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Doctor's Visits

Well-child visits are important from the start. Doctors and nurses check baby’s growth and ask about your child's new skills, like walking or talking. You can ask questions, talk about any concerns, and get help with challenges.

As kids get older they need fewer checkups. But it is still important to schedule well-child appointments regularly. Regular checkups and vaccines can prevent many childhood health problems.

Important Milestones

What most babies/children do by this age:

2 Months

Social/Emotional
  • Calms down when spoken to or picked up
  • Looks at your face
  • Seems happy to see you when you walk up to her
  • Smiles when you talk to or smile at them
Cognitive
(learning, thinking, problem-solving)
  • Watches you as you move
  • Looks at a toy for several seconds
Language/Communication
  • Watches you as you move
  • Looks at a toy for several seconds
Movement/Physical Development
  • Holds head up when on tummy
  • Moves both arms and both legs
  • Opens hands briefly

4 Months

Social/Emotional
  • Smiles on their own to get your attention
  • Chuckles (not yet a full laugh) when you try to make her laugh
  • Looks at you, moves, or makes sounds to get or keep your attention
Cognitive
(learning, thinking, problem-solving)
  • If hungry, opens mouth when they see breast or bottle
  • Looks at their hands with interest
Language/Communication
  • Makes sounds like “oooo”, “aahh” (cooing)
  • Makes sounds back when you talk to him
  • Turns head towards the sound of your voice
Movement/Physical Development
  • Holds head steady without support when you are holding them
  • Holds a toy when you put it in their hand
  • Uses their arm to swing at toys
  • Brings hands to mouth
  • Pushes up onto elbows/forearms when on tummy

6 Months

Social/Emotional
  • Knows familiar people
  • Likes to look at themself in a mirror
  • Laughs
Cognitive
(learning, thinking, problem-solving)
  • Puts things in their mouth to explore them
  • Reaches to grab a toy they want
  • Closes lips to show they don’t want more food
Language/Communication
  • Takes turns making sounds with you
  • Blows “raspberries” (sticks tongue out and blows)
  • Makes squealing noises
Movement/Physical Development
  • Rolls from tummy to back
  • Pushes up with straight arms when on tummy
  • Leans on hands to support themself when sitting

9 Months

Social/Emotional
  • Is shy, clingy, or fearful around strangers
  • Shows several facial expressions, like happy, sad, angry, and surprised
  • Looks when you call their name
  • Reacts when you leave (looks, reaches for you, or cries)
  • Smiles or laughs when you play peek-a-boo
Cognitive
(learning, thinking, problem-solving)
  • Looks for objects when dropped out of sight (like their spoon or toy)
  • Bangs two things together
Language/Communication
  • Makes different sounds like “mamamama” and “babababa”
  • Lifts arms up to be picked up
Movement/Physical Development
  • Gets to a sitting position by themself
  • Moves things from one hand to the other hand
  • Uses fingers to “rake” food toward themself
  • Sits without support

It’s time for your baby's developmental screening!

9 months is when your baby is due for their general developmental screening, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ask your baby’s doctor about your baby’s developmental screening.

12 Months

Social/Emotional
  • Plays games with you, like pat-a-cake
Cognitive
(learning, thinking, problem-solving)
  • Puts something in a container, like a block in a cup
  • Looks for things they see you hide, like a toy under a blanket
Language/Communication
  • Waves “bye-bye”
  • Calls a parent “mama” or “dada” or another special name
  • Understands “no” (pauses briefly or stops when you say it)
Movement/Physical Development
  • Pulls up to stand
  • Walks, holding on to furniture
  • Drinks from a cup without a lid, as you hold it
  • Picks things up between thumb and pointer finger, like small bits of food

15 Months

Social/Emotional
  • Copies other children while playing, like taking toys out of a container when another child does
  • Shows you an object they likes
  • Claps when excited
  • Hugs stuffed doll or other toys
  • Shows you affection (hugs, cuddles, or kisses you)
Cognitive
(learning, thinking, problem-solving)
  • Tries to use things the right way, like a phone, cup, or book
  • Stacks at least two small objects, like blocks
Language/Communication
  • Tries to say one or two words besides “mama” or “dada,” like “ba” for ball or “da” for dog
  • Looks at a familiar object when you name it
  • Follows directions given with both a gesture and words. For example, they give you a toy when you hold out your hand and say, “Give me the toy.”
  • Points to ask for something or to get help
Movement/Physical Development
  • Takes a few steps on their own
  • Uses fingers to feed themself some food

