Well Child Visits

Prenatal | Newborn | 2 Week | 2 Month | 4 Month | 6 Month | 9 Month | 12 Month | 15 Month | 18 Month | 24 Month | 30 Month | 3-4 Years | 5-12 Years | 13-18 Years

Prenatal

Expectant parents are invited to schedule a prenatal visit with one of our nurses. This is strongly encouraged, especially for families new to our practice, but certainly not required. This is also an opportunity for you to meet staff members and see our office, as well as ask questions.

When your baby is born, the hospital pediatrician will take care of your baby until discharge. You should call NOVA Pediatrics for an appointment the day of discharge.

Important things to keep in mind:

Here are a few things you should do to prepare for your baby’s expected arrival:

Install a rear-facing infant car seat in the back of your car, following the manufacturer's instructions.
Set the hot water heater thermostat lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make sure your crib is safe (slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart).
Keep your prenatal appointments
Do not smoke or use drugs or alcohol while pregnant
Attend childbirth and infant CPR classes

For more information:

Newborn

When your baby is born, please inform the hospital staff that you have chosen NOVA Pediatrics as your pediatrician and they will notify us of your baby's birth. The hospital pediatrician will take care of your baby until discharge.

Once you know when you and your baby will be discharged from the hospital, please make an appointment with our office. That appointment should be scheduled for the day after discharge. Your baby will be seen in our office for a weight and color check. This appointment may also include further blood testing and your baby may also receive an immunization for hepatitis B (if not already done so at the hospital). Our team will answer your questions on nursing, lactation, feeding, infant care, etc. Make a list of questions and bring them to the visit. Learn more about Immunizations .

Important things to keep in mind:

If breastfeeding: Hold your baby and get him/her to latch on properly. Feed on demand 8 - 12 times a day until he/she seems content. Expect 6 - 8 wet diapers daily.
If bottle-feeding: Use iron-fortified formula and review formula preparation as noted on the formula container.
Your newborn should ride in a correctly installed, rear-facing infant car seat in the back seat of your car.
Set the hot water heater thermostat lower than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Make sure your crib is safe (slats no more than 2 3/8 inches apart), no loose bedding, pillows, toys or bumpers should be in the crib.
Put your baby to sleep on his/her back.
Do not smoke or use drugs or alcohol.
Keep your post-partum appointments and your infant pediatric appointments.
Attend infant CPR classes.

For more information, see:

http://www.healthychildren.org
http://www.kidshealth.org
Virginia DMV Passenger/Car Seat Safet y
Recommended book by the American Academy of Pediatrics: "Your Baby's First Year", edited by Steven Shelov, M.D.

Two-Week Visit

At this visit, the provider will talk to you about your baby's growth and development. Your baby will have a physical exam. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. There are no scheduled immunizations or blood work at this visit.

Important things to keep in mind:

Learn signs of illness: fever, seizure, skin rash, lethargy, refusal to eat, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, jaundice, and pauses in breathing.
Never shake your baby.
Do not put the baby to bed with a bottle or prop it in his/her mouth.
Try to console your baby when he/she cries.
Hold, cuddle, rock, talk and sing to your baby.
Put your baby to sleep on his/her back.
Avoid use of soft bedding or toys.
Do not smoke or use drugs or alcohol.
Use an appropriate car safety seat every time your child is in a car.

For detailed immunization and development information, visit www.healthychildren.org and www.kidshealth.org .

Two-Month Visit

At this visit, the provider will talk with you about your baby's growth and development and perform a physical exam. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. Please come with questions prepared, so you make sure to get all the answers you desire. Your baby will receive multiple immunizations at this appointment.

Important things to keep in mind:

Keep small and sharp objects and plastic bags out of reach.
Delay giving solid foods until your baby is 4-6 months old.
Wash your hands often, especially after diapering and feeding your baby.
Learn your baby's temperament.
Always keep one hand on your baby, and do not leave him/her alone in the bathtub or in high places.
Use an appropriate car safety seat every time your child is in a car.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Four-Month Visit

At this visit, the provider will talk with you about your baby's growth and development and perform a physical exam. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions. Your baby will receive Immunizations at this time.

Important things to keep in mind:

Use an appropriate car safety seat every time your child is in a car.
Find time for yourself and your partner to go out without your baby; choose a responsible babysitter.
Childproof your home. Keep medicines, cleaning aids, small or sharp objects, plastic bags, balloons, cords and guns out of your baby's reach.
Do not put your baby in a walker at any age.
Introduce solid foods gradually (one per week). Start with iron-fortified baby cereal, then pureed foods (first fruits/vegetables, then meats).
Establish a bedtime routine. Most babies will be sleeping through the night at this age.
Starting at this age, your child can become spoiled. You do not need to pick him up for every cry.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Six-Month Visit

At this visit, the provider will talk to you about your baby's growth and development and perform a physical exam on your baby. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. Your baby will receive multiple immunizations at this appointment.

