Annual Checkups Q&A

Annual checkups and exams help to ensure that your child is growing and developing as they should. At the Northwestern Children’s Practice in Chicago, our doctors, nurse practitioners, and nurses assist parents and children from throughout the Chicagoland area by providing these important exams.

What happens during an annual checkup?

An annual checkup is performed to assess the growth and health of a child or adolescent. This is very important during the early stages of development. A complete physical exam will also be part of each checkup, and can help spot any issues before they become serious. The Northwestern Children's Practice offers comprehensive care from infancy through adolescence and works to educate parents on how to raise a healthy, loving child in addition to educating children on developing healthy habits The practice follows the recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care created by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Screenings at annual checkups for babies will include development, growth (including weight, length, and head circumference), hearing, and anemia. Vision may also be tested. Screenings for children and adolescents can include development, behavioral and mental health, school concerns, weight, height, BMI, blood pressure (for children three and older), anemia, lead, vision, hearing, and cholesterol tests.

What information is provided at an annual checkup?

During the exam, parents will receive information about:

  • Sleep

  • Safety

  • Childhood diseases and vaccinations

  • Growth and development

Before the exam, writing down a list of questions can be very helpful. The doctor will compare the child’s development to regular milestones. These metrics are used to determine if development is on schedule. They can also help to identify areas of concern. The doctor will likely go over additional health topics including education, family relationships, overall well-being, and access to community services.

How should the visits be scheduled?

Well-child checkups will typically begin several days after discharge and again at two weeks. Following these visits, it is suggested that parents bring their child into the office according to the schedule below:

  • 2 months

  • 4 months

  • 6 months

  • 9 months

  • 12 months

  • 15 months

  • 18 months

  • 2 years (24 months)

  • 2 ½ years (30 months)

  • 3 years (36 months)

  • Then every year until young adulthood

 

Follow ups may be conducted more frequently if there is a concern or if special treatment is required.