18 Months

Social/Emotional
  • Moves away from you, but looks to make sure you are close by
  • Points to show you something interesting
  • Puts hands out for you to wash them
  • Looks at a few pages in a book with you
  • Helps you dress them by pushing arm through sleeve or lifting up foot
Cognitive - Learning + Thinking
  • Copies you doing chores, like sweeping with a broom
  • Plays with toys in a simple way, like pushing a toy car
Language/Communication
  • Tries to say three or more words besides “mama” or “dada”
  • Follows one-step directions without any gestures, like giving you the toy when you say, “Give it to me.”
Movement/Physical Development
  • Walks without holding on to anyone or anything
  • Scribbles
  • Drinks from a cup without a lid and may spill sometimes
  • Feeds themself with their fingers
  • Tries to use a spoon
  • Climbs on and off a couch or chair without help

It’s time for your baby's developmental screening!

18 months is when your baby is due for their general developmental screening and an autism screening, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ask your baby’s doctor about your baby’s developmental screening.

2 Years

Social/Emotional
  • Notices when others are hurt or upset, like pausing or looking sad when someone is crying
  • Looks at your face to see how to react in a new situation
Cognitive - Learning + Thinking
  • Holds something in one hand while using the other hand; for example, holding a container and taking the lid off
  • Tries to use switches, knobs, or buttons on a toy
  • Plays with more than one toy at the same time, like putting toy food on a toy plate
Language/Communication
  • Points to things in a book when you ask, like “Where is the bear?”
  • Says at least two words together, like “More milk.”
  • Points to at least two body parts when you ask them to show you
  • Uses more gestures than just waving and pointing, like blowing a kiss or nodding yes
Movement/Physical Development
  • Kicks a ball
  • Runs
  • Walks (not climbs) up a few stairs with or without help
  • Eats with a spoon

It’s time for your child's developmental screening!

2 years is when your child is due for an autism screening, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ask your child's doctor about your child's developmental screening.

30 Months

Social/Emotional
  • Plays next to other children and sometimes plays with them
  • Shows you what she can do by saying, “Look at me!”
  • Follows simple routines when told, like helping
Cognitive - Learning + Thinking
  • Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food
  • Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something
  • Follows two-step instructions like “Put the toy down and close the door.”
  • Shows they know at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?”
Language/Communication
  • Says about 50 words
  • Says two or more words, with one action word, like “Doggie run”
  • Names things in a book when you point and ask, “What is this?”
  • Says words like “I,” “me,” or “we”
Movement/Physical Development
  • Uses hands to twist things, like turning doorknobs or unscrewing lids
  • Takes some clothes off by himself, like loose pants or an open jacket
  • Jumps off the ground with both feet
  • Turns book pages, one at a time, when you read to them

It’s time for your child's developmental screening!

30 months is when your child is due for general development screening, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Ask your child's doctor about your child's developmental screening.

3 Years

Social/Emotional
  • Calms down within 10 minutes after you leave her, like at a childcare drop off
  • Notices other children and joins them to play
Cognitive - Learning + Thinking
  • Uses things to pretend, like feeding a block to a doll as if it were food
  • Shows simple problem-solving skills, like standing on a small stool to reach something
  • Follows two-step instructions like “Put the toy down and close the door.”
  • Shows they know at least one color, like pointing to a red crayon when you ask, “Which one is red?”
Language/Communication
  • Talks with you in conversation using at least two back-and-forth exchanges
  • Asks “who,” “what,” “where,” or “why” questions, like “Where is mommy/daddy?”
  • Says what action is happening in a picture or book when asked, like “running,” “eating,” or “playing”
  • Says first name, when asked
  • Talks well enough for others to understand, most of the time
Movement/Physical Development
  • Strings items together, like large beads or macaroni
  • Puts on some clothes by himself, like loose pants or a jacket
  • Uses a fork

4 Years

Social/Emotional
  • Pretends to be something else during play (teacher, superhero, dog)
  • Asks to go play with children if none are around, like “Can I play with Alex?”
  • Comforts others who are hurt or sad, like hugging a crying friend
  • Avoids danger, like not jumping from tall heights at the playground
  • Likes to be a “helper”
  • Changes behavior based on where they are (place of worship, library, playground)
Cognitive - Learning + Thinking
  • Names a few colors of items
  • Tells what comes next in a well-known story
  • Draws a person with three or more body parts
Language/Communication
  • Says sentences with four or more words
  • Says some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme
  • Talks about at least one thing that happened during his day, like “I played soccer.”
  • Answers simple questions like “What is a coat for?” or “What is a crayon for?”
Movement/Physical Development
  • Catches a large ball most of the time
  • Serves themself food or pours water, with adult supervision
  • Unbuttons some buttons
  • Holds crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)