Important things to keep in mind:

Use an appropriate car safety seat every time your child is in a car. Place the child in the safety seat in the back seat, rear facing, until age 2.
Keep track of what foods your child is eating and any reactions to them. Do not give your baby any foods that could cause choking, such as peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs, carrot or celery sticks, whole grapes, raisins, whole beans, hard candy, tough meat or large pieces of food.
Ask our provider about infant fluoride supplements (if you live in an area with non-fluorinated water).
Provide opportunities for safe exploration and play games with your baby (peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake).
Childproof your home. Keep medicines, cleaning aids, small or sharp objects, plastic bags, balloons, cords and guns out of your baby's reach.
Do not put your baby in a walker at any age.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Nine-Month Visit

At this visit, the provider will talk to you about your baby's growth and development. Your baby will have a physical exam. You will have an opportunity to ask questions, and your baby will receive one immunization at this visit. You may be asked about your baby's possible exposure to lead. Your baby may be checked for anemia with a blood test.

Important things to keep in mind:

Brush your baby's teeth with a soft toothbrush and water or infant toothpaste only.
Keep track of what foods your child is eating and any reactions to them. Do not give your baby any foods that could cause choking, such as peanuts, popcorn, hot dogs, carrot or celery sticks, whole grapes, raisins, whole beans, hard candy, tough meat or large pieces of food.
Provide opportunities for safe exploration and play games with your baby (peek-a-boo, pat-a-cake).
Childproof your home. Keep medicines, cleaning aids, small or sharp objects, plastic bags, balloons, cords and guns out of your baby's reach.
Do not put your baby in a walker at any age.
Use an appropriate car safety seat every time your child is in a car. Place the child in the safety seat in the back seat, rear facing, until age 2.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Twelve-Month Visit

At this visit, the provider will talk to you about your toddler's growth and development. Your toddler will have a physical exam. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. Your toddler will receive immunizations at this appointment.

Important things to keep in mind:

Your child should remain in a rear-facing car seat until they are at least two years of age and have met the maximum height or weight requirements for the seat.
Supervise your toddler constantly near water and empty tubs, buckets and pools. Children can drown in less than one inch of water.
Use safety gates, cabinet locks and window guards.
Have the poison control number near all phones.
Limit time spent in the sun and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
Switch from formula or breast milk to pasteurized whole milk. Encourage weaning from the bottle by using appropriate sipping cups.
Keep a regular bedtime routine.
Be consistent with discipline techniques.
Choose caregivers carefully and limit the number of people providing care.
Ask our provider about infant fluoride supplements (if you live in an area with non-fluorinated water).

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Fifteen-Month Visit

At this visit, the provider will talk to you about your toddler's growth and development and provide a physical exam for your toddler. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. Your toddler will receive immunizations at this visit.

Important things to keep in mind:

Lower your toddler's crib mattress.
Supervise your toddler constantly near water and empty tubs, buckets and pools.
Use safety gates, cabinet locks, and window guards.
Have the poison control number near all phones.
Limit time spent in the sun and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
Switch from formula or breast milk to pasteurized whole milk. Encourage weaning from the bottle.
Keep a regular bedtime routine.
Be consistent with discipline techniques. Discourage hitting, biting or aggressive behavior.
Choose caregivers carefully and limit the number of people providing care.
Use an appropriate car safety seat every time your child is in a car. Place the child in the safety seat in the back seat, rear facing, until age 2.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Eighteen-Month Visit

Important things to keep in mind:

Use an appropriate car safety seat every time your child is in a car. Place the child in the safety seat in the back seat, rear facing, until age 2.
Keep track of your toddler's playmates and communication skills.
Allow your toddler to experiment with food, eat with his hands and utensils and drink from a cup.
Supervise your toddler constantly near water and empty tubs, buckets and pools.
Use safety gates, cabinet locks, and window guards.
Have the poison control number near all phones.
Limit time spent in the sun and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
Keep a regular bedtime routine.
Be consistent with discipline techniques. Discourage hitting, biting or aggressive behavior. Praise and use "time outs."
Choose caregivers carefully and limit the number of people providing care.
Start encouraging interest in the toilet.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Two-Year Visit

At this visit, the provider will talk to you about your toddler's growth and development and do a physical exam of your toddler. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. Your toddler will receive immunizations at this appointment. This is a great opportunity to address any behavior or development concerns you may have.

