Regular check-ups, also called well-child visits, play an important role in your child’s health. In these visits, your healthcare team measures growth and development, protects children from disease, and answers your questions. After all, every stage and age brings new questions and challenges.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends well-child visits to track your child’s immunizations, health, physical, emotional and social development. Your provider can make sure your child is meeting milestones such as rolling over, walking, throwing a ball and saying more than 50 words even if all you seem to hear them say is “No” and “Mine.” Early intervention, such as pediatric physical, occupational or speech therapy, can be very effective when needed.
During the well-child visit, we do a head-to-toe examination, take measurements and give scheduled vaccines. We talk over any health concerns, offer ways to keep your child healthy and answer your questions. We also chat with you and your child about their mental health, how they are feeling, and how they are developing socially and emotionally.
Vaccines are an important part of the well-child visit. In the first 2 years of life, we follow an immunization schedule to protect children against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, pneumonia, measles, mumps and rubella. Vaccines are spaced at 2, 4, 6, 12, 15 and 18 months. Immunizations protect our children and our community from preventable childhood diseases that can be very serious. Click here to view the schedule.
Since your baby is changing rapidly during the first 2 years of life, there is a lot to talk about. These visits are a great way to get to know your pediatrician and get advice on feeding, sleeping and caring for your little one. Check-ups are also recommended at age 2, 30 months and then annually beginning at age 3 through age 18. It’s hard to imagine, but your baby will be a teenager someday.
During your child’s school years, it’s best to schedule check-ups in the summer to set your child up for a successful start to the new school year. For instance, if your child is entering kindergarten, the well-child visit helps ensure they are ready for school – physically and developmentally. This visit also includes immunizations.
In addition, your child’s 10-year-old checkup is pivotal and covers a lot of health information. Your “tween” may be entering puberty and notice some changes. They also may feel new stresses at school and among their friends and peers. It’s a good time to talk with your provider about the HPV immunizations to help prevent cancer caused by this virus when they are adults. and why early shots help protect children from cancer caused by HPV when they become adults. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 2 doese of the vaccine between the ages of 9 and 12.
Then from seventh to 12th grade, sports physicals are required in Minnesota for all athletes playing school sports. By law, your teen athlete will need a sports physical every 3 years. The sports physical can be combined with the well-child visit. Simply let your doctor’s office know when you schedule the appointment.
Well-child visits keep your children on track to thrive!
To learn more about what to expect in well-child check-ups, visit healthychildren.org from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
