Well child visits

Make sure your child is happy and healthy at every age.

Page last updated on: 3/29/25

Scheduling regular well-child visits is important to your son or daughter’s health and development.

What are well-child visits?

They’re regular checkups for children, beginning at birth through early adulthood. Each checkup monitors your child’s growth, development and overall health - and they’re the easiest way to vaccinate your child.

As your child grows, the number of well-child visits will change. So will the reason for scheduling the visit. But remember, they’re all important to your child’s health. Here’s a look at what to expect at each stage of the well-child journey.

Birth – 2 years old: It’s recommended that children have six doctor visits within the first 15 months of life.

3 – 6 years old: Children at this age need a check-up once a year.

7 – 12 years old: Kids this age need a checkup at least once every two years. Some doctors may be willing to combine this with a sports physical if required.

13 – 17 years old: Teens need one doctor visit each year. Some doctors may be willing to combine this with a sports physical if required.

18 – 21 years old: Young adults should still see a doctor once a year for a preventive care visit.

Learn more about well-child visits

Developmental screening

Know if your child is learning basic skills on time. Your child's doctor may ask questions or play with your baby to see how he/she moves, behaves and reacts to things. They’ll also check for important milestones throughout your child’s first two years such as waving, smiling, talking, crawling, etc. These help the doctor look for any possible developmental delays.

Body Mass Index (BMI) screening

The doctor will check BMI, as well as measure your child’s height and weight at each visit. This is done to give the doctor a better idea of how your baby is growing compared to the average.

Lead poisoning tests

Lead is a toxic chemical often found in paint chips and dust in older homes. It can be harmful to your child. Since lead poisoning doesn’t always cause symptoms, it’s important to test for it in children at 12 months old and then again at 24 months old. The earlier lead is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Talk to your child’s doctor about scheduling a lead poisoning test. Or contact your local Health Department or WIC office. It’s important to your child’s health. You may qualify for a $10 gift card for completing this screening.*

Learn more about childhood lead exposure.

Flu shots and other immunizations

Getting a flu shot is just as important to your little one as it is to you. Starting at 6 months, your baby can receive a flu shot. To learn more about the flu shot and other important vaccines to keep your child healthy, see our Preventive Health Care Guidelines.

*Complete a lead poisoning test for your child before your child’s second birthday. The gift card will be mailed. Please allow four months for processing.
Use your prepaid Visa card for groceries and other items within six months of getting it to avoid paying fees. The prepaid Visa card is not redeemable for cash or usable at any ATM. Terms and conditions apply to the card. Subject to applicable law, a monthly maintenance fee of $3 (USD) applies but is waived for the first six months after the card is issued. Your card is a prepaid card issued by MetaBankTM pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Cards can be used at any store that accepts Visa debit cards. 

Developmental screening

Know if your child is learning basic skills on time. Your child's doctor may ask questions or play with your baby to see how he/she moves, behaves and reacts to things. They’ll also check for important milestones throughout your child’s first two years such as waving, smiling, talking, crawling, etc. These help the doctor look for any possible developmental delays.

Body Mass Index (BMI) screening

The doctor will check BMI, as well as measure your child’s height and weight at each visit. This is done to give the doctor a better idea of how your baby is growing compared to the average.

Lead poisoning tests

Lead is a toxic chemical often found in paint chips and dust in older homes. It can be harmful to your child. Since lead poisoning doesn’t always cause symptoms, it’s important to test for it in children at 12 months old and then again at 24 months old. The earlier lead is detected, the easier it is to treat.

Talk to your child’s doctor about scheduling a lead poisoning test. Or contact your local Health Department or WIC office. It’s important to your child’s health. You may qualify for a $10 gift card for completing this screening.*

Learn more about childhood lead exposure.

Flu shots and other immunizations

Getting a flu shot is just as important to your little one as it is to you. Starting at 6 months, your baby can receive a flu shot. To learn more about the flu shot and other important vaccines to keep your child healthy, see our Preventive Health Care Guidelines.

*Complete a lead poisoning test for your child before your child’s second birthday. The gift card will be mailed. Please allow four months for processing.
Use your prepaid Visa card for groceries and other items within six months of getting it to avoid paying fees. The prepaid Visa card is not redeemable for cash or usable at any ATM. Terms and conditions apply to the card. Subject to applicable law, a monthly maintenance fee of $3 (USD) applies but is waived for the first six months after the card is issued. Your card is a prepaid card issued by MetaBankTM pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Cards can be used at any store that accepts Visa debit cards. 

Developmental screening

Your child's doctor may ask questions or play with your child to see if they’re learning basic skills on time. They’ll see how he/she moves, behaves and reacts to things. They’ll also check for important milestones throughout your child’s early years such as waving goodbye, walking or smiling. Screenings also help the doctor look for any possible developmental delays that can make it hard for your child to learn when they start school.

Body Mass Index (BMI) screening

The doctor will check BMI. They’ll also measure your child’s height and weight at each visit. This gives the doctor a better idea of how your child is growing compared to the average.

