Well-child visits aim to do the following:
Promote health
Prevent disease through routine vaccinations and education
Detect and treat disease early
Guide parents and caregivers to optimize the child’s emotional and intellectual development
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended preventive health care schedules for children who have no significant health problems and who are growing and developing normally.
The Bright Futures/AAP recommendations for preventive pediatric health care (2022), also called the periodicity schedule, are a schedule of screenings and assessments recommended at each well-child visit for newborns through adolescents 21 years of age. The periodicity schedule shows the recommendations in chart form and is updated annually. More details regarding health promotion interventions at these specific developmental stages can be found in the Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 4th Edition (2017).
Children who have developmental delay, psychosocial problems, or chronic disease may require more frequent counseling and treatment visits that are separate from preventive care visits.
In addition to physical examination, clinicians should evaluate the child’s motor, cognitive, and social development and parent-child interactions. These assessments can be made by
Taking a thorough history from parents and child
Making direct observations
Sometimes seeking information from outside sources such as teachers and child care providers
Developmental screening using a validated screening tool is recommended for all children during regular well-child visits at 9, 18, and 30 months of age (eg, Ages and Stages Questionnaires; PEDS: Developmental Milestones). Screening specifically for autism spectrum disorder is recommended during regular well-child visits at 18 and 24 months of age. Validated screening tools (eg, the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up [M-CHAT-R/F]) are available for clinic use to facilitate evaluation of motor, cognitive, language, and social development (1).
Both physical examination and screening are important parts of preventive health care in infants and children. Most parameters, such as weight, are included for all children; others are applicable to selected patients, such as lead screening in 1- and 2-year-olds.
Anticipatory guidance is also important to preventive health care. It includes
Obtaining information about the child and parents (via questionnaire, interview, or evaluation)
Working with parents to promote health (forming a therapeutic alliance)
Teaching parents what to expect in their child’s development, how they can help enhance development (eg, by establishing a healthy lifestyle), and what the benefits of a healthy lifestyle are
Additionally, if a pregnancy is high risk (see Overview of High-Risk Pregnancy) or if the parents are first-time parents or wish to have a consultation, a prenatal visit with the pediatrician is appropriate.
General reference
1. Lipkin PH, Macias MM; Council on Children With Disabilities, Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics; et al: Promoting optimal development: Identifying infants and young children with developmental disorders through developmental surveillance and screening. Pediatrics 145(1):e20193449, 2020. doi: 10.1542/peds.2019-3449
Physical Examination
Growth
Length (crown-heel) or height (once children can stand) and weight should be measured at each visit.
Head circumference should be measured at each visit through 36 months.
Growth rate should be monitored using a growth curve with percentiles; deviations in these parameters should be evaluated (see Physical Growth of Infants and Children).
Blood pressure
(See also Hypertension in Children.)
Starting at 3 years of age, blood pressure (BP) should be routinely checked by using an appropriate-size cuff. The cuff should cover at least two thirds of the upper arm, and the bladder (inflatable bag inside the cuff) should encircle 80 to 100% of the circumference of the arm. If no available cuff fits the criteria, using a larger cuff is better.
Systolic and diastolic BPs are considered normal if they are < 90th percentile; actual values for each percentile vary by sex, age, and size (as height percentile), so reference to published tables is essential (see tables for BP levels for the 50th to 95th percentiles for boys and girls, below).
Systolic and diastolic BP measurements between the 90th and 95th percentiles are considered elevated and should prompt continued observation and assessment of hypertensive risk factors. If measurements are consistently ≥ 95th percentile but < 95th percentile + 12 mm Hg, children should be considered to have stage 1 hypertension, and a cause should be determined. Measurements that are ≥ 95th percentile + 12 mm Hg or ≥ 140/90, whichever is lower, indicate stage 2 hypertension, and children should be evaluated by a specialist.
