Well-Child Visits in Owings Mills, MD

Congratulations! Your baby is finally here. Newborns are wonderful, but exhausting! Having friends or family around to provide extra help and support can be very helpful. Make sure all visitors wash their hands well and avoid too many visitors. Your baby’s first visit to our office takes place during his or her first week of life, usually 1-2 days after you are discharged from the hospital.

Babies usually lose weight right after birth. Some jaundice is common. They can have weird skin rashes and poops change daily. This visit can help to answer questions about these and other concerns and make sure the baby is adapting to life outside the womb. 

If you are breastfeeding, you will have the opportunity to make an appointment with our Lactation Consultants for personalized breastfeeding assistance. 

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Check your baby’s weight.

• Monitor for signs of jaundice.

• Check to see how your baby is feeding.

• Answer questions about your new baby.

Immunizations: 

• HepB#1 (if not given in hospital)

• RSV immunization (If not given in hospital)

Tests/Screens/Assessments:

• Follow-up on Newborn Metabolic Screen done in hospital

• Repeat bilirubin if needed

Helpful Info: 

• Caring for Your Newborn

The 2 Week Visit (sooner if you have concerns!) is a time to talk about how your family is acclimating to the newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits and sleeping are common topics. If you are breastfeeding, you will have the opportunity to meet with one of our Lactation Consultants for personalized breastfeeding assistance. 

By 2 weeks of age, your baby should have regained his or her birth weight. Please remember that it is important to always put your baby to sleep on his or her back in a flat, firm and separate sleep space to reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Remind you to give your baby a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D drops if you are breastfeeding.

Immunizations:  

• RSV immunization if needed

• Hepatitis dose 1 if not given already

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Repeat metabolic screen

Helpful Info: 

• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

Families are usually settling in some by this visit. You may even be sleeping a little! Feeding, sleeping and bowel habits are sometimes a concern. At this visit we will track your baby's growth and development and answer any questions. Your baby may start smiling any day now, if they are not already, and that helps a lot!

Immunizations: 

• Hepatitis dose 2

• RSV if not already done

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment

Helpful Info: 

• Back to Sleep, Tummy to Play

Your baby should be smiling, and a schedule may be starting to emerge. Most babies have at least one longer stretch of sleep. Hopefully it is at night!

Many babies seem more fussy or colicky at this age. Be patient. Colicky babies eventually outgrow their crying phase. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do. Even if you feel frustrated, handle your baby gently and reach out for help to friends, relatives or your pediatrician if the crying is getting to be too much. If you need a break and no one is available to help you, place your baby on his/her back gently in a safe space, such as a crib or bassinet and take a few minutes to calm down.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Provide your baby’s immunizations. Immunizations are safe, effective and keep your child and our community healthy. During this visit, you will be able to discuss any questions you may have about immunizations.

• Screen for post-partum depression.

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#1 (DTaP, HIB, IPV)

• Prevnar#1

• Rotavirus#1

• HepB#2 (if not done before)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment

• Developmental screening

Helpful Info: 

• Crying and Your Baby: How to Calm a Fussy or Colicky Baby

Your baby is becoming more active and verbal. Be careful not to leave your baby unattended, especially on a bed, couch or counter. They move faster than you think!

Babies need only breast milk or iron fortified formula for the first 4-6 months of life. We will talk at this appointment about the appropriate time to introduce solid foods and what foods to introduce first. 

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Observe your baby’s development.

• Provide your baby’s immunizations.

• Discuss when to start feeding your baby solid foods.

• Screen for post-partum depression.

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#2 (DTaP, HIB, IPV)

• Prevnar#2

• Rotavirus#2

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment

• Developmental assessment

• Anemia Surveillance

Helpful Info: 

• Starting Solid Foods

Your baby will begin to move more and will be able to sit up for short periods of time. Now is the time to start baby-proofing your house - if you haven't already done so. You should move the mattress in your baby's crib down to the lowest level.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Observe your baby’s development. 

• Provide your baby’s immunizations.

• Discuss introducing fluoride to support the growth of healthy teeth. Most water around here is fluoridated, but If you have well water, your baby needs to have fluoride provided.

• Screen for post-partum depression.

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#3 (DTaP, HIB, IPV)

• Prevnar#3

• Rotavirus#3

• Influenza vaccine (during flu season). Infants need 2 doses their first winter.

• COVID vaccine

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Post Partum Depression Assessment

• Ages and Stages Questionnaire

• TB Surveillance

• Lead Surveillance

• Oral Health Surveillance

• Fluoride Varish

Helpful Info: 

• Teething

Your baby may be starting to crawl, pulling to a stand, climbing and cruising on furniture. Babies will want to touch everything - this is how they learn. Childproofing can be a challenge. This is a messy time! Have fun and be patient.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Observe your baby’s development. 

• Discuss your baby's upcoming dental care. Your baby should see a dentist at 1 year of age. You should be brushing your child's teeth with an infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste. 

Immunizations: 

• HepB#3

• Influenza vaccine (during flu season). Infants need 2 doses their first winter.

• COVID vaccine

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages and Stages Questionnaire

• Oral Health Surveillance

• Fluoride Varnish

• Hemoglobin Test

• Lead Test

Helpful Info: 

• Teething

At this age, your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk. However, breast milk is still healthy for you baby, so continue to breastfeed if you prefer. Most babies need 3 meals, 2-3 snacks per day, and no more than 16-20 ounces of whole cow's milk per day. Night feedings should be weaned soon since milk at night can cause dental cavities. Avoid juice which also causes dental cavities. Your baby will be able to eat most of the foods you eat, but be careful to avoid small, hard foods that can cause choking.

It is time to wean your child from the bottle and offer all liquids in a sippy cup. It is much easier to wean your child now than if you wait until they are older. Avoid cavities and additional tears and make the change now!

Your baby will be outgrowing the infant carrier car seat. Continue to have your baby in a rear facing car seat at least until age 2.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length, and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Observe your baby’s development. 

• Provide your baby’s immunizations.

• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth.

• Screen your baby for vision abnormalities with our ocular photoscreen device.

• Test your baby's hearing with an electronic device called an Oto-Acoustic Emissions Test.

Immunizations: 

• HepA#1

• MMR#1

• VAR#1

• Prevnar #4

• Influenza vaccine (during flu season) Infants need 2 doses their first winter

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages & Stages Developmental Screen

• TB Surveillance

• Lead Surveillance

• Oral Health Surveillance

• Fluoride Varnish

• Vision Photoscreen

• Hearing screen

Helpful Info: 

• Playing Is How Toddlers Learn

Your child may be able to climb and run, so be sure to safety proof your home. Your baby should be eating most of the food you are eating, but continue to avoid choking hazards. Your baby probably has several teeth, so daily brushing is needed. 

Poison control is available 24 hours a day: 1-800-222-1222 - keep this number handy in your cell phone and on your refrigerator.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Observe your baby’s development

• Provide your baby’s immunizations.

Immunizations: 

• Pentacel#4 (DTaP, HIB, IPV)

• Prevnar#4

• Influenza vaccine (during flu season). Infants need 2 doses their first winter.

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages & Stages Developmental screen

• Anemia Surveillance

• Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info: 

• Choking Prevention and First Aid for Infants and Children

At 18 months, your child understands much more than he or she can say in words. Ask simple questions (do you want the red plate or the blue plate) so your child can express opinions. Use words to describe your child’s feelings and gestures. Read and sing to your child often. When reading, use simple words to talk about the pictures.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Observe your child’s development. 

• Provide your baby’s immunizations.

• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your baby’s teeth.

• Discuss temper tantrums.

Immunizations: 

• HepA#2

• Influenza vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages and Stages Questionnaire

• MCHAT Questionnaire

• TB Surveillance

• Anemia Surveillance

• Lead Surveillance

• Oral Health Surveillance

• Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info: 

• Is Your Toddler Communicating With You?

At this age, your 2-year-old may go from trying to be independent to clinging to you; this is normal. It is better for toddlers to play than to watch TV. Even having television playing in the background interrupts healthy toddler play - background music is a better choice.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, length, head size and body mass index and record on a growth curve.

• Immunizations if they are behind on their shots.

• Review your child’s development with you using the MCHAT (Autism screening tool) questionnaire.

• Test for lead exposure with a finger prick in the office.

• Screen your baby for vision abnormalities with our ocular photoscreen device.

• Screen hearing with an OAE

• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.

• Discuss toilet training and time out.

Immunizations: 

• HepA#2

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages & Stages Questionnaire

• MCHAT Questionnaire

• TB Surveillance

• Anemia Surveillance

• Dyslipidemia Surveillance

• Oral Health Surveillance

• Lead Test

• Fluoride Varnish

• Vision Photoscreen

• Hearing Screen

Helpful Info: 

• Playground Safety

Your baby is not really a baby anymore, but neither are the BIG. They are firmly in the toddler years. One moment they seem so big and the next still very small. This is the "do-it-myself time." Language should be advancing quickly and assessing this is an important part of this visit. 

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Observe your child’s development. 

• Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit.

• Evaluate your child’s development with the ASQ.  

• Discuss dental health  (if they have not yet seen a dentist, they should!)

• Discuss healthy meals/snacks, avoid food pouches and no or little juice

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Ages & Stages Developmental Screening

Helpful Info: 

• Snacks for Toddlers

Your child will likely be moving into a world of make believe that they create with their imagination. Toys for dress up and make believe are important at this age. Read books, sing songs and play rhyming games with your child each day. Avoid screens which can interfere with language development, emotional regulation and interpersonal skills. 

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.

• Observe your child’s development. 

• Your child may need immunizations if they are behind on their shots or during flu season.

• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.

• Ages & Stages Questionnaire

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance

• Anemia Surveillance

• Anemia Surveillance

• Lead Surveillance

• Oral Health Surveillance

• Vision & Hearing Testing

• Fluoride Varnish

Helpful Info: 

• Toilet Training

Four year olds often like to sing, dance and act. They like to tell "tall tales" and make up stories.  Enjoy these fun moments with your little one!  Avoid screen time which can interfere with language, development of emotional regulation & interfere with sleep. Parents should continue to help with brushing teeth even though your child will want to do it all by themselves.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.

• Observe your child’s development. 

• Provide your child's immunizations.

• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.

Immunizations: 

• MMR#2

• VAR#2

• Quadracel (DTaP, IPV)

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance

• Anemia Surveillance

• Lead Surveillance

• Dyslipidemia Surveillance

• Oral Health Surveillance

• Vision & Hearing Testing

• Fluoride Varnish if they do not see a dentist yet

Helpful Info: 

• Encourage Your Child to Be Physically Active

At this age, your child needs more independence. However, you need to set clear limits. A regular bedtime and consistent bedtime routine are important. Be a great role model. Reading together should be a daily habit. Show an interest in what they are learning.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve

• Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate

• Screen your child's vision and hearing

• Review your child’s speech and development.

• Discuss exercise and nutrition.

• Discuss kindergarten readiness.

• Discuss dental health and apply fluoride varnish to your child's teeth.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

• Others if behind

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance

• Anemia Surveillance

• Lead Surveillance

• Oral Health Surveillance

• Vision & Hearing Testing

• Fluoride Varnish

Encourage good learning by helping your child organize a distraction-free time to do homework and ensuring eleven hours of sleep each night. Teach your child what to do if there is a fire and have practice fire drills. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index  and record on a growth curve.
• Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate
• Screen your child's hearing and vision.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition.
• Review safety issues.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• TB Surveillance
• Anemia Surveillance
• Lead Surveillance
• Dyslipidemia Surveillance
• Oral Health Surveillance
• Vision & Hearing Testing

Continue to encourage good nutrition and exercise for your child. This is the time he or she is building good health habits for a lifetime!  Continue reading together every day. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visituother than an annual Flu shot, or any if your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve

• Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate

• Screen your child's vision and hearing

• Review your child’s school performance and development

• Discuss exercise and nutrition.

• Review your child’s school performance and development

• Discuss involvement in activities

• Discuss sleep

• Review safety issues.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision & Hearing Surveillance
• TB Surveillance
• Anemia Surveillance

Helpful Info: 

• Growing Up Healthy: Fat, Cholesterol, and More
• Developing Your Child’s Self-Esteem

Your child be is becoming more responsible and will be able to take on more tasks such as taking care of his/her own room. He or she may also start reading independently for pleasure.

Your nine to ten-year-old still requires adult supervision when you are away. Watching TV with your child allows you to discuss any controversial topics that may come up, but limit screen time to 2 hours per day. Family mealtime is important to keeping communication open and fostering healthy lives

At this visit we will

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve

• Measure your child’s blood pressure and heart rate

• Screen your child's vision and hearing

• Review your child’s school performance and development.

• Discuss exercise and nutrition.

•Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships

•Discuss sleep

• Review safety issues.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision Surveillance

• Hearing Surveillance

• TB Surveillance

• Anemia Surveillance

• Lipid Profile testing (completed once between 9-11 years)

Helpful Info: 

• The Importance of Family Routines

Your child may be transitioning to middle school at this age. He or she may be participating in more group activities. Expand your conversations about healthy living practices to include tobacco, drug and alcohol avoidance. Your child should be able to assume more responsibility for personal hygiene and chores. 

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.

• Provide your child’s immunizations.

• Screen your child for anemia and dysipidemia per AAP recommendations.

• Review your child’s school performance and development.

• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.

• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.

• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).

Immunizations: 

• Tdap

• MCV#1,

• HPV#1 (series of 2; 11-12 years)

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision &Hearing Surveillance

• TB Surveillance

• Anemia Surveillance

• Dyslipidemia Surveillance

• Lipid Profile (completed once between 9-11 years)

• Adolescent Depression Screening

Helpful Info: 

• Substance Abuse Prevention

Your child may be showing an increasing interest in extracurricular activities. Even though friends are becoming more important at this age, having a caring adult to provide a listening ear and from which to obtain accurate health information is equally important. Foster open communication with your child. Have conversations about risk taking behaviors, driving, alcohol, drug use, family rules and expectations. Discuss media and internet safety. Make certain that they have an adult they can confide in if they are unable to communicate with you. 

There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Review your child’s school performance and development.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.
• Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)
• HPV if not completed

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision & Hearing Surveillance
• TB Surveillance
• Anemia Surveillance
• Dyslipidemia Surveillance
• Adolescent Depression Screening

Helpful Info:  

• Teens
• Behavior

Congratulations! You are solidly in the teen years! It is exciting to see the wonderful person your child is becoming. Development of family relationships continues to be important, but it is also normal for teens to place more and more emphasis on their peer relationships Possible conflict can arise at this time as your teen assesses your family values versus those of culture and peers. Keep the lines of communication open and give them additional responsibility while being present for them when they inevitably make mistakes. Be supportive and allow them to develop resilience and self-pride. 

There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight and length and record on a growth curve.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Review your child’s school performance.
• Discuss involvement in activities and peer relationships/dating
• Discuss sleep
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.

Immunizations: 

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision & Hearing Screen
• TB Surveillance
• Anemia Surveillance
• Lipid Profile
• Adolescent Depression Screening
• Urine STI Screen
• Hemoglobin Test (females)

Helpful Info: 

• Teens
• Behavior

Your child is getting closer to finishing high school and entering the adult world. Making mistakes are a normal part of growing up. Continue to provide emotional support and guidance for them during this time. 

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height, and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Complete sports physical forms and discuss sport safety (if your child is participating in sports).
• Review your child’s school performance.
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
• Discuss exercise and nutrition, particularly in association with increased awareness of body image and diet.

Immunizations: 

• MCV4#2

• MenB (optional)

• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Vision & Hearing Surveilllance
• TB Surveillance
• Anemia Surveillance
• Adolescent Depression Screening
• Lipid Profile
• Urine STI Screen (females)
• Hemoglobin Test (females)

Helpful Info: 

• Teens
• Behavior

Your child is now transitioning to adult life! They will still look to you for support and guidance, but will be more on their own when it comes to decision making. 

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

• Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
• Provide immunizations.
• Screen your child's vision.
• Discuss transitions to life after high school—whether that be work, travel, vocational school or college.
• Discuss importance of responsible decision making and recognizing healthy -vs- unhealthy relationships.
• Complete college physical forms and any required college screening labs/tests.
• Perform any recommended yearly screening tests (depending on family history, sexual activity etc.).
• Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance.
• Transition your child to an adult care provider.

Immunizations: 

• MenB (optional)
• Flu vaccine (during flu season)

Tests/Screens/Assessments: 

• Hearing Surveilllance
• TB Surveillance
• Anemia Surveillance
• Dyslipidemia Surveillance
• Adolescent Depression Screening
• Vision Testing
• Urine Chlamydia Screen 
• Hemoglobin Test (females)

Helpful Info: 

• Teens
• Behavior