At what age should a child receive their first well-child visit?

The first well-child visit should occur at birth or within the first week of life. This early visit is vital for several reasons, including establishing care with a pediatric provider, assessing the newborn’s health status, and providing parents with essential education about care and feeding for their new baby.

During this initial visit, healthcare providers can monitor the infant’s growth and development, check for any possible congenital issues, and ensure that the infant is feeding well and gaining weight appropriately. There are also opportunities to offer vaccinations and screen for critical health conditions, which are especially crucial in the early days of life. This early interaction sets the foundation for the child's ongoing health and development, thereby emphasizing the importance of having that first check-up so soon after birth.