When to Call a Doctor

Although your child grows at his or her own pace, be aware of signs of a developmental delay. The earlier you identify a delay, the better chance you have of getting the right treatment for your child that can prevent or minimize long-term problems.

In general, talk to a doctor anytime your child:

• Does not seem to be reaching developmental milestones as expected.
• Is not growing at a steady pace. Each year between ages 2 and 5 years, expect your child to gain about 3 lb (1.4 kg) to 5 lb (2.3 kg) and grow about 3 in. (7.6 cm). Although your child's height and weight are measured at routine well-child exams, call your doctor if your child's growth pattern concerns you in between these visits.
• Is not able to do some of the things he or she used to do, such as talking or running.
• Makes you so angry or frustrated with your child that you are worried about what you might do next.
• Acts overly aggressive, violent, or verbally abusive.
• Does not seem to be doing well, even though you can't pinpoint what makes you uneasy. Friends and other caregivers may also be concerned.

Routine Checkups

Routine well-child visits allow your child's doctor to keep a close eye on your child's general health and development. You also can discuss any concerns you have at these appointments. It may help you to go with a prepared list of questions(What is a PDF document?).

Physical exam

The doctor typically will:

• Measure your child's weight and height. These measurements are plotted on a growth chart to see how your child compares to other children of the same age. This chart is updated at each routine exam to document the child's growth pattern. You can check your child's body mass index (BMI) at home to estimate whether your child is at a healthy weight for his or her height, age, and gender. To find out your child's BMI, use this Interactive Tool: What Is Your Child's BMI?
• Check your child's blood pressure.
• Examine your child for any visible problems.
• Ask you about your child's eating and sleeping habits.
• Review your child's immunization record(What is a PDF document?). Needed immunizations are given or scheduled. For more information, see the topics:
  • Immunizations.
  • Immunizations: Questions Parents Ask.

Routine screening tests for hearing and vision take place during the preschool years. A specialist may do formal tests if your child's screening results are poor or if there are any developmental concerns at ages 2 to 5.

Mental and emotional health

The doctor will talk with both you and your child to get a sense of your child's mental, emotional, and social development. Questions typically cover:

• Whether any noticeable behavioral changes have occurred.
• Your child's and family's general well-being. The doctor also observes how you and your child interact.
• How your child reacts to strangers.
• How your child plays and interacts with peers.
• Whether you have any concerns about issues such as toilet training, preschool, or troubling behaviors.
• Your child's language, hearing, and social skills. The doctor asks your child questions to briefly assess these and related developmental issues. For example, the doctor may ask your child about his or her favorite activities and the names of his or her friends.

In addition to the above assessments, doctors usually ask questions specific to a child's age.