Every child