Wellness Checks — Preventive Care at Every Age

A regular wellness check is the single most powerful tool we have for keeping children healthy. These routine visits give Dr. Barakah Day the chance to track your child’s growth and development over time, keep vaccines on schedule, catch concerns before symptoms ever appear, and answer every parenting question you’ve been saving up. Prevention is always simpler than treatment — and regular wellness checks are how we stay ahead of problems.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a wellness check at set ages from birth onward. At Happy Days Pediatrics, we follow that schedule closely while making sure every family gets the time and attention they need. No one leaves a wellness check with questions still unanswered.

A wellness check looks different at every age. A two-week visit centers on newborn feeding, weight gain, and how parents are adjusting. A one-year visit covers early milestones and first steps. A ten-year visit turns to puberty and how school is going. We shape every visit around your child’s age and individual needs — never a one-size-fits-all checklist. Parents can learn more about recommended preventive care by reviewing the Bright Futures Preventive Care Guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics

What happens at a wellness check

Height, weight, head circumference (for infants), and BMI, tracked on your child's growth chart
Blood pressure check (starting at age 3)
Age-appropriate vision and hearing screening
Developmental and behavioral milestone review
Autism screening at 18 and 24 months
Depression and anxiety screening for adolescents
Vaccine review and any doses due on the CDC schedule
Oral health guidance
Nutrition, activity, and sleep counseling
A look ahead at what to expect before the next visit
Unhurried time for your questions — we build the visit around it

Recommended wellness check schedule

Newborn (3–5 days after birth)

2 weeks

2 months

4 months

6 months

9 months

12 months

15 months

18 months

24 months

30 months

3 years — then annually through age 21

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a wellness check take?

We schedule enough time for each visit to be thorough, not rushed. Most wellness checks run 30 to 45 minutes depending on your child’s age and how many questions you bring. You should never feel hurried out the door.

What should I bring to a well-child visit?

Bring your child’s immunization records if you have them, your insurance card, a photo ID, and a written list of any questions or concerns. Writing questions down beforehand helps make sure you don’t forget anything important once you’re in the room.

Does my child need to fast beforehand?

No. Fasting isn’t required for a routine wellness check. If lab work is ordered — cholesterol screening at certain ages, for example — we’ll let you know ahead of time whether fasting is needed.

My child seems perfectly healthy. Do we still need to come in?

Yes — and that’s exactly the point of a wellness check. Many developmental, vision, and health concerns are found during routine visits before any symptom shows up. Vaccines also follow a schedule tied to specific ages, no matter how healthy your child looks. Skipping wellness checks means falling behind on prevention.

Can we combine a wellness check with a sick visit?

Sometimes, yes — it depends on the situation. If your child is sick at the time of a scheduled wellness check, we may need to reschedule the wellness portion. Call us and we’ll figure out the best approach.

What if my child cries or is scared during the visit?

Completely normal and completely expected, especially in young children. Dr. Day and our team are experienced at making children feel as comfortable as possible. We go at the child’s pace and never force anything. Fear of the doctor is something we work through together over time.

Keep your child on track. Call (210) 816-1330 or request a wellness check online.