In the US, most children see a pediatrician (a doctor for children) or a family doctor, from birth until their late teens.
A well-child visit is a regular check-up when the child is healthy. The doctor checks growth, development, hearing, vision and vaccines, and answers your questions.
Babies have many visits in the first two years, then usually once a year.
Most plans cover well-child visits and recommended vaccines at $0 in network.
Schools and sports teams often ask for a yearly physical form signed by the doctor.
Find an in-network pediatrician in your insurance app. Ask: "Are you accepting new patients?"
Bring your child's vaccination record from home, translated if possible, and any health records.
The doctor compares your record with US requirements and plans any catch-up vaccines.
Schools require certain vaccines before a child can start. The list and the exemptions differ by state; see In your state below.
Ask the school which form they need and bring it to the doctor.
Some vaccines need several doses weeks apart, so start early.
Free vaccines for children
The federal Vaccines for Children program gives vaccines at no cost to children who are uninsured, on Medicaid, underinsured, or American Indian or Alaska Native. Participating doctors and health departments may charge a small fee for giving the shot, and must vaccinate even if you cannot pay that fee.
Children can usually join a parent's job or Marketplace plan.
CHIP and Medicaid cover many children in families with modest incomes. Some states cover lawfully present children without the five-year wait. This differs by state. Search insurekidsnow.gov or call 1-877-543-7669.
Call the pediatrician's office first, even at night. Most have a nurse line after hours. Go to the ER or call 911 for trouble breathing, a seizure, a very sleepy child who is hard to wake, or a high fever in a baby under 3 months.
See the family guides for school enrollment and child care.
Waiting until school starts to get vaccines.
Missing baby visits because the child seems healthy.