Doctor Visits
Make the Most of Your Child’s Visit to the Doctor (Ages 1 to 4 Years)
The Basics
Overview
Young children need to see the doctor or nurse for a “well-child visit” 7 times between ages 1 and 4 years.
A well-child visit (also called a checkup) is when you take your child to the doctor to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally. This is different from visits for sickness or injury.
At a well-child visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat. You’ll also have a chance to ask questions about things like your child’s behavior, eating habits, and sleeping habits.
Learn what to expect so you can make the most of each visit.
Well-Child Visits
How often do I need to take my child for well-child visits?
Young children grow quickly, so they need to visit the doctor or nurse regularly to make sure they’re healthy and developing normally.
Children ages 1 to 4 years need to see the doctor or nurse when they’re:
- 12 months old (1 year)
- 15 months old (1 year and 3 months)
- 18 months old (1 year and 6 months)
- 24 months old (2 years)
- 30 months old (2 years and 6 months)
- 3 years old
- 4 years old
If you’re worried about your child’s health, don’t wait until the next scheduled visit — call the doctor or nurse right away.
Child Development
How do I know if my child is growing and developing on schedule?
Your child’s doctor or nurse can help you understand how your child is developing and learning to do new things — like walk and talk. These are sometimes called “developmental milestones.”
Every child grows and develops differently. For example, some children will take longer to start talking than others. Learn more about child development
.
At each visit, the doctor or nurse will what new things your child is learning to do. They may also ask how you’re feeling and if you need any support.
Ages 12 to 18 Months
By age 12 months, most kids:
- Stand by holding on to something
- Walk with help, like by holding on to the furniture
- Call a parent "mama," "dada," or some other special name
- Look for a toy they've seen you hide
Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 12 months.
By age 15 months, most kids:
- Follow simple directions, like "Pick up the toy"
- Show you a toy they like
- Try to use things they see you use, like a cup or a book
- Take a few steps on their own
Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 15 months.
By age 18 months, most kids:
- Make scribbles with crayons
- Look at a few pages in a book with you
- Try to say 3 or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
- Point to show someone what they want
- Walk on their own
- Try to use a spoon
Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 18 months.
Ages 24 to 30 Months
By age 24 months, most kids:
- Notice when others are hurt or upset
- Point to at least 2 body parts, like their nose, when asked
- Try to use knobs or buttons on a toy
- Kick a ball
Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 24 months.
By age 30 months, most kids:
- Name items in a picture book, like a cat or dog
- Play next to or with other kids
- Jump off the ground with both feet
- Take some clothes off by themselves, like loose pants or an open jacket
Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 30 months.
Ages 3 to 4 Years
By age 3 years, most kids:
- Calm down within 10 minutes after you leave them, like at a child care drop-off
- Draw a circle after you show them how
- Ask “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is Daddy?”
- Use a fork
Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 3 years.
By age 4 years, most kids:
- Avoid danger — for example, they don’t jump from tall heights at the playground
- Pretend to be something else during play, like a teacher, superhero, or dog
- Draw a person with 3 or more body parts
- Catch a large ball most of the time
Check out this complete list of milestones for kids age 4 years.
Content last updated July 10, 2024
