Well Baby & Well Child Checkups in Mississauga
Regular well child visits are the cornerstone of pediatric health. Dr. Saldanha monitors your child's growth, development, and immunizations from birth through childhood — providing the guidance and reassurance parents need at every stage.
Ontario Immunization Schedule
All publicly funded vaccines are provided at no cost to Ontario residents. Dr. Saldanha follows the Ontario Ministry of Health immunization schedule:
| Age | Vaccines |
|---|---|
| 2 months | DTaP-IPV-Hib (5-in-1), Pneumococcal (Pneu-C-15), Rotavirus (Rot) |
| 4 months | DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneu-C-15, Rotavirus |
| 6 months | DTaP-IPV-Hib, Rotavirus |
| 12 months | MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), Varicella (Var), Meningococcal C (Men-C-C), Pneu-C-15 |
| 15 months | MMRV (combined MMR + Varicella), Meningococcal ACYW (Men-C-ACYW) |
| 18 months | DTaP-IPV-Hib booster, Hepatitis B series if not yet completed |
| 4–6 years | DTaP-IPV booster, MMRV booster, Varicella booster if needed |
Schedule subject to change. Dr. Saldanha will confirm the most current Ontario Ministry of Health schedule at each visit.
What Happens at a Well Child Visit
Growth Monitoring
Weight, length/height, and head circumference plotted on standardized WHO/CDC growth charts at every visit. Trends over time are more important than single measurements.
Developmental Milestones
Assessment of gross motor, fine motor, language, social, and cognitive development appropriate to age. Parents are asked about skills observed at home.
Vision & Hearing
Screening questions and referrals for formal vision and hearing assessment when indicated — important for school readiness and communication development.
Nutrition Counselling
Guidance on breastfeeding, introduction of solid foods (around 6 months), iron-rich foods, allergy introduction, and healthy eating for toddlers and older children.
Autism & Developmental Screening
Standardized autism screening at 18 and 24 months. Referral to developmental pediatrics or speech language pathology if concerns are identified.
Behaviour & Sleep
Discussion of age-appropriate behaviour, sleep safety (Safe Sleep guidelines for infants), toilet training, screen time, and common behavioural challenges.
New Parent Guidance
Parenthood comes with questions at every turn. Dr. Saldanha addresses the practical concerns new parents face:
- • Safe sleep: back to sleep on a firm, flat surface — no blankets, pillows, or bumper pads in the crib
- • Fever management: when to treat, when to call, when to go to emergency
- • Car seat safety: proper installation and transition between stages (rear-facing, forward-facing, booster)
- • Breastfeeding support and guidance on formula supplementation if needed
- • Normal newborn concerns: jaundice, weight loss, cord care, rashes
- • ADHD: discussion of school-age attention concerns and referral for formal assessment when appropriate
Travelling with Infants or Children?
If you are planning international travel with your baby or child, travel medicine advice is essential. Vaccine-preventable diseases that are rare in Canada can be common at your destination. Dr. Saldanha can advise on travel health needs for children through Peel Travel Clinic — family medicine and travel medicine are both available at 550 Matheson Blvd W, Unit 107, Mississauga.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are well baby checkups?
The Ontario recommended schedule for well baby and well child visits is: 1–2 weeks (newborn), 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years, and annually from age 5 onward. Dr. Saldanha follows this schedule to ensure your child's development, growth, and immunizations are on track at each stage.
What vaccines does my baby need in the first year?
Ontario's publicly funded immunization schedule includes: 2 months (DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneu-C-15, Rot), 4 months (DTaP-IPV-Hib, Pneu-C-15, Rot), 6 months (DTaP-IPV-Hib, Rot), 12 months (MMR, Var, Men-C-C, Pneu-C-15), and 15 months (MMRV, Men-C-ACYW). All publicly funded vaccines are provided at no cost through Ontario's immunization program. Dr. Saldanha will review and administer these at scheduled visits.
What if my child misses a scheduled visit?
If a visit or vaccine is missed, there is no need to start the schedule over. Catch-up schedules are available for most vaccines and developmental assessments. Please contact the clinic as soon as possible to arrange catch-up visits. It is important to keep immunizations as current as possible to maintain protection, especially in the first year of life.
Does OHIP cover well baby checkups?
Yes. Well baby and well child visits with Dr. Saldanha are OHIP-billed for children with a valid Ontario health card. Publicly funded vaccines administered at these visits are also provided at no cost through the Ontario government. There is no out-of-pocket expense for routine well child care.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Immunization schedules are subject to updates by the Ontario Ministry of Health. Please consult Dr. Saldanha for advice specific to your child's health and vaccination history.