Important things to keep in mind:

Begin toilet training when your child is ready.
Give your child healthy foods and allow experimentation, but do not force him to eat.
Switch to lower fat milk instead of whole milk.
Continue to place your child in a safety seat in the back seat.
Expect normal curiosity about body parts.
Keep track of illnesses and injuries.
Limit time spent in the sun and use sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher).
Keep a regular bedtime routine.
Be consistent with discipline techniques. Discourage hitting, biting or aggressive behavior. Praise and use "time outs."
Choose caregivers carefully and limit the number of people providing care.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Thirty-Month Visit

At this visit, the provider will talk to you about your toddler's growth and development and do a physical exam of your toddler. You will have an opportunity to ask questions. Typically, your toddler does not receive immunizations at this visit unless you are on a delayed schedule. This is a great opportunity to address any behavior or developmental concerns you may have.

Important things to keep in mind:

Look for and support signs of readiness for toilet training.
Toddlers have definite food likes and dislikes and their appetites vary from one day to the next.
Milk given should be 2% or Skim
Continue to place your child in a safety seat in the back seat.
Be prepared for negativism at this age. Provide firm but comforting support when the child loses control to help gain an understanding of his/her emotional limits.
Read and sing to your child and play games with blocks, balls and musical toys.
Keep a consistent bedtime and bedtime routine.
Be sure to note good behavior – children thrive on positive reinforcement.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Three to Four-Year Visits

Your child should continue to have annual visits. At these visits, the provider will talk to you about your child's growth and development. Your child will have a physical exam. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and address any behavior or development concerns. Immunizations may be given. Blood work for anemia, a urine test and hearing and vision tests will be done approximately every two years. You will be asked about your family's history of heart disease. Blood pressure will be checked at each visit. Please come prepared to discuss any concerns you may have, or ask any questions.

Important things to keep in mind:

Your child should be toilet trained by this age.
Switch to a belt-positioning booster seat if your child outgrows their car seat.
You should understand the majority of what your child is trying to say.
Your child should understand simple rules.
Provide opportunities for your child to help with household chores.
Reinforce limits.
Know where your child is at all times. Teach him not to talk to strangers.
Teach your child to brush his teeth with a pea-size among of fluoridated toothpaste.
Expect normal curiosity and touching of body parts.
Spend individual time with your child. Limit TV and video time.
Encourage hand washing to decrease the spread of germs.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Five to Twelve-Year Visits

Your child should continue to have annual visits. At these visits, the provider will talk to you about your child's growth and development. Your child will have a physical exam at each annual visit. You will have an opportunity to ask questions and address any behavior or developmental concerns. Immunizations may be given. Blood work for anemia, a urine test and hearing and vision tests will be done approximately every two years. You will be asked about your family's history of heart disease. Blood pressure will be checked at each visit.

Important things to keep in mind:

Be sure your child gets enough sleep (7-10 hours each night)
Limit TV and video viewing to about 1-2 hours each day. Watch programs with your child and discuss them together.
Keep matches, poisons and guns locked up and out of reach.
Encourage healthy food choices.
Encourage self-discipline and impulse control.
Be prepared to discuss sex at your child's level of understanding.
Assign household chores and teach personal responsibility.
Provide personal space.
Know where your child is at all times and provide easy means to keep in touch.
Know your child's friends.
Make sure your child is properly restrained in a car seat or booster seat with a lap/shoulder belt. Children should remain in a booster seats until they reach 4 feet 9 inches (57 inches) tall. Child safety seat should be used in the backseat only.
Keep regular dental visits.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

Thirteen to Eighteen-Year Visits

Your teenager should continue to have annual visits. At these visits, the provider will talk to you and your teenager alone about his growth and development. Your teenager will have a physical exam. Both you and your teenager will have an opportunity to ask questions and address any adolescent concerns. Immunizations may be given. Blood work for anemia, a urine test and hearing and vision tests will be done approximately every two years. You will be asked about your family's history of heart disease. Blood pressure will be checked at each visit. All teenagers must be accompanied to the appointment by a parent, but may be in the exam room alone. Our practice employs specialists in young adult medicine.

Encourage your teenager to:

Limit TV time. Be physically active.
Limit time spent in sun and use sunscreen. Avoid tanning salons.
Always wear a seat belt, follow speed limits and avoid distractions when driving. Do not drink and drive.
Learn how to protect himself/herself from physical, emotional or sexual abuse.
Eat three nutritious meals a day. Choose healthy snacks. Avoid high sugar and fast foods.
Keep regular dental visits.
Talk with people he/she trusts about sexuality, abstinence, contraception, safe sex and STDs.
Respect parental limits and rules.
Identify his/her talents and interests.
Know he/she is never alone.
For girls, visit a gynecologist when she turns 18 or when she is sexually active, whichever comes first. Our staff treats young adults, and gynecology visits can be scheduled in our office.

For detailed immunization, development and safety information, visit www.healthychildren.org or www.kidshealth.org .

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