Blood Pressure (BP) Percentile Levels for Boys by Age and Height (Measured and Percentile)
Systolic BP (mm Hg) | Diastolic BP (mm Hg) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age (year) | BP Percentile* | Measured Height (in bold) or Height Percentile | Measured Height (in bold) or Height Percentile | |||||||||||||
5th | 10th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 90th | 95th | 5th | 10th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 90th | 95th | |||
1 | Measured height (cm) | 77.2 | 78.3 | 80.2 | 82.4 | 84.6 | 86.7 | 87.9 | 77.2 | 78.3 | 80.2 | 82.4 | 84.6 | 86.7 | 87.9 | |
50th | 85 | 85 | 86 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 88 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 41 | 41 | 42 | 42 | ||
90th | 98 | 99 | 99 | 100 | 100 | 101 | 101 | 52 | 52 | 53 | 53 | 54 | 54 | 54 | ||
95th | 102 | 102 | 103 | 103 | 104 | 105 | 105 | 54 | 54 | 55 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 57 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 114 | 114 | 115 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 117 | 66 | 66 | 67 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 69 | ||
2 | Measured height (cm) | 86.1 | 87.4 | 89.6 | 92.1 | 94.7 | 97.1 | 98.5 | 86.1 | 87.4 | 89.6 | 92.1 | 94.7 | 97.1 | 98.5 | |
50th | 87 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 43 | 43 | 44 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 46 | ||
90th | 100 | 100 | 101 | 102 | 103 | 103 | 104 | 55 | 55 | 56 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 58 | ||
95th | 104 | 105 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 107 | 108 | 57 | 58 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 61 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 116 | 117 | 117 | 118 | 119 | 119 | 120 | 69 | 70 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 73 | ||
3 | Measured height (cm) | 92.5 | 93.9 | 96.3 | 99 | 101.8 | 104.3 | 105.8 | 92.5 | 93.9 | 96.3 | 99 | 101.8 | 104.3 | 105.8 | |
50th | 88 | 89 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 92 | 45 | 46 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 49 | ||
90th | 101 | 102 | 102 | 103 | 104 | 105 | 105 | 58 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 61 | ||
95th | 106 | 106 | 107 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 109 | 60 | 61 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 64 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 118 | 118 | 119 | 119 | 120 | 121 | 121 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 76 | ||
4 | Measured height (cm) | 98.5 | 100.2 | 102.9 | 105.9 | 108.9 | 111.5 | 113.2 | 98.5 | 100.2 | 102.9 | 105.9 | 108.9 | 111.5 | 113.2 | |
50th | 90 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 94 | 48 | 49 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 52 | ||
90th | 102 | 103 | 104 | 105 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 64 | ||
95th | 107 | 107 | 108 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 110 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 67 | 68 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 119 | 119 | 120 | 120 | 121 | 122 | 122 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 79 | 80 | ||
5 | Measured height (cm) | 104.4 | 106.2 | 109.1 | 112.4 | 115. | 118.6 | 120.3 | 104.4 | 106.2 | 109.1 | 112.4 | 115.7 | 118.6 | 120.3 | |
50th | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 96 | 96 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 55 | ||
90th | 103 | 104 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 108 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 67 | ||
95th | 107 | 108 | 109 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 70 | 71 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 119 | 120 | 121 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 83 | ||
6 | Measured height (cm) | 110.3 | 112.2 | 115.3 | 118.9 | 122.4 | 125.6 | 127.5 | 110.3 | 112.2 | 115.3 | 118.9 | 122.4 | 125.6 | 127.5 | |
50th | 93 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 54 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 57 | 58 | ||
90th | 105 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 109 | 110 | 110 | 66 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 68 | 69 | 69 | ||
95th | 108 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 69 | 70 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 72 | 73 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 120 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 84 | 85 | ||
7 | Measured height (cm) | 116.1 | 118 | 121.4 | 125.1 | 128.9 | 123.4 | 134.5 | 116.1 | 118 | 121.4 | 125.1 | 128.9 | 132.4 | 134.5 | |
50th | 94 | 94 | 95 | 97 | 98 | 98 | 99 | 56 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 58 | 59 | 59 | ||
90th | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 111 | 68 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 70 | 71 | 71 | ||
