What Is A Well-Child Visit And Why Does My Child Need One?

New parents are usually very vigilant about keeping up with their baby’s primary care pediatric appointments. These checkup visits help provide the reassurance they need that their child is healthy and developing normally. But as soon as parents become confident about their child’s robustness, these visits tend to taper off—to the point where they visit Pediatrician Stone oak clinics to seek care only if the child is sick. The American Academy of Pediatrics revealed that only 84% of children below the age of 17 receive a proper well-child visit annually. Also, babies and infants under the age of six receive the highest number of well-child exams. This means the likelihood of children receiving well-child exams continues to decrease as most children age, with adolescent well-ness visits being almost non-existent unless they’re sick. Experts from some of the best pediatric clinics believe that when children get regular well-child visits, they get properly immunized, leading to a decreased need for antibiotics and sick visits. For parents, it leads to fewer missed workdays, fewer worries, and a more satisfying, positive experience of raising happy and healthy children.

Well-Child Visits: What To Expect

Well-child visits usually begin shortly after birth and should ideally continue until the child turns 21. Each typical visit includes a comprehensive physical exam. The medical practitioner examines the child’s growth, height, weight, and other critical information needed to identify potential illnesses and development problems. Preventive care and immunizations might also be included in these visits, depending on the child’s age. 0 to 2 years – The pediatrician will track the growth of the baby’s head and ask about sleeping and eating habits, bowel movements, urination, and behavior. They might discuss appropriate vaccines, acceptable solid foods, and more. 3 to 4 years – At this age, they will begin checking the child’s blood pressure while developing a healthy relationship to analyze speech patterns. 5 to 12 years – As the child grows, the doctor might add several screenings to the checkup routine, such as:

• Hearing
• Vision
• Social interaction
• Changes in birthmarks
• Spinal health, and more.

13 to 20 years – The child now reaches adolescence, so they need to be checked for various things, including:

• Acne
• Depression
• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Social interaction
• Safe sex, and more.

Well-child visits play a critical role in preventing several illnesses while promoting the child’s wellbeing and ensuring optimum development goals are met. If you’re unsure about getting started, reach out to newborn pediatricians at A thru Z Pediatrics. We offer a wide range of primary care pediatric services, including vaccinations, ADHD testing San Antonio, well-child visits, telemedicine services, and more. Contact us to learn more or book an appointment online.