What to expect at your baby’s well-child visits

Before you leave the hospital, we’ll schedule several follow-up appointments with you and your baby. At these “well-child” visits, we’ll measure their height and weight and make sure they’re healthy. You’ll get a chance to ask your baby’s clinician any questions you have.

Choosing the right pediatrician

If this is your first baby, you may wonder how to pick a pediatrician. Kaiser Permanente members can browse through a directory of clinicians on kp.org. There you can learn about their personal and professional backgrounds. The Appointment and Advice line can also help you find a clinician for your child.

When you find a clinician you like, schedule a “getting to know you” visit to see if it’s a good fit. You can also ask another clinician or friends and family members for recommendations.

Switching pediatricians

You can switch to a new clinician at any time. Your baby’s electronic health record follows them wherever they go in our system. Just make an appointment with another physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.

What to expect at a well-child visit

Your baby’s first well-child visit will usually be scheduled for when they’re 3 to 5 days old. Your clinician will review the results of any screening tests your baby had in the hospital. They will also give your baby the Hepatitis B vaccine if it wasn’t already given at the hospital.

At every well-child visit, your baby’s clinician will ask you how your baby is doing, weigh them, measure them, and do a physical exam.

Here’s a look at the well-child visit and immunization schedule through 6 months of age:

• 1 month old: Your baby may be given a second dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine at this or the next appointment.
• 2 months old: Your baby will receive several immunizations. These guard against rotavirus, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pneumococcus, and pertussis (whooping cough). Some can be combined so your baby receives fewer shots.
• 4 months old: Your baby will receive boosters of the shots received at 2 months old. They will also be screened for anemia.
• 6 months old: Your baby will receive more booster shots. A flu shot is also recommended for all children 6 months of age.