95th | 110 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 114 | 115 | 116 | 71 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 74 | 74 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 122 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 126 | 127 | 128 | 83 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 85 | 86 | 86 | ||
8 | Measured height (cm) | 121.4 | 123.5 | 127 | 131 | 135.1 | 138.8 | 141 | 121.4 | 123.5 | 127 | 131 | 135.1 | 138.8 | 141 | |
50th | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 99 | 100 | 57 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 60 | 60 | ||
90th | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 112 | 69 | 70 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 72 | 73 | ||
95th | 111 | 112 | 112 | 114 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 75 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 123 | 124 | 124 | 126 | 127 | 128 | 129 | 84 | 85 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 87 | 87 | ||
9 | Measured height (cm) | 126 | 128.3 | 132.1 | 136.3 | 140.7 | 144.7 | 147.1 | 126 | 128.3 | 132.1 | 136.3 | 140.7 | 144.7 | 147.1 | |
50th | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 | 101 | 101 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 62 | ||
90th | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 74 | 74 | ||
95th | 112 | 112 | 113 | 115 | 116 | 118 | 119 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 76 | 77 | 77 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 124 | 124 | 125 | 127 | 128 | 130 | 131 | 86 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 88 | 89 | 89 | ||
10 | Measured height (cm) | 130.2 | 132.7 | 136.7 | 141.3 | 145.9 | 150.1 | 152.7 | 130.2 | 132.7 | 136.7 | 141.3 | 145.9 | 150.1 | 152.7 | |
50th | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 | 101 | 102 | 103 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 63 | 64 | ||
90th | 108 | 109 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 115 | 116 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 76 | ||
95th | 112 | 113 | 114 | 116 | 118 | 120 | 121 | 76 | 76 | 77 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 78 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 124 | 125 | 126 | 128 | 130 | 132 | 133 | 88 | 88 | 89 | 89 | 90 | 90 | 90 | ||
11 | Measured height (cm) | 134.7 | 137.3 | 141.5 | 146.4 | 151.3 | 155.8 | 158.6 | 134.7 | 137.3 | 141.5 | 146.4 | 151.3 | 155.8 | 158.6 | |
50th | 99 | 99 | 101 | 102 | 103 | 104 | 106 | 61 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | ||
90th | 110 | 111 | 112 | 114 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 76 | ||
95th | 114 | 114 | 116 | 118 | 120 | 123 | 124 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 126 | 126 | 128 | 130 | 132 | 135 | 136 | 89 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | ||
12 | Measured height (cm) | 140.3 101 | 143 101 | 147.5 102 | 152.7 104 | 157.9 106 | 162.6 108 | 165.5 109 | 140.3 61 | 143 62 | 147.5 62 | 152.7 62 | 157.9 62 | 162.6 63 | 165.5 63 | |
50th | 101 | 101 | 102 | 104 | 106 | 108 | 109 | 61 | 62 | 62 | 62 | 62 | 63 | 63 | ||
90th | 113 | 114 | 115 | 117 | 119 | 121 | 122 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 76 | ||
95th | 116 | 117 | 118 | 121 | 124 | 126 | 128 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 79 | 79 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 128 | 129 | 130 | 133 | 136 | 138 | 140 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 91 | 91 | ||
13 | Measured height (cm) | 147 | 150 | 154.9 | 160.3 | 165.7 | 170.5 | 173.4 | 147 | 150 | 154.9 | 160.3 | 165.7 | 170.5 | 173.4 | |
50th | 103 | 104 | 105 | 108 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 61 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | ||
90th | 115 | 116 | 118 | 121 | 124 | 126 | 126 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 77 | ||
95th | 119 | 120 | 122 | 125 | 128 | 130 | 131 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 80 | 81 | 81 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 131 | 132 | 134 | 137 | 140 | 142 | 143 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 92 | 93 | 93 | ||
14 | Measured height (cm) | 153.8 | 156.9 | 162 | 167.5 | 172.7 | 177.4 | 180.1 | 153.8 | 156.9 | 162 | 167.5 | 172.7 | 177.4 | 180.1 | |
50th | 105 | 106 | 109 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 113 | 60 | 60 | 62 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | ||
90th | 119 | 120 | 123 | 126 | 127 | 128 | 129 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | ||
95th | 123 | 125 | 127 | 130 | 132 | 133 | 134 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 135 | 137 | 139 | 142 | 144 | 145 | 146 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | ||
15 | Measured height (cm) | 159 | 162 | 166.9 | 172.2 | 177.2 | 181.6 | 184.2 | 159 | 162 | 166.9 | 172.2 | 177.2 | 181.6 | 184.2 | |
