What to Expect During a Well Child Visit

Every well child visit is a benchmark in your child’s journey toward a healthy and vibrant future. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of well child visits, what typically happens during these checkups, and how often your child should have them.

Schedule a well child visit for your kids today with the experts at Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, Texas!

Well Child Visits Explained

Well child visits are routine checkups designed to assess your child’s overall health and development, ensuring they’re hitting the right milestones. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), these visits help track your child’s growth, identify any potential health issues early, and keep vaccinations up to date.

During these visits, your child’s doctor will evaluate physical health, assess mental and emotional development, and address any parental concerns. They are also an opportunity to discuss nutrition, sleep, behavior, and other factors influencing your child’s health.

What Happens During a Well Child Visit?

Well child visits generally include a combination of physical exams, developmental screenings, and discussions with your child’s doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. Here are some of the typical components of a well child visit:

Physical Exam: The pediatrician will perform a thorough physical exam to check your child’s overall health. This includes checking their ears, eyes, throat, heart, lungs, and abdomen, as well as their reflexes, coordination, and muscle strength.
Growth Measurements: One of the primary purposes of a well child visit is to ensure that your child’s growth is on track. The doctor will measure your child’s weight, height, and head circumference (in early childhood), and calculate their body mass index to ensure they are developing appropriately for their age. These measurements help track trends in your child’s growth over time.
Developmental Milestones: Your pediatrician will assess your child’s developmental progress, checking if they are meeting age-appropriate milestones. This can include language skills, fine motor skills, and cognitive development. If there are any concerns, the doctor will recommend appropriate interventions.
Screening Tests: Depending on your child’s age, the pediatrician may perform certain screening tests, such as hearing and vision tests, blood pressure checks, and lead exposure screenings.
Immunizations: Vaccinations are a key part of well child visits, especially in early childhood. The pediatrician will ensure your child is up to date on their vaccines, following the recommended schedule from the AAP.
Health Advice: Your pediatrician will provide guidance on various aspects of child health, including nutrition, sleep, exercise, and safety tips. They may offer advice on managing behavioral changes, such as dealing with temper tantrums in toddlers or promoting healthy sleep habits in school-aged children.

How Often Should a Child Have a Well Child Visit?

The frequency of well child visits is determined by your child’s age. In early childhood, these visits occur more frequently. The AAP recommends the following schedule:

First Year: Well child care visits at 1 week, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 9 months.
Ages 1-2: Visits at 12, 15, 18, and 24 months.
Ages 2-5: Annual visits are recommended during this period.
Ages 5 and Up: After age 5, your child should have a well child visit every year to monitor their ongoing health and development.

How Should You Prepare for Your Child's Well Child Visit?

To make the most of your child’s well child visit, it’s important to come prepared. Here are a few tips to help you get ready:

Bring a List of Questions: Write down any questions or concerns you have about your child’s health, development, or behavior. Well child visits are an excellent time to ask your pediatrician about anything on your mind, from sleep patterns to diet recommendations.
Track Developmental Milestones: Take note of your child’s developmental achievements or any concerns you’ve noticed. This helps the pediatrician assess whether your child is meeting important milestones.
Update Vaccination Records: Make sure to bring your child’s vaccination records if this information isn’t already in your pediatrician’s database. Keeping up with immunizations is vital to your child’s health and helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Be Ready to Discuss Family Health History: Your family health history can impact your child’s health, so be prepared to update the pediatrician on any new developments.
Prepare Your Child: Depending on their age, it can be helpful to explain to your child what will happen during the visit. Letting them know the doctor will check their ears, eyes, and other body parts can reduce anxiety and make the experience smoother for everyone.

Building a Strong Foundation for Your Child’s Health

Well child visits are an essential part of ensuring your child’s development and well-being. By attending regular visits and staying proactive, you give your child the best chance to grow up healthy and strong.

If you’re ready to schedule your next well child visit, Bootin and Savrick Pediatric Associates in Houston, Texas, is here to help. Our experienced team of pediatricians is dedicated to providing the best care for your child. Contact us today to book an appointment and take the next step in safeguarding your child’s health!

Medically reviewed by Dr. Patti Savrick

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