Back-to-School Health Checklist: Simple Ways to Help Your Child Start the School Year Strong

Backpacks? ✔️ School supplies? ✔️

Now it's time to make sure your child is healthy, too. A little preparation before the first day of school can help prevent missed school days, reduce stress and set your child up for success all year long.

Schedule Their Annual Wellness Visit

An annual checkup helps ensure your child is growing well, up to date on vaccinations and ready for school and sports.

Parent Tip: Bring a list of questions about sleep, nutrition, behavior or any concerns you've noticed. "The annual wellness visit is one of the best ways to help children start the school year healthy," said Bayhealth Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Lindie Garrett.

Reset Their Sleep Schedule

Start adjusting bedtimes about two weeks before school begins by moving bedtime earlier 15–20 minutes every few days.

• Ages 6–12 need 9–12 hours of sleep.
• Teens need 8–10 hours.

Parent Tip: Turn off screens an hour before bed and get outside for a few minutes each morning to help reset your child's body clock.

Fuel Their Brain

Healthy meals help children stay focused and energized.

Simple breakfast ideas include:

• Eggs and toast
• Yogurt and fruit
• Oatmeal
• Peanut butter toast

Don't forget water! A filled water bottle each morning helps keep kids hydrated throughout the day.

Check Vision, Hearing and Backpack Fit

If your child squints, complains of headaches or struggles to hear, schedule an exam before school starts.

Also make sure backpacks:

• Use both shoulder straps.
• Weigh no more than 10–15% of your child's body weight.

Talk About Mental Health

A new school year can bring excitement and anxiety. Instead of asking, "Are you nervous?" try:

• What are you excited about?
• Is there anything you're worried about?

Small conversations now can build confidence later.

Practice Healthy Habits

Remind children to:

• Wash their hands often.
• Cover coughs and sneezes.
• Stay home when they're sick.
• Avoid sharing drinks and utensils.

These simple habits help keep everyone healthier. A healthy school year begins before the first bell rings. Schedule your child's annual wellness visit, sports physical or routine vaccinations with a Bayhealth primary care clinician today. Visit Bayhealth.org/Pediatrics or schedule through MyChart as a guest or registered user or by calling 302-725-3550.