Flu shots and other immunizations

Getting a flu shot is just as important to your child as it is to you, starting at 6 months. To learn more about the flu shot and other important vaccines to keep your child healthy, see our Preventive Health Care Guidelines.

Your child needs one doctor visit each year. Some doctors may be willing to combine this visit with a sports physical exam if needed.

Body changes and BMI: What’s your child’s number?

In addition to height and weight your doctor may check your child’s Body Mass Index. BMI screenings can reveal more than your child’s body fat. They can also assess their risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers. That’s why it’s important that your doctor keep seeing your child for well-child visits—even if they’re starting to seem less like children.

Managing feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and stress

It's normal for your child to have feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and stress from time to time. Here are some ways to help them manage those feelings:

  • Ensure they’re getting plenty of sleep and exercise while managing a healthy diet.
  • Talk and listen to your child. Reassure them that they’re not alone. Encourage them to talk with people who care, such as family and friends, when they’re feeling down.

Talk to their doctor if your child’s feelings of anxiety or depression aren’t manageable or don’t appear to get better.

Are your child’s immunizations up to date?

Check out our Preventive Health Care Guidelines or ask their doctor.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Michigan residents 12 and older are eligible. You may wish to schedule your child for a vaccine to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Schedule your child’s vaccine based on the county you live in.
  • You pay $0. The vaccine, including the first and second dose, is covered. See details.

Teens need one doctor visit each year. Some doctors may be willing to combine this visit with a sports physical exam if needed.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Michigan residents 12 and older are eligible. We recommend that your teen get a vaccine to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Schedule your child’s vaccine based on the county you live in.
  • You pay $0. The vaccine, including the first and second dose, is covered. See details.

Body changes and BMI: What’s your teen’s number?

By age 13, BMI screenings can reveal more than your teen’s body fat. They can also assess their risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers. That’s why it’s important your doctor keep seeing your teen for well-child visits—even if they’re starting to seem less like children.

Managing feelings of anxiety, nervousness and stress

It's normal for your teen to have feelings of anxiety, nervousness, and stress from time to time. Here are some ways to help them manage those feelings:

  • Remind your teen that a balanced life is a healthy life: ensure they’re getting plenty of sleep and exercise while managing a healthy diet.
  • Thinking positively can go a long way during times of uncertainty. Help your teen set positive goals and develop a plan to help them achieve more.
  • Tell them about the long-lasting negative effects of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco.
  • Talk and listen to your teen. Reassure them that they’re not alone. Encourage them to talk with people who care, such as family and friends, when they’re feeling down.

Talk to their doctor if your teen’s feelings of anxiety or depression aren’t manageable or don’t appear to get better.

Are your teen's immunizations up to date?

Check out our Preventive Health Care Guidelines or ask their doctor.

As you enter adulthood, you should still see your doctor once a year for a preventive care visit. This may be the time to switch from your pediatrician to a Primary Care Physician (PCP) for continued care.

COVID-19 Vaccine

Michigan residents age 12 and older are eligible. We recommend that you get a vaccine to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

  • Schedule your vaccine based on the county you live in.
  • You pay $0. The vaccine, including the first and second dose, is covered. See details.

Are your immunizations up to date?

Shots aren’t just for kids. Check out our Preventive Health Care Guidelines or ask your doctor.

BMI: What’s your number?

Body mass index (BMI) tells whether or not your weight is right for your height. It also gives an idea of how much body fat you have and assesses your risk of someday developing diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.

Navigating the real world

What lies ahead for your future? Are you headed out into the workforce, planning on attending college or joining the military? With new responsibilities can come new hurdles. It’s normal to have feelings of anxiety, nervousness and stress from time to time.  Which is why it’s important to make smart decisions for you and your future.

Here are some tips to develop healthy habits and help you manage any feelings of uneasiness.

  • A balanced life is a healthy life. Make sure to get plenty of sleep and exercise. Additionally, making positive food choices can help give you the energy you need to be successful in all areas of your life.
  • Practice self-care in all aspects of your life, including your physical, mental and sexual health.
  • Avoiding substances that have a long-lasting negative effect on the body such as alcohol, drugs or tobacco.
  • Thinking positive can go a long way during times of uncertainty. Set positive goals and develop a plan to help reach them.
  • You’re not alone. We encourage you to talk with people who care, such as family and friends, when you’re feeling down.

If your feelings of anxiety don't seem to go away, talk to your doctor about getting support.

Looking for a new primary care doctor (PCP)?

Log in to your member account to use our Find a Doctor tool to find the best fit.

Want a ride to or from your appointment?

Or want to be reimbursed if you drive yourself? Learn more about how to use our transportation services.

Looking for a new primary care doctor (PCP)?

Log in to your member account to use our Find a Doctor tool to find the best fit.

Want a ride to or from your appointment?

Or want to be reimbursed if you drive yourself? Learn more about how to use our transportation services.

4001-13 Approved MHC 11022020