Well Baby Check-ups
A well baby checkup is a regular visit for your little one during the first years of life, when they're feeling well, not when something's wrong. It's dedicated time to make sure your baby is growing and developing the way they should, to stay on top of immunizations, and to answer the hundred questions every new parent has (yes, even that one).
At each visit, your doctor checks growth and development, talks through feeding, sleep, and milestones, does a physical exam, and gives or schedules immunizations. We use the Rourke Baby Record, the national standard Canadian family doctors follow, so nothing gets missed. Just as importantly, it's a chance to build a relationship, so your doctor knows your child, not just their chart.
When they happen
In BC, well baby and well child visits are recommended at 3 to 5 days old, by 1 month, then at 2, 4, 6, and 9 months, 1 year, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 30 months, and 3 years, with regular checkups continuing after that. Immunizations line up with several of these visits (around 2, 4, 6, 12, and 18 months).
What we check
- Growth (weight, length, head size)
- feeding and nutrition
- sleep, movement and developmental milestones
- hearing and vision, safety, immunizations, and anything on your mind as a parent.
Booking
Well baby visits are booked online through TELUS CHR Connect, the same as any appointment.
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Following the BC schedule above, roughly monthly at first, then every few months through the first two years, then less often. Your doctor will tell you when to come back next.
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Yes, please book each one through CHR Connect. Booking your next visit before you leave, or as soon as you're due, helps you keep the schedule and get the time that suits you.
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Your baby's BC Services Card, their immunization record (the little booklet, or the digital record), a list of any questions, and notes on feeding and sleep if anything's been on your mind.
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No. Well baby checkups and routine childhood immunizations are covered by MSP.
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Yes, and that's exactly the point. These visits catch small things early, keep immunizations on track, and give you a trusted place to ask questions, even when everything is going well.
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Don't wait for the next scheduled checkup. Book an appointment, and for after-hours advice you can always call HealthLink BC at 811 to speak with a nurse.
Local programs for babies and parents in the Sea to Sky
You're not doing this alone. Here are some wonderful local resources for new families:
Whistler
StrongStart BC, free drop-in early learning for children 0 to 5 with a caregiver: SscsStrongStart - Sea to Sky Community Services Society
Whistler Public Library, Early Years (0 to 4) and Family Storytime: WhistlerlibraryEarly Years (0-4)
Whistler Children's Centre (Sea to Sky Community Services): SscsWhistler Children’s Centre - Sea to Sky Community Services Society
VCH infant immunization clinic, Whistler: VchImmunization Clinic at Whistler Public Health | Vancouver Coastal Health
Squamish
StrongStart BC and family programs (Sea to Sky Community Services): SscsStrongStart - Sea to Sky Community Services Society
Squamish Pregnancy Outreach Program (Sea to Sky Community Services): Sscs- Sea to Sky Community Services Society
Squamish Public Library, community and early years programs: SquamishlibrarySquamish Public Library
VCH infant immunization clinic, Squamish Community Health Centre: VchImmunization Clinic at Squamish Community Health Centre | Vancouver Coastal Health
Across the Sea to Sky
Sea to Sky Community Services, family and early years programs: Sscs- Sea to Sky Community Services Society
Vancouver Coastal Health parenting resources: Vchvch.ca/en/parenting-resources
Sea to Sky Kids family directory: Seatoskykids- Sea to Sky Community Services Society
HealthLink BC, free nurse line: dial 811