations! Your baby is finally here. 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.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Check your baby’s weight.
• Monitor for signs of jaundice.
• Check to see how your baby is feeding.
• Answer questions about your new baby.
  

Immunizations:

• None

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Follow-up on jaudince, repeat if necessary.

Helpful Info:

• Caring for Your Newborn

The 2 Week Visit (sooner if you have concerns!) is a time to talk about how your family is acclimating to the newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits and sleeping are common topics. If you are breastfeeding we will review how this is going for mom and baby.  Babies usually lose weight right after birth but should be back to their birth weight by two weeks of age.

Please remember that it is important to always put your baby to sleep on his or her back in a flat, firm and separate sleep space to reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Remind you to give your baby a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D drops.
  

Immunizations:

• None

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Follow up on newborn screen from the hospital.

Helpful Info:

• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

Families are usually settling in by this visit. Feeding, sleeping and bowel habits are sometimes a concern. At this visit we will track your baby's growth and development and answer any questions. Your baby may be starting to smile a little now and that helps a lot!

Immunizations:

• None

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Post Partum Depression Assessment

Helpful Info:

• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

Some 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--your baby will be ok!

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s 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.
• Screen for post-partum depression.
  

Immunizations:

• Pentacel#1 (DTaP, HIB, IPV)
• Prevnar#1
• Rotavirus#1

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Post Partum Depression Assessment
• 2 month developmental screening (ASQ)

Helpful Info:

• Colic
• Crying and Your Baby: How to Calm a Fussy or Colicky Baby

Your baby is becoming more active and verbal. Be careful not to leave your baby unattended, especially on a bed, couch or changing table. They move faster than you think!



Babies need only breast milk or formula for the first 4-6 months of life. Don not give any water yet.  We will talk at this appointment about the appropriate time to introduce solid foods and what foods to introduce first. Feeding first foods can be lots of fun (or your baby may not love it at first!) but the majority of your baby's calories will still come from breast milk or formula. 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.
• Discuss when to start feeding your baby solid foods.
• Screen for post-partum depression.
• Monitor your baby's development.
  

Immunizations:

• Pentacel#2 (DTaP, HIB, IPV)
• Prevnar#2
• Rotavirus#2

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Post Partum Depression Assessment
• 4 month developmental screening (ASQ)

Helpful Info:

• Starting Solid Foods

Your baby will begin to move more and will be able to sit up with support 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. You can start introducing water in a sippy cup at meal time for preactice. 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.
• Screen for post-partum depression.
• Monitor your baby's development
  

Immunizations:

• Pentacel#3 (DTaP, HIB, IPV)
• Prevnar#3
• Rotavirus#3
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Post Partum Depression Assessment
• 6 month Developemental screening (ASQ)
• Fluoride Varish (if your baby has teeth)

Helpful Info:

• Teething

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. Make sure your home is baby-proofed well but nothing replaces close supervision. This is a messy time! Have fun and be patient. Start playing games like pee-a-boo and reading to your baby daily. If your baby is outgrowing the infant care seat you can transition to a rear-facing stationary seat. 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Discuss your baby's upcoming dental care. Your baby should start seeing a dentist around 1 year of age. You should be brushing your child's teeth with an infant toothbrush and a very tiny (rice-size) smear of fluoride toothpaste. 
  

Immunizations:

• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• 9 month developmental screening (ASQ)
• Fluoride Varnish (if your baby has teeth).

Helpful Info:

• Teething

At this age your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to whole cow’s milk. However, it is healthy to continue breast milk if that is what you prefer. Most babies need 3 meals, 2-3 snacks per day, and no more than 16-20 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. Avoid whole nuts, popcorn until age 4. Round foods (grapes, cherry tomatoes, hot dogs) should be cut in half or quarters. 

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!



Your baby will be outgrowing the infant carrier car seat if he/ she hasn't already. Continue to have your baby in a rear-facing car seat at least until age 2.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth.
• Screen your baby for vision abnormalities with our ocular photoscreen device
• Monitor your baby's development and eating habits
  

Immunizations:

• MMR#1
• VAR#1
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Lead test
• Hemoglobin (iron) test
• Fluoride Varnish
• Vision Photoscreen

Helpful Info:

• Playing Is How Toddlers Learn

Your child may be able to climb and run, so be sure to safety proof your home. Your child may be able to reach table tops and counters so make sure there are no hot liquids (coffee, soup etc) or sharp objects (knives, scissors) near the edge that your child can reach. If your baby takes a bottle now is a good time to transition to a cup. This can be done "cold turkey" or replacing one bottle at a time with a cup over a few weeks. This process is usually harder for parents than babies! If your baby refuses to drink milk from a cup that is ok as long as he/ she is drinking water. We do NOT recommend juice or any other beverages besides whole milk (or plant-base milk substitutes) and water. Juice can lead to dental decay and poor eating habits. 



Poison control is available 24 hours a day: 1-800-222-1222 - keep this number handy in your cell phone and on your refrigerator.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.
• Monitor your baby's developement
• Review healthy eating habits
  

Immunizations:

• HepA#1
• Prevnar#4
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info:

• Choking Prevention and First Aid for Infants and Children

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.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your baby’s immunizations.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth.
• Discuss temper tantrums.
  

Immunizations:

• DTaP#4
• IPV#4
• HIB#4
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• 18 month developmental screening (ASQ)
• MCHAT Questionnaire (Autism screening)
• Lead Surveillance
• Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info:

• Is Your Toddler Communicating With You?

At this age your two 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. Your toddler should be doing lots of hands-on interactive playing and exploring. 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s development with you using the MCHAT (Autism screening tool) questionnaire.
• Test for lead exposure with a finger prick in the office.
• Screen your baby for vision abnormalities with our ocular photoscreen device.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.
• Discuss toilet training and time out.
  

Immunizations:

• HepA#2
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• 24 month developmental screening (ASQ)
• MCHAT Questionnaire (autism screening)
• Hemoglobin (iron) test
• Lead test
• Fluoride Varnish
• Vision Photoscreen

Helpful Info:

• Playground Safety

Your baby is not really a baby anymore!. One moment he/she may seem so big and the next still very small. This is the "do-it-myself time." Embrace your child's independence and assertiveness--while this may seem challenging now these are good life-long skills! 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and record on a growth curve
• Evaluate your child’s development 
• Discuss dental health (if they have not yet seen a dentist, they should!)
• Discuss healthy meals/snacks, avoid food pouches and avoid juice
  

Immunizations:

• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Ages & Stages Developmental Screening

Helpful Info:

• Snacks for Toddlers

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. Three year olds are starting to learn how to play simple board games--do not let your child always win but rather teach him/ her how to lose graciously--this is an important skill to learn early on. Emphasize the fun you had playing the game rather than winning or losing. Limit the amount of screen time your child has to one hour or less per day. Avoid hand-held electronics like tablets and phones which can quickly become very habit-forming and lead to negative behaviors. 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.
  

Immunizations:

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Lead Surveillance
• Oral Health Surveillance
• Vision Testing
• Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info:

• Toilet Training

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. Keep your child in a 5-point harness car seat at least until age 5 even if he/ she meets minimum height and weight requirements for a booster seat (most four year olds are not developmentally ready to be in booster seats). 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Provide your child's immunizations.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.
  

Immunizations:

• MMR#2
• VAR#2
• Quadracel (DTaP, IPV)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Lead Surveillance
• Oral Health Surveillance
• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing
• Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info:

• Encourage Your Child to Be Physically Active

At this age your child needs more independence, however, you need to set clear limits. A regular bedtime and evening routine are important. Be a great role model. Show an interest in what they are learning. Spend quality time, uninterrupted with your child every day, even if it seems like only a short time. Ask your child to tell you some favorite parts of his/ her day.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s speech and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition.
• Discuss kindergarten readiness.
• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.
  

Immunizations:

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Lead Surveillance
• Oral Health Surveillance
• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing
• Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info:

• Bedtime - The Four B's

Encourage good learning by helping your child organize a distraction-free time to do homework and ensuring plenty of sleep each night. Teach your child what to do if there is a fire and have practice fire drills. 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Screen your child's hearing and vision.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition.
• Review screen time 
• Review safety issues.
  