50th | 108 | 110 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 114 | 114 | 61 | 62 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | ||
90th | 123 | 124 | 126 | 128 | 129 | 130 | 130 | 75 | 76 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 81 | ||
95th | 127 | 129 | 131 | 132 | 134 | 135 | 135 | 78 | 79 | 81 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 85 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 139 | 141 | 143 | 144 | 146 | 147 | 147 | 90 | 91 | 93 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 97 | ||
16 | Measured height (cm) | 162.1 | 165 | 169.6 | 174.6 | 179.5 | 183.8 | 186.4 | 162.1 | 165 | 169.6 | 174.6 | 179.5 | 183.8 | 186.4 | |
50th | 111 | 112 | 114 | 115 | 115 | 116 | 116 | 63 | 64 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 69 | ||
90th | 126 | 127 | 128 | 129 | 131 | 131 | 132 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 82 | ||
95th | 130 | 131 | 133 | 134 | 135 | 136 | 137 | 80 | 81 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 86 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 142 | 143 | 145 | 146 | 147 | 148 | 149 | 92 | 93 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 98 | ||
17 | Measured height (cm) | 163.8 | 166.5 | 170.9 | 175.8 | 180.7 | 184.9 | 187.5 | 163.8 | 166.5 | 170.9 | 175.8 | 180.7 | 184.9 | 187.5 | |
50th | 114 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 117 | 118 | 118 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 70 | ||
90th | 128 | 129 | 130 | 131 | 132 | 133 | 134 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 83 | ||
95th | 132 | 133 | 134 | 135 | 137 | 138 | 138 | 81 | 82 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 86 | 87 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 144 | 145 | 146 | 147 | 149 | 150 | 150 | 93 | 94 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 98 | 99 | ||
* The 90th percentile is 1.28 standard deviations (SDs) and the 95th percentile is 1.645 SDs over the mean. | ||||||||||||||||
Adapted from Flynn JT, Kaelber DC, Baker-Smith CM, et al: Clinical practice guideline for screening and management of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. Pediatrics 140(3):e20171904, 2017. doi: 10.1542/peds.2017-1904 | ||||||||||||||||
Blood Pressure (BP) Percentile Levels for Girls by Age and Height (Measured and Percentile)
Systolic BP (mm Hg) | Diastolic BP (mm Hg) | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Age (year) | BP Percentile* | Measured Height (in bold) or Height Percentile | Measured Height (in bold) or Height Percentile | |||||||||||||
5th | 10th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 90th | 95th | 5th | 10th | 25th | 50th | 75th | 90th | 95th | |||
1 | Measured height (cm) | 75.4 | 76.6 | 78.6 | 80.8 | 83 | 84.9 | 86.1 | 75.4 | 76.6 | 78.6 | 80.8 | 83 | 84.9 | 86.1 | |
50th | 84 | 85 | 86 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 88 | 41 | 42 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | ||
90th | 98 | 99 | 99 | 100 | 101 | 102 | 102 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 58 | ||
95th | 101 | 102 | 102 | 103 | 104 | 105 | 105 | 59 | 59 | 60 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 62 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 113 | 114 | 114 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 117 | 71 | 71 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 74 | ||
2 | Measured height (cm) | 84.9 | 86.3 | 88.6 | 91.1 | 93.7 | 96 | 97.4 | 84.9 | 86.3 | 88.6 | 91.1 | 93.7 | 96 | 97.4 | |
50th | 87 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | ||
90th | 101 | 101 | 102 | 103 | 104 | 105 | 106 | 58 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 62 | ||
95th | 104 | 105 | 106 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 62 | 63 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 66 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 116 | 117 | 118 | 118 | 119 | 120 | 121 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 78 | ||
3 | Measured height (cm) | 91 | 92.4 | 94.9 | 97.6 | 100.5 | 103.1 | 104.6 | 91 | 92.4 | 94.9 | 97.6 | 100.5 | 103.1 | 104.6 | |
50th | 88 | 89 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 48 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 53 | 53 | ||
90th | 102 | 103 | 104 | 104 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 60 | 61 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | ||
95th | 106 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 110 | 64 | 65 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 118 | 118 | 119 | 120 | 121 | 122 | 122 | 76 | 77 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | ||
4 | Measured height (cm) | 97.2 | 98.8 | 101.4 | 104.5 | 107.6 | 110.5 | 112.2 | 97.2 | 98.8 | 101.4 | 104.5 | 107.6 | 110.5 | 112.2 | |
50th | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 94 | 50 | 51 | 51 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 55 | ||