5 Years

Social/Emotional
  • Follows rules or takes turns when playing games with other children
  • Sings, dances, or acts for you
  • Does simple chores at home, like matching socks or clearing the table after eating
Cognitive - Learning + Thinking
  • Counts to 10
  • Names some numbers between 1 and 5 when you point to them
  • Uses words about time, like “yesterday,” “tomorrow,” “morning,” or “night”
  • Pays attention for 5 to 10 minutes during activities. For example, during storytime or making arts and crafts (screen time does not count)
  • Writes some letters in their name
  • Names some letters when you point to them
Language/Communication
  • Tells a story she heard or made up with at least two events. For example, a cat was stuck in a tree and a firefighter saved it
  • Answers simple questions about a book or story after you read or tell it to him
  • Keeps a conversation going with more than three back-and-forth exchanges
  • Uses or recognizes simple rhymes (bat-cat, ball-tall)
Movement/Physical Development
  • Buttons some buttons
  • Hops on one foot

*CDC’s Developmental Milestones

What the Doctor Will Examine

Head

Your child’s doctor will check soft spots and measure your child’s head size. It is normal for your child to have flat open soft spots on the front and back of their head. These soft spots typically close by 18 months.

Ears

The doctor will look into both ears for signs of infection. It is common for babies to get ear infections.

Eyes

The doctor will look into your child’s eyes with a bright object or flashlight to track your baby’s eye movement.

Mouth

The doctor will check teething progress and signs of infection. If your baby’s first teeth have come in, the doctor may recommend you see a dentist.

Heart & Lungs

Your child’s doctor will place a stethoscope on the front and back of your child’s chest to check for any signs of asthma and abnormal heart sounds.

Stomach

The doctor will check to make sure all internal organs feel normal by gently placing a hand on your child’s abdomen and pressing down.

Hips & Legs

The doctor will check if your child’s hips and legs are normal by moving their legs up and down in a gentle circular motion.

Height & Weight

At each checkup, the doctor will measure your child’s weight and height and compare it to a chart that shows the average for children of the same age and biological sex.

When Your Baby Is Sick

You will soon know your baby’s regular eating, sleeping, and bowel habits and levels of activity and fussiness. If your baby is acting or looking different, it may be time to schedule a doctor’s visit.

The book What to Do When Your Child Gets Sick, found in the New Parent Kit, can also help you decide if you should take your child to see a doctor.

Tips

Ask the doctor at your baby's first doctor visit when you should call the doctor and when you should call 911.
Acetminophen (Tylenol) is the safest option for infants under 6 months old, but it is always best to ask your child's doctor if acetaminophen or other medicines are ok to give to your child when they have a fever.
Do not give your child aspirin as it can cause a rare but serious disease called Reye's Syndrome.
Do not give your child ibuprofen before they are six months old.
If your baby has repeated diarrhea or vomiting, make sure they get plenty of liquids and call the doctor.
If your baby has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher and is younger than three months old you should call your baby's doctor.

Ongoing Illness

Regular checkups are very important for children with ongoing illnesses like asthma and diabetes. If your child is diagnosed with an ongoing illness, ask your child’s doctor for the right treatments for your child to stay as healthy as possible.

Tooth + square icon

Dental Care Tips

Before Your Child's First Tooth

Before your child’s first tooth comes in, clean your child’s gums with a damp cloth once a day.

First Teeth

Once your child’s first tooth appears, start brushing with a round-ended bristle baby toothbrush once a day.

Brush in Circular Motion

Brush your child’s teeth with a circular motion to prevent your child’s gums from wearing down.

Nursing Mouth Syndrome

Teeth decay can occur as soon as your child’s first tooth comes in. Frequent and prolonged exposure to liquids that contain sugar such as fruit juice, milk, or formula can damage your child’s teeth. This is sometimes called baby bottle tooth decay or nursing mouth syndrome.

To prevent nursing tooth decay, do not put your baby to bed with a bottle. Instead, make sure your child finishes their naptime or bedtime bottle before going to bed.

Health Resources
  • CDC’s Developmental Milestones
    Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, act, and move.
    Website
Dental Resources
  • California Dental Association – Low-Cost Dental Service Finder
    You can use the search feature to look for clinics that offer free or discounted dental services to those in need.
    Website
  • InsureKidsNow.gov – Find a Dentist
    Use this Dentist Locator to find a dentist in your community who sees children and accepts Medicaid and CHIP.
    Website
  • Smile California
    The Medi‑Cal Dental Program provides free or low‑cost dental services to children and adults who receive Medi‑Cal, California’s Medicaid program.
    Website

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