Milestones & Well-Child Visits

The first 18 months of your baby’s life are full of rapid changes, exciting firsts, and meaningful growth. From the first sleepy smiles to those wobbly first steps, your baby is learning and developing every day. These early stages are also a vital time for laying the foundation for lifelong health and well-being. 

Smiling baby crawling across living room floor

That’s why well-child visits are so important during this stage of life. Regular checkups not only allow your pediatrician to track your child’s growth and developmental milestones, but they also provide opportunities for important immunizations, personalized guidance, and peace of mind for parents. 

At Lake Country Pediatrics, S.C., we provide a collaborative approach with patients and parents that is education forward, evidenced based, and supports the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) recommended immunizations that are tailored to your child’s unique needs. Here’s what to expect during your child’s well visits, paired with the developmental milestones you’ll likely see at each stage. 

Mother holding newborn baby

Newborn Visit (3–5 Days Old) 

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • Responds to sound and touch
  • Moves arms and legs actively
  • Makes brief eye contact and recognizes voices

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • Check weight, length, head size
  • Assess feeding and diapering patterns
  • Screen for jaundice and other early newborn concerns
  • Review safe sleep and home safety
  • Discuss your family’s questions and provide support

2 Week Visit

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • Strong sucking reflex and effective feeding
  • Responds to sounds and bright lights
  • Starts to become more alert and awake for longer periods
  • Grasps with hands when touched

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • In-home checkup by our team for your comfort and safety
  • Monitor weight gain, feeding, and diaper output
  • Bilirubin and jaundice check if needed
  • Home safety assessment, including SIDS-proofing tips
  • Provide guidance on bonding, soothing, and sleep routines
  • Answer questions about your baby’s surroundings and care needs

1 Month 

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • Begins to focus on faces
  • Moves both arms and legs evenly
  • May start to make brief cooing sounds

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • Monitor weight gain and feeding
  • Evaluate muscle tone and reflexes
  • Offer guidance on soothing, bonding, and sleep
  • Talk about what to expect in the coming weeks
Mother holding hands of happy laughing baby

2 Months 

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • Smiles responsively
  • Begins to coo and make vowel-like sounds
  • Lifts head and chest during tummy time
  • Follows things with eyes

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • Physical and developmental check
  • Talk about early routines, tummy time, and interaction
  • Review how to recognize signs of illness
  • Initial vaccines

4 Months 

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • Laughs out loud
  • Reaches for toys and grabs them
  • Pushes up on elbows when on tummy
  • Begins to roll from tummy to back

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • Developmental screening and reflex checks
  • Talk about sleep patterns and introducing early play
  • Discuss emerging emotions and interactions
  • Vaccines to continue protection against serious illnesses

6 Months 

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • Rolls in both directions
  • Sits with support
  • Begins babbling (“ba,” “da”)
  • Recognizes familiar faces and responds to emotions

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • Growth tracking (weight, length, head circumference)
  • Start talking about introducing solids
  • Support for teething, sleep changes, and babyproofing
  • Vaccinations continue, including influenza if in season
Baby crawling on floor in front of parents

9 Months 

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • Crawls or scoots
  • Pulls to stand
  • Uses a pincer grasp (thumb and finger)
  • Plays peekaboo and has stranger anxiety

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • Review nutrition and feeding (table foods, sippy cups)
  • Developmental screening and safety review
  • Discuss mobility, home safety, and sleep
  • Plan for language development and social skills
  • Vaccines if alternative schedule being followed

12 Months (1 Year!)

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • May take first steps
  • Says “mama” or “dada” meaningfully
  • Imitates gestures like waving or clapping
  • Explores intentionally

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • Check hemoglobin levels and lead exposure (if applicable)
  • Discuss transitioning to whole milk and toddler nutrition
  • Review sleep, behavior, and early language skills
  • Catch up on immunizations (including MMR, varicella, HepA)

15 Months 

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • Walks independently or with help
  • Uses 3–5 words regularly
  • Points to show interest
  • Follows simple directions

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • Assess behavior and social development
  • Talk about tantrums, separation anxiety, and boundaries
  • Offer tips for encouraging independence safely
  • Continuation of vaccinations

18 Months 

Milestones to Watch For: 

  • Walks and begins to run
  • Says 10+ words
  • Plays pretend (feeding a doll, etc.)
  • Shows affection and explores surroundings with confidence

What Happens at the Visit: 

  • Developmental screening for autism and language skills
  • Review behavior, communication, and discipline strategies
  • Support for toilet training, sleep, and routines
  • Vaccinations (as needed)
Doctor listening to baby's heart during well-child visit

A True Partner in Your Child’s Journey

Every child grows at their own pace, and every family deserves a pediatric team that understands and supports that journey. At Lake Country Pediatrics, S.C. we believe in building strong relationships with parents through educational, evidence-based care. Our pediatricians, nurses, and patient service representatives work closely with families to create customized care plans that fit each child’s needs and celebrate each milestone along the way! 

 Planning Ahead for a New Baby? 

Whether you’re a first-time parent or growing your family, it’s never too early to plan for your child’s care. Learn more about the well-child visit schedule and how to prepare for each stage at  lakecountrypediatrics.com/parent-resources/well-child-visit-schedule 

We’re here to guide and support you, every step of the way!