| Why does your child need regular check-ups?
 Every child is different, but children generally grow and develop at a similar rate. Your child's primary care provider cares not only about physical health, but about making sure your child is developing normally too. Don't forget that children don't come with a "manual" at birth – your primary care provider can answer questions that you may have, give you the reassurance you need and let you know about the wonderful job you are doing. Your child is special, and we want to give your child every opportunity, with your help, to be as happy and healthy as possible!
What happens at the regular checkups?
Checkups are not just about "getting shots" – it is important to check growth, language development, brain development, and screen your child for potential health problems, such as lead poisoning. By checking your child's body regularly, your primary care provider can reassure you that your child is healthy. It also gives you an opportunity to ask questions, and learn new and different ways of promoting your child's development. Vaccines are also given at certain visits, in order to prevent your child from getting some diseases that can be life threatening.
When should children come in for checkups?
Most children come in at regular intervals for a physical exam, a developmental check-up and vaccines. Younger children have to come in more often because they grow so fast and change so quickly! As your healthy child gets older, you will come in less often.
Here is a typical schedule of when most healthy children should come in for a checkup, but don't forget that every child and family is different!
- 5-6 days of age
- 1 month
- 2 months
- 4 months
- 6 months
- 9 months
- 12 months
- 15 months
- 18 months
- 24 months
- 2 ½ years
- 3 years
- 4 years
- 5 years
- 6 years
- 8 years
- 10 years
- 12 years, and then yearly
For more information:
Pediatric Primary Practice
Ambulatory Care Center, 5th Floor
850 Harrison Avenue
Boston, MA 02118-2393
Appointments:
(617) 414-5946 | 
