Pediatrician Dr. Stephanie Grice joins Allison for the first installment of a three-part summer series. Together, they take a deep dive into well visits, from infancy through the teen years, covering what pediatricians are looking for, how parents can prepare, and how these appointments evolve as children grow.

Dr. Grice shares practical advice for preparing children for checkups, reducing anxiety around vaccines, navigating sensitive topics, and knowing which questions are best addressed during a well visit versus a separate appointment. Allison also shares her own experiences helping her daughters prepare for appointments and discusses ways parents can partner with their pediatrician to support healthy habits at home.

Whether you’re bringing in a newborn, a nervous preschooler, a school-age child, or a teenager, this conversation will help you feel more confident walking into your next pediatrician appointment.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
— How to prepare for infant and toddler well visits
— The developmental milestones pediatricians are assessing at different ages
— What to expect regarding vaccines and routine screenings
— Why preparing children ahead of time for shots often reduces anxiety
— Tips for helping children who are nervous about doctor visits or vaccines
— How to handle sensitive questions you don’t want to ask in front of your child
— When pediatricians begin speaking privately with older children and teens
— Whether siblings should attend well visits
— How pediatricians can help reinforce habits like brushing teeth, trying new foods, and giving up the pacifier
— Ways to build a positive relationship between your child and their healthcare provider

Chapter Markers
05:00 How to Prepare for Infant and Toddler Well Visits
07:35 Do Vaccines Affect Sleep? What Parents Should Expect
09:25 Preparing Preschoolers and School-Age Kids for Well Visits
11:00 Should Kids Use Screens During Doctor Visits?
12:50 How Long Does a Well Visit Last?
15:10 What Pediatricians Are Looking for During a Well Visit
17:05 Which Questions Belong at a Well Visit?
21:10 Helping Kids Cope with Vaccine Anxiety
25:00 Preparing Children for Shots Without Increasing Fear
31:35 Using Your Pediatrician as a Parenting Partner
35:45 Should Siblings Come to Well Visits?
38:45 Is It Important to See the Same Pediatrician Every Year?
47:00 Privacy, Teen Well Visits, and Sensitive Topics

Resources Mentioned
Episode 43. Every Breastfeeding & Feeding Journey is Unique with Dr. Stephanie Grice
Connect with Dr. Grice on Instagram or her website

Give your child the gift of better sleep. Allison’s free, age-specific guides show you exactly how many hours of rest kids need to grow, learn, and thrive—no matter their age. Get your free copy now: 0-2 Years Old or 3 to 10 years old

From baby sleep to toddler sleep, daycare naps to sleep training—How Long ’Til Bedtime? is the podcast for parents who want practical, guilt-free sleep tips they can actually use.

Hosted by pediatric sleep coach Allison Egidi, each episode delivers real solutions for every stage—from navigating newborn sleep struggles and weaning night feedings to helping your 3-year-old fall asleep independently (and stay asleep!). Whether you’re trying to make sense of daycare sleep patterns, craving your evenings back, or simply need a working mom podcast to keep you grounded, you’re in the right place.

Want more from Allison? Sign up here to get her weekly email with podcast updates and other helpful parenting topics.

Enjoying How Long ‘Til Bedtime?
Your rating and review help Allison reach and support more parents.
— On Apple Podcasts: Click here, scroll to the bottom, rate the show, and tap “Write a Review.”
— On Spotify: Click here to leave a rating or review.

Don’t miss an episode—subscribe so you’re always up to date!
Connect with Allison:
Instagram | Facebook | Website | YouTube

Scroll down for a full transcript of this episode. Click on any part of the text to be taken to that part of the episode to listen in or use the time markers to find that section with the player below.