What To Expect at Your Developmental Pediatrics Appointment
Taking your child to their first developmental pediatrics appointment can feel like a big step, and it’s natural to have questions about what to expect. These evaluations help assess your child’s growth, behavior, and development to ensure they receive any necessary support early on. To make the visit as smooth as possible, here’s a practical guide on what to bring and how to prepare.
what to bring
Comfort Items. Make sure you’re prepped with a few basics - these appointments can be long, with a lot of new faces.
Make sure your baby is in easy zip up PJs/clothes - they may have to be undressed (with a diaper or pull up) for parts of the exam. They often take children’s vital signs (weight, etc.) without clothes on, so bring a blanket with you for that part of the visit.
A Cozy Blanket or Sweater – Pediatric offices can be chilly, and your child may feel more comfortable with a familiar blanket or an extra layer.
Snacks and Drinks – These appointments can take a while, and a hungry child (or parent!) can make things more stressful. Bring a spill-proof water bottle, easy-to-eat snacks, and be ready to nurse or have a bottle ready just in case.
Favorite Lovey or Comfort Toy – A stuffed animal, small toy, or fidget can provide comfort in a new setting and help ease anxiety.
A Small Activity and Favorite Book – Since there may be waiting periods, a quiet activity like a coloring book or a favorite picture book can help keep your child occupied. Stickers and crayons can also be great to have (you can use them on the exam table paper in a pinch).
Extra Diapers, Wipes, and a Change of Clothes – If your child is still in diapers or potty training, it’s always a good idea to have extras.
Phone Charger - the appointment might be long, so make sure that you charge your phone fully before you go and have a charger on hand just in case.
Health Information.
A List of Questions or Concerns – Jot down any observations, milestones, or concerns you want to discuss so you don’t forget in the moment. You can keep them on your phone if easy.
tips from a BCBA: for any concerning behaviors, jot down 1) what happens immediately before and after the behavior. this helps to to determine WHY the behavior is happening.
don’t be shy — laying out all of your concerns early on helps to make sure that your care team is serving your family’s needs
Drawings from Home or Crafts - some teams like you to bring projects that show your child’s fine motor abilities.
Favorite Books - if the team wants to observe your child, it can be helpful to bring one of their favorite books. this can help to show their learning, speech and communication, fine motor skills, lots of things!
Any Relevant Medical or Educational Records – If your child has had early intervention services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or prior evaluations, bring copies of those reports or notes from them.
take note of dates/ages for milestones and major health events (surgeries, etc.)
Videos or Photos - These help a TON during evaluations.
any concerning behaviors you’ve noticed.
speech and communication examples: some kids might not be comfortable chatting as they usually do during these appointments - bringing videos of their communication can help a lot.
what to expect
Detailed Questionnaires – Be prepared to answer in-depth questions about your child’s developmental milestones, behavior, and medical history. Some clinics may send these in advance, so check if you can complete them before the appointment.
A Long Visit – Developmental evaluations are thorough, often lasting a few hours, depending on the assessment.
Observation & Play-Based Interaction – The provider may observe how your child plays, interacts, and responds to different tasks and social cues.
Possibly No Immediate Diagnosis – The provider may need to gather more information or schedule follow-ups before making a formal diagnosis or recommendation.
A Follow-Up Plan – You may leave with next steps, which could include referrals for additional testing, therapy options, or home strategies to support your child’s development.
and please know…
A developmental pediatrics visit is an opportunity to get insight into your child’s strengths and any areas where they may need extra support. While it can feel overwhelming, being prepared with the right items and knowing what to expect can make the experience smoother. Your pediatrician is there to guide and support you, and every step you take is a positive one for your child’s growth and well-being.
Sending you a big hug,
Anjuli
Disclaimer: For educational purposes only and should not be regarded as medical advice or replace the advice of your physician and medical care team.