Child health and well visits

From the moment they’re born, children depend on us to help nurture their growth and development. Parents, extended family, health care providers and others may all play a role in supporting a child's physical, mental and social well-being. Regular wellness checks, screenings and tests help support your child's health. These checkups help track your child's development so you can understand how to help them as they grow. Read on for key information and resources to help you navigate your child’s health from birth to age 10. 

Understanding child development

Young children grow and develop quickly. (Ask any parent.) Before you know it, you’ll be putting 10 candles on the cake and asking yourself where the time went. Regular well-child visits help you keep up with that fast growth to make sure it’s healthy and on track. Some topics you’ll cover include vaccines (immunizations) and important screenings for each stage in child development, and when to schedule regular preventive care visits throughout childhood. Read on to learn more about these well-child visits and what to know to help keep on top of your child’s health care needs. 

Vaccines at well-child visits

During a well-child visit, your child’s care provider will explain which vaccines your child is able to get. Vaccines may help reduce the risk of infection by working with the body's natural defenses to help safely develop immunity to disease. Some vaccines, like a flu shot, may be recommended on a yearly basis. Other vaccines may be recommended based on your child’s age. Your child’s provider can help you better understand the vaccination schedule so you can decide what’s best for your family.  

Learn more about childhood vaccines 

What to ask at well-child well visits

As your child grows, it’s important to schedule regular checkups with your health care provider. When you’re a parent of a baby — whether it’s your first child or not — you may have questions about how to best prepare for these visits. Get tips on how to have a more helpful appointment for your baby — and learn how to be prepared for what will happen at those early childhood appointments.

Get your child well visit checklist

Get your preventive care checklists

Preventive care is important at all ages. Making preventive visits part of your family’s routine can set your child up for success in their own health care journey. You can view checklists for preventive care visits at every age, from 1 month to adulthood. 

Learn about preventive care visits and checklists 

What to know about child well visits from birth to age 10

The American Academy of Pediatrics provides lots of details about what you can expect during each appointment. Read on for a general idea of what your provider will offer during your well-child visits, and what kinds of things you’ll talk about. 

Well-child visits and development 0 to 24 months  

Well-child visits those first 2 years of life happen somewhat often. This is to make sure your little one is healthy and hitting developmental milestones, like crawling, walking and talking. Plus, these visits are time for you to discuss questions or concerns with your child’s provider.1  

Well-child visits and development 2 to 4 years 

The early toddler years are here! Well-child visits 2 to 4 years s tart to follow an annual schedule, like the yearly wellness checks you may be used to yourself. Read on for what to expect during each visit.2 

Well-child visits and development 5 to 10 years

These adventurous, creative and independent youngsters still need regular wellness checks with their doctor. Their social and emotional development is in full motion, so these visits may likely cover your children’s whole well-being beyond their physical health. Read on for what to expect during each visit.3 

Well visits for preteens and teens 

As your child moves into their preteen and teenage years, staying on top of their health can help ease some of the transitions and big changes happening during this time. Regular wellness checks can reassure your child that everything happening to them physically, mentally and emotionally is normal (and healthy!).  

Learn how to support your preteen’s or teen’s health

Quiz: How much do you know about child well visits?

What are the benefits of child well visits and vaccines? There’s a lot of conflicting information out there. See if you can tell fact from fiction with this quiz.

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Resources to support your child

Most health insurance plans are required to cover preventive care, which includes child well visits. As long as your child sees a network provider and the visit only covers preventive care, these visits won’t cost you anything out of pocket.   

  • Most health plans cover early child well visits or provide assistance. Call the number on your insurance card for more information.  

  • If you’re 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, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.4 

  • If you need help getting to an appointment, or getting formula or healthy food, call the number on your insurance card. 

  • If you’re having a hard time getting food or experiencing unemployment, your care provider may be able to connect you with resources that can help. 

Need to find a provider?

If you’re a UnitedHealthcare member, view our network of pediatricians, family doctors and behavioral health providers.

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