My Baby's 5 Year Visit
Headed to Kindergarten
As your child reaches the five-year milestone, you likely see a mix of independence and curiosity as you prepare for them to head to kindergarten. This visit is a great opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s growth, development, and school readiness with their pediatrician. We’ll cover a range of topics to ensure your child is ready to go.
Physical Screening
During the physical screening, your pediatrician will measure your child’s height, weight, and overall physical health. We’ll also assess how well they jump, balance, and move to ensure your child is meeting age-appropriate milestones.
Developmental Milestones
We’ll look at key milestones at five years old, such as your child’s ability to communicate, interact with others, and solve simple problems. This helps us track their progress and address any concerns early on.
School Readiness
Kindergarten readiness is a big topic at this stage, and we want to ensure your child is ready for this big step. We’ll discuss your child’s school readiness, their excitement level for learning, and any concerns you might have.
Daily Routines
A daily routine will help your child transition to a more structured school day. We’ll discuss balanced nutrition, screen time, and bedtime routines and offer tips to establish a routine that supports your child’s developmental needs.
Behavior
Children still needs help and guidance in managing and sharing their feelings at this age. We’ll discuss age-appropriate behavior and any challenges you might be facing to help the transition to kindergarten go more smoothly.
We’re here to support both you and your child as you navigate their transition to kindergarten. Contact our office with any questions or concerns you might have before or after the appointment.
Teri DeMille, PA-C
Teri is board-certified in pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Milestones to Expect
- Your child can skip and walk on their tippy toes.
- They throw a ball overhead.
- They know their name, address, and phone number.
- Can draw a person with a head, body, arms, and legs.
- Understands right and wrong, and fair and unfair.
- They understand and can play games that have rules.
Safety Reminders
- Continue to use a booster seat until they are 4’ 9” tall.
- Teach your child how to swim.
- Teach bicycle safety and insist on a helmet and closed-toe shoes.
- Teach your child rules for interacting with strangers on the phone or at the door.
- Never leave your child playing unsupervised outdoors.
Medicine Dosages
| WEIGHT | 24-35 lbs | 36-47 lbs |
|---|---|---|
|
Children’s Acetaminophen (160 mg / 5 mL) Can be given every six hours. |
5 mL | 7.5 mL |
|
Children’s Ibuprofen (100 mg / 5 mL) Can be given every six hours. *Dosage for Infant Ibuprofen differs |
5 mL | 7.5 mL |
Vaccine Information Sheets
Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients.
Multi Vaccine VIS
DTaP VIS
IPV VIS
MMR VIS
Chickenpox/Varicella VIS
Influenza/Flu VIS
Covid-19 VIS
- Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
- Inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV)
- Measles/Mumps/Rubella (MMR)
- Chickenpox/Varicella
- Influenza/Flu
- Covid-19
Bright Futures
At your visit, we’ll provide a summary of what to expect at this stage of your child’s development, as well as in the upcoming weeks and months. This resource, known as Bright Futures, is available below for viewing or printing online.
I can’t believe my baby girl is heading off to kindergarten! She’s grown so much and is writing her name, counting, and always asking a million questions. She is so sweet and confident and I can’t wait to see all that she learns this year.
When to Call Your Pediatrician
- If your child has a fever.
- If your child is vomiting.
- If your child has diarrhea.
- If your child has an unusual skin rash.
- Any time you feel something is out of the ordinary.
From the Pediatric Blog
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