A healthy start begins here.

Well Child Checks are an essential part of every child’s early life. From the moment your baby is born through their first year — and at regular milestones beyond — these visits help ensure your little one is growing well, staying healthy, and meeting key developmental stages. They also provide important opportunities for immunizations, preventive care, and ongoing support from your pediatric team.

At Kaniksu Community Health, we value the long‑term relationships we build with families. We’re here not just for the early days, but throughout childhood and adolescence, offering consistent, compassionate care every step of the way. In this guide, you’ll learn what to expect during Well Child Checks, how to schedule them, and how to help your child get the very best start in life.

A smiling baby is held by its mother while a provider examines the baby with a stethoscope .

1 month

At your baby’s 1‑month visit, the provider will check the fontanels (the soft spots on the head) and assess head shape, along with reviewing results from your baby’s newborn screening tests. This appointment also includes monitoring growth, weight gain, and vital signs to make sure your little one is progressing well.

Your baby may receive a second hepatitis B vaccine at this visit — the first dose is typically given at birth, and the second can be administered at either the 1‑ or 2‑month checkup. Your provider will also ask about early developmental signs such as head control and vocalizations.

Just as importantly, your well‑being matters too. You’ll be screened for postpartum depression at this visit and at subsequent appointments through your baby’s 6‑month check, ensuring you have the support you need during this transition.

2 month

At your baby’s 2‑month visit, your provider will monitor growth, weight gain, and vital signs to ensure healthy development. They’ll also assess posture and early milestones by asking about head control, pushing up during tummy time, and whether your baby is beginning to smile socially.

During this visit, you have the option for your baby to receive their first doses of several important immunizations, including DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B), IPV (polio), PCV (pneumococcal disease), and the oral rotavirus (RV) vaccine. These vaccinations help protect your little one from serious illnesses early in life.

4 month

At your baby’s 4‑month visit, the provider will continue to monitor growth, weight gain, and vital signs to be sure development is on track. They’ll also ask about new skills such as vocalizing, reaching or grasping with their hands, and other emerging milestones. Your baby’s gums will be examined as well, and you’ll receive guidance on caring for those first teeth once they appear.

During this appointment, you have the option for your baby to receive the next series of routine immunizations, including rotavirus, a second DTaP dose, and additional IPV, Hib, and PCV vaccines. These vaccines help protect your little one from serious illnesses during these important early months.

6 month

At your baby’s 6‑month visit, the provider will continue to monitor growth, weight gain, and vital signs toensure your little one is developing well. This is also an important time to talk about readiness for solid foods, as well as emerging milestones like rolling over, sitting with support, and babbling.
Your baby will typically receive the next set of recommended immunizations at this visit, which may include the third doses of hepatitis B, DTaP, Hib, PCV, and IPV, along with the final oral rotavirus vaccine. These vaccines provide continued protection during a crucial stage of early development.

9 month

At your baby’s 9‑month visit, the provider will check on growth, weight gain, and vital signs to ensure your little one is progressing well. They’ll also look for new teeth and talk with you about key developmental milestones, such as crawling or pulling to stand, early vocabulary sounds, and fine motor skills like grasping small objects.

Your baby may be eligible for additional immunizations they’re due for at this appointment, including the flu shot during flu season. Because many babies become more mobile around this age, your provider will also discuss the importance of baby-proofing your home to help keep your growing explorer safe.

12 month

At your baby’s 12‑month visit, the provider will monitor growth, weight, and vital signs, while also checking in on key developmental milestones. You may be asked about early speech sounds, pointing or gesturing, and your child’s ability to stand or take supported steps. You have the option for your baby to receive important immunizations around this age. These may include:

  • MMR and varicella vaccines (typically given between 12–15 months, with booster doses at 4–6 years)
  • The first hepatitis A vaccine (administered between 12–23 months)
  • The fourth Hib vaccine
  • The fourth PCV vaccine (usually between 12–15 months)
  • Some vaccines may be given during this appointment or scheduled between now and the 15‑month visit, depending on your child’s needs and vaccination schedule.

15 month

At your child’s 15‑month visit, the provider will continue to track growth, weight, and vital signs, while also checking in on important developmental milestones. You may be asked about speech progress, pointing and gestures, independent standing or walking, and other new skills. The provider will also examine for new teeth and assess hearing and vision.

Your child may receive several immunizations at this appointment, depending on their schedule, including DTaP, Hib, PCV, MMR, hepatitis A, varicella, and the flu vaccine (during flu season). These vaccines help keep your child protected as they become more active and explore the world around them.

18 month

During the 18-month check-up, the provider will monitor child’s growth rate and vital signs. They will offer DTaP and hepatitis A immunizations, and catch up on any missed immunizations. Your provider will also ask about your toddler’s sleeping, eating, potty-training readiness, walking, and ability to follow simple commands. Questions you may have:

  • How will I know when my child is ready to begin toilet training?
  • Is it OK to use time-outs?
  • What’s the best way to calm them when they’re upset?
  • What are some ideas for ways to play with them?
  • Should my child watch TV or videos or use other digital media?
  • How often should I read to my toddler?