Immunizations:

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Lead Surveillance
• Oral Health Surveillance
• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing

Helpful Info:

• Helping Children Help Themselves

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! Make sure your child contintinues to ride in a booster seat in the car and wear a helmet when riding bikes and scooters.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise, nutrition and screen time.
• Review safety issues.
  

Immunizations:

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Vision Surveillance
• Hearing Surveillance

Helpful Info:

• Growing Up Healthy: Fat, Cholesterol, and More

Positive self-image is important as your child begins to enter the changes that come with puberty. Empower your child to feel good about him/herself. Praise his/ her effort more than the outcome. 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
• Screen your child's vision and hearing
• Review your child’s school performance and development
• Discuss involvement in activities
• Discuss sleep, exercise and nutrition
• Review safety issues
  

Immunizations:

• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing

Helpful Info:

• Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem

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 and being more independent with hygiene and bathing. He or she may also start reading independently for pleasure.  Your child should continue to ride in a booster seat in the back seat of car until he/ she is 4'9" tall.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise, nutrition, screen time.
• Review safety issues.
  

Immunizations:

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Vision Surveillance
• Hearing Surveillance

Helpful Info:

• The Benefits and Tricks to Having a Family Dinne

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, but limit screen time to 2 hours per day. Family mealtime is important to keeping communication open and fostering healthy lives. Your child should remain in a booster seat in the back seat of car until he/ she is 4'9" tall.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
• Screen your child's vision and hearing
• Review your child’s school performance and development
• Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships
• Discuss sleep, exercise and nutrition
• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur
  

Immunizations:

• Tdap #1
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing
• Lipid Profile (finger prick blood test)

Helpful Info:

• The Benefits and Tricks to Having a Family Dinner

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. Your child should ride in the back seat of the car until age 13.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition.
• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
  

Immunizations:

• MCV#1
• HPV#1 (series of 2; 11-12 years)
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Vision Surveillance
• Hearing Surveillance

Helpful Info:

• Substance Abuse Prevention

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. Your child should ride in the back seat of the car until age 13.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Screen your child's vision.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
  

Immunizations:

• HPV#2 
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Adolescent Depression Screening
• Vision Testing

Helpful Info:

• Establishing Chores and Routines

Even though friends are becoming more important at this age, having a caring adult to provide a listening ear and to provide accurate health information is equally important. Foster open communication with your child. 



During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.
  

Immunizations:

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Vision Surveillance
• Hearing Surveillance
• Adolescent behavior and depression

Helpful Info: 

• Teens
• Behavior

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. 



During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
  

Immunizations:

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Vision Surveillance
• Hearing Surveillance
• Adolescent behavior and depression screening

Helpful Info: 

• Teens
• Behavior

Your teen 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. 



During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight and length and record on a growth curve.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Review your child’s school performance.
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
  

Immunizations:

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Adolescent behavior and depression screening
• Vision Testing

Helpful Info: 

• Teens
• Behavior

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. Keep the lines of communication open and give your child additional responsibility while being present for them when they inevitably make mistakes. Be supportive and allow him/ her to develop resilience and self-pride.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your teen’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your teen is participating in sports, please bring any forms to the appointment)
• Review your teen’s school performance and development
• Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships/dating
• Discuss sleep, exercise and nutrition.
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.)
  

Immunizations:

• MCV4#2
• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Vision Testing
• Hearing Testing
• Urine Chlamydia screen (all females)

Helpful Info: 

• A Message to Parents of Teen Drivers

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 your young-adult during this time but also maintaining boundaries and household rules.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Review your child’s school performance.
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
  

Immunizations:

• MenB (optional)
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Vision Surveillance
• Hearing Surveilllance
• Adolescent behavior and depression Screening
• Urine Chlamydia Screen (all females)

Helpful Info: 

• Teens
• Behavior

Your child is now transitioning to adult life! He/she will still look to you for support and guidance, but will be more on his/ her own when it comes to decision making. Your child should learn how to schedule their own medical appointments though parents are still welcome to attend if desired.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure weight, height and body mass index
• 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.
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
• Start discussing transitioning care to an adult healthcare provider (by age 22).
  

Immunizations:

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Hearing and vision surveilllance
• Adolescent behavior and depression Screening
• Urine Chlamydia Screen (all females)

Helpful Info: 

• Teens
• Behavior