90th | 103 | 104 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 108 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 67 | ||
95th | 107 | 108 | 109 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 70 | 71 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 119 | 120 | 121 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 83 | ||
5 | Measured height (cm) | 103.6 | 105.3 | 108.2 | 111.5 | 114.9 | 118.1 | 120 | 103.6 | 105.3 | 108.2 | 111.5 | 114.9 | 118.1 | 120 | |
50th | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 52 | 52 | 53 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 57 | ||
90th | 104 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | ||
95th | 108 | 109 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 73 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 120 | 121 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 85 | ||
6 | Measured height (cm) | 110 | 111.8 | 114.9 | 118.4 | 122.1 | 125.6 | 127.7 | 110 | 111.8 | 114.9 | 118.4 | 122.1 | 125.6 | 127.7 | |
50th | 92 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 96 | 97 | 97 | 54 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | ||
90th | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 67 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 71 | ||
95th | 109 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 74 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 121 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 86 | ||
7 | Measured height (cm) | 115.9 | 117.8 | 121.1 | 124.9 | 128.8 | 132.5 | 134.7 | 115.9 | 117.8 | 121.1 | 124.9 | 128.8 | 132.5 | 134.7 | |
50th | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 55 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | ||
90th | 106 | 106 | 107 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 68 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 72 | ||
95th | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 115 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 74 | 74 | 75 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 127 | 84 | 84 | 85 | 85 | 86 | 86 | 87 | ||
8 | Measured height (cm) | 121 | 123 | 126.5 | 130.6 | 134.7 | 138.5 | 140.9 | 121 | 123 | 126.5 | 130.6 | 134.7 | 138.5 | 140.9 | |
50th | 93 | 94 | 95 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 | 56 | 56 | 57 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 61 | ||
90th | 107 | 107 | 108 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 72 | 73 | 73 | ||
95th | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 75 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 127 | 128 | 129 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 86 | 87 | 87 | 87 | ||
9 | Measured height (cm) | 125.3 | 127.6 | 131.3 | 135.6 | 140.1 | 144.1 | 146.6 | 125.3 | 127.6 | 131.3 | 135.6 | 140.1 | 144.1 | 146.6 | |
50th | 95 | 95 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 | 101 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 60 | 61 | 61 | ||
90th | 108 | 108 | 109 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 71 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | ||
95th | 112 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 124 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 128 | 129 | 130 | 86 | 86 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 87 | 87 | ||
10 | Measured height (cm) | 129.7 | 132.2 | 136.3 | 141 | 145.8 | 150.2 | 152.8 | 129.7 | 132.2 | 136.3 | 141 | 145.8 | 150.2 | 152.8 | |
50th | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 101 | 102 | 103 | 58 | 59 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 61 | 62 | ||
90th | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 115 | 116 | 72 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 | ||
95th | 113 | 114 | 114 | 116 | 117 | 119 | 120 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 125 | 126 | 126 | 128 | 129 | 131 | 132 | 87 | 87 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 | ||
11 | Measured height (cm) | 135.6 | 138.3 | 142.8 | 147.8 | 152.8 | 157.3 | 160 | 135.6 | 138.3 | 142.8 | 147.8 | 152.8 | 157.3 | 160 | |
50th | 98 | 99 | 101 | 102 | 104 | 105 | 106 | 60 | 60 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | ||
90th | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 116 | 118 | 120 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 75 | 75 | ||
95th | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 120 | 123 | 124 | 76 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | 77 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 127 | 128 | 129 | 130 | 132 | 135 | 136 | 88 | 89 | 89 | 89 | 89 | 89 | 89 | ||
12 | Measured height (cm) | 142.8 | 145.5 | 149.9 | 154.8 | 159.6 | 163.8 | 166.4 | 142.8 | 145.5 | 149.9 | 154.8 | 159.6 | 163.8 | 166.4 | |
50th | 102 | 102 | 104 | 105 | 107 | 108 | 108 | 61 | 61 | 61 | 62 | 64 | 65 | 65 | ||
90th | 114 | 115 | 116 | 118 | 120 | 122 | 122 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 76 | 76 | ||
95th | 118 | 119 | 120 | 122 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 78 | 79 | 79 | 79 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 130 | 131 | 132 | 134 | 136 | 137 | 138 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 91 | 91 | 91 | ||
13 | Measured height (cm) | 148.1 | 150.6 | 154.7 | 159.2 | 163.7 | 167.8 | 170.2 | 148.1 | 150.6 | 154.7 | 159.2 | 163.7 | 167.8 | 170.2 | |
50th | 104 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 108 | 109 | 62 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 65 | 66 | ||
90th | 116 | 117 | 119 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 123 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 | ||
95th | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 126 | 126 | 127 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 79 | 80 | 80 | 81 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 133 | 134 | 135 | 136 | 138 | 138 | 139 | 91 | 91 | 91 | 91 | 92 | 92 | 93 | ||
14 | Measured height (cm) | 150.6 | 153 | 156.9 | 161.3 | 165.7 | 169.7 | 172.1 | 150.6 | 153 | 156.9 | 161.3 | 165.7 | 169.7 | 172.1 | |
50th | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 109 | 109 | 63 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 66 | 66 | ||
90th | 118 | 118 | 120 | 122 | 123 | 123 | 123 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 77 | 77 | 77 | ||
95th | 123 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 127 | 127 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 81 | 81 | 82 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 135 | 135 | 136 | 137 | 138 | 139 | 139 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 93 | 93 | 94 | ||
15 | Measured height (cm) | 151.7 | 154 | 157.9 | 162.3 | 166.7 | 170.6 | 173 | 151.7 | 154 | 157.9 | 162.3 | 166.7 | 170.6 | 173 | |
50th | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 109 | 109 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 67 | ||
90th | 118 | 119 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 123 | 124 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 77 | 77 | 78 | 78 | ||
95th | 124 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 127 | 127 | 128 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 82 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 136 | 136 | 137 | 138 | 139 | 139 | 140 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 94 | 94 | ||
16 | Measured height (cm) | 152.1 | 154.5 | 158.4 | 162.8 | 167.1 | 171.1 | 173.4 | 152.1 | 154.5 | 158.4 | 162.8 | 167.1 | 171.1 | 173.4 | |
50th | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 109 | 110 | 110 | 64 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 66 | 67 | 67 | ||
90th | 119 | 120 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 124 | 124 | 76 | 76 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 78 | ||
95th | 124 | 125 | 125 | 127 | 127 | 128 | 128 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 82 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 136 | 137 | 137 | 139 | 139 | 140 | 140 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 94 | 94 | ||
17 | Measured height (cm) | 152.4 | 154.7 | 158.7 | 163.0 | 167.4 | 171.3 | 173.7 | 152.4 | 154.7 | 158.7 | 163.0 | 167.4 | 171.3 | 173.7 | |
50th | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 110 | 110 | 111 | 64 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 67 | ||
90th | 120 | 121 | 123 | 124 | 124 | 125 | 125 | 76 | 76 | 77 | 77 | 78 | 78 | 78 | ||
95th | 125 | 125 | 126 | 127 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 80 | 80 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 82 | 82 | ||
95th + 12 mm Hg | 137 | 137 | 138 | 139 | 140 | 140 | 140 | 92 | 92 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 94 | 94 | ||
* The 90th percentile is 1.28 standard deviations (SDs) and the 95th percentile is 1.645 SDs over the mean. | ||||||||||||||||
Adapted from Flynn JT, Kaelber DC, Baker-Smith CM, et al: Clinical practice guideline for screening and management of high blood pressure in children and adolescents. Pediatrics 140(3):e20171904, 2017. doi: 10.1542/peds.2017-1904 | ||||||||||||||||
Ears, eyes, and mouth
The most common abnormality is fluid in the middle ear (otitis media with effusion), manifesting as a change in the appearance of the tympanic membrane and a loss of tympanic membrane mobility in response to air pressure (during pneumatic otoscopy). Clinicians should screen for hearing deficits.
Eyes should be assessed at each visit. Clinicians should check for all of the following:
Abnormalities in globe size: Suggesting congenital glaucoma
A difference in pupil size, iris color, or both: Suggesting Horner syndrome, trauma, or neuroblastoma (asymmetric pupils may be normal or represent an ocular, autonomic, or intracranial disorder)
Absence or distortion of the red reflex: Suggesting cataract or retinoblastoma
Ptosis and eyelid hemangioma obscure vision and require attention.
Infants born at < 32 weeks gestation should be assessed by an ophthalmologist for evidence of retinopathy of prematurity and for the development of refractive errors, which are more common among infants in this age group.
Vision screening is recommended at ages 4 and 5 years. Children can be screened at 3 years as well if they are cooperative. In addition to the well-child visits at 3 through 5 years of age, instrument-based screening may be used to assess risk at 12 and at 24 months of age. Vision testing by Snellen charts or newer testing machines can be used. E charts are better than pictures; visual acuity of < 20/30 should be evaluated by an ophthalmologist.
Detection of dental caries is important, and referral to a dentist should be made if cavities are present, even in children who have only deciduous teeth.
If the primary water source is deficient in fluoride, oral fluoride supplementation should begin when a child is 6 months old and be continued daily until the child is 16 years old (see table Fluoride Supplementation Based on Fluoride Content in Drinking Water).
Once teeth are present, fluoride varnish may be applied to all children every 3 to 6 months in the primary care setting or until a dental home is established. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste in the appropriate dosage for age should be recommended.
It is recommended that every child have a dental home (an ongoing relationship between the dentist and the patient) by 1 year of age.
Thrush is common among infants and not usually a sign of immunosuppression.
Fluoride Supplementation Based on Fluoride Content in Drinking Water
Age | Fluoride < 0.3 ppm | Fluoride 0.3–0.6 ppm | Fluoride > 0.6 ppm |
|---|---|---|---|
6 months–3 years | 0.25 mg once a day | None | None |
3–6 years | 0.5 mg once a day | 0.25 mg once a day | None |
6–16 years | 1.0 mg once a day | 0.5 mg once a day | None |
Heart
Auscultation is done to identify new murmurs, heart rate abnormalities, or rhythm disturbances; benign flow murmurs are common and need to be distinguished from pathologic murmurs (see Overview of Congenital Heart Disease).
The chest wall is palpated for the apical impulse to check for cardiomegaly.
Femoral pulses are palpated; if they are diminished and associated with a discrepancy between upper and lower extremity blood pressure measurements, the child may have aortic coarctation.
Abdomen
Palpation is repeated at every visit because many masses, particularly Wilms tumor and neuroblastoma, may be apparent only as children grow.
Stool is often palpable in the left lower quadrant.
Spine and extremities
Children old enough to stand should be screened for scoliosis by observing posture, shoulder tip and scapular symmetry, torso list, and especially paraspinal asymmetry when children bend forward.
At each visit before children start to walk, evaluation for developmental dysplasia of the hip should be done. The Barlow and Ortolani maneuvers are used until about age 4 months. After that, dysplasia may be suggested by unequal leg length, adductor tightness, or asymmetry of abduction or leg creases.
Toeing-in can result from adduction of the forefoot, tibial torsion, or femoral torsion. Only pronounced cases require therapy and referral to an orthopedist. Asymmetric toeing (toeing-in on one side and toeing-out on the other—windswept appearance) typically requires orthopedic evaluation.
Genitals
At a minimum, examination of the external genitalia should be included as part of the annual comprehensive physical examination of children and adolescents of all ages.
Most adolescent girls do not need an internal pelvic examination involving a speculum or bimanual examination except girls who have the following:
Persistent vaginal discharge
Lower abdominal pain (if evaluation is negative for a urinary or gastrointestinal tract etiology)
Severe dysmenorrhea
Amenorrhea (if a structural abnormality is suspected)
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Contraceptive counseling for an intrauterine device or diaphragm
Suspected rape or sexual abuse
Pregnancy
Cervical cancer screening guidelines vary regarding starting age, recommending either age 21 or age 25 years for average-risk women (1, 2). For women with immunosuppression or HIV infection, cervical cancer screening should be initiated within at least 2 years of the onset of receptive sexual activity or by age 21 years (3).
With the availability of urine-based and vaginal swab–based sexually transmitted infection (STI) testing, an internal pelvic examination in an asymptomatic patient is not necessary for diagnosing STIs. Other non-STIs, such as bacterial vaginosis and yeast infections, can also be diagnosed with a vaginal swab test.
All sexually active adolescents and young adults should be screened annually for STIs.
In boys, testicular and inguinal evaluation should be done at every visit, specifically looking for undescended testes in infants and young boys, testicular masses in older adolescents, and inguinal hernia in boys of all ages.
Adolescent boys should be taught how to do testicular self-examination to check for masses.Breast self-examination (BSE) alone as a screening method has not shown a benefit and may result in higher rates of unnecessary breast biopsy. Adolescent girls may be taught breast self-awareness, and if they notice changes in how their breasts appear or feel (eg, masses, thickening, enlargement), they should be encouraged to have a medical evaluation.
Genitals references
1. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force: Final Recommendation Statement: Cervical Cancer: Screening. 2018. Accessed April 3, 2023.
2. American Cancer Society: Guidelines for the Prevention and Early Detection of Cervical Cancer. 2021. Accessed April 3, 2023.
3. Clinical Guidelines Program: Screening for Cervical Dysplasia and Cancer in Adults With HIV. 2022. April 3, 2023.
Prevention
Preventive counseling is part of every well-child visit and covers a broad spectrum of topics, such as recommendations to have infants sleep on their back, injury prevention, nutritional and exercise advice, and discussions of violence, firearms, and substance use.
Safety
Recommendations for injury prevention vary by age. Some examples follow.
For infants from birth to 6 months:
Using a rear-facing car seat
Reducing maximum home water temperature to < 49° C (< 120° F)
Preventing falls
Using sleeping precautions: Placing infants on their back, not sharing a bed, using a firm mattress, and not allowing stuffed animals, pillows, and blankets in the crib
Avoiding foods and objects that children can aspirate
For infants from 6 to 12 months:
Continuing to use a rear-facing car seat
Continuing to place infants on their back to sleep
Not using baby walkers
Using safety latches on cabinets
Preventing falls from changing tables and around stairs
Vigilantly supervising children when in bathtubs and while learning to walk
For children aged 1 to 4 years:
Using an age- and weight-appropriate car seat (infants and toddlers should use a rear-facing car seat until they exceed the rear-facing weight or height limits for their convertible child safety seat; most convertible car seats have limits that will allow children to ride rear-facing for ≥ 2 years)
Reviewing automobile safety both as passenger and pedestrian
Tying window cords
Using safety caps and latches
Installing outlet plug covers
Preventing falls
Removing handguns from the home
For children ≥ 5 years:
All of the recommendations for children aged 1 to 4 years
Using a bicycle helmet and protective sports gear
Instructing children about safe street crossing
Closely supervising swimming and sometimes requiring the use of life jackets during swimming
Nutrition
Excessive caloric intake underlies the epidemic of obesity in children. Recommendations for calorie intake vary by age; for children up to age 2 years, see Nutrition in Infants.
As children grow older, parents can allow them some discretion in food choices, while keeping the diet within healthy parameters. Children should be guided away from frequent snacking and foods that are high in calories, salt, and sugar. Soda and excessive fruit juice consumption have been implicated as major contributors to obesity.
Exercise
Physical inactivity also underlies the epidemic of obesity in children, and the benefits of exercise in maintaining good physical and emotional health should induce parents to make sure their children develop good habits early in life. During infancy and early childhood, children should be allowed to roam and explore in a safe environment under close supervision. Outdoor play should be encouraged from infancy.
As children grow older, play becomes more complex, often evolving to formal school-based athletics. Parents should set good examples and encourage both informal and formal play, always keeping safety issues in mind and promoting healthy attitudes about sportsmanship and competition. Participation in sports and activities as a family provides children with exercise and has important psychologic and developmental benefits. Screening of children before sports participation is recommended.
Limits to screen time (for example, television, video games, cell phones and other handheld devices, and noneducational computer time), which is linked directly to inactivity and obesity, should start at birth and be maintained throughout adolescence.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Bright Futures/American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Recommendations for Preventive Pediatric Health Care (2022): A resource providing links to the periodicity schedule, to the Bright Futures Guidelines (4th Edition), and to summary links of all updates to the schedule since 2017
Bright Futures/AAP: Periodicity schedule chart: Recommendations for preventive pediatric health care for infants through 21 years of age (2022)
Bright Futures: Guidelines for Health Supervision of Infants, Children, and Adolescents, 4th Edition
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Recommended child and adolescent immunization schedule for ages 18 years or younger, United States, 2023
Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised, with Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F)
