Growth And Development, Ages 2 To 5 Years: Routine Checkups

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Routine Checkups

Between the ages of 2 and 5, a child usually see the doctor at age 24 months and 30 months and then once a year at ages 3, 4, and 5 years. These routine checkups are called well-child visits. These appointments allow your child's doctor to keep a close eye on your child's general health and development. Finding out possible problems early gives your child the best chance for proper and successful treatment. In addition, any concerns you have about your child can be discussed during these visits.

Physical examination

To evaluate a child's general health and whether physical developmental milestones are being met, a doctor generally will:

• Measure your child's weight and height. These measurements are plotted on a growth chart to see how your child compares physically to other children of the same age. This chart is updated each year during the 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 sex. To find out your child's BMI, use this Interactive Tool: Is Your Child at a Healthy Weight?
• Check your child's blood pressure.
• Examine your child for any visible problems.
• Review your child's immunization record. Needed immunizations are given or scheduled. For more information, see the topic Immunizations or the childhood immunization record (What is a PDF document?) .
• Ask you about your child's eating and sleeping habits.

Mental and emotional health evaluation

The doctor will talk with both you and your child to get a sense of his or her mental, emotional, and social development. Questions generally 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 directly 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, health professionals usually ask questions specific to a child's age.

Most children will have formal hearing tests during the 4-year and 5-year routine exams. Vision tests usually occur at ages 3, 4, and 5. Your child may have formal testing at a younger age if there are concerns about any area of the child's development.

Routine checkups are a good time for you to ask about development and discuss your concerns about your child's health, growth, development, or behavior. It may help you to go to your child's checkup with a prepared list of questions (What is a PDF document?) .

Last updated:	April 24, 2007
Author:	Debby Golonka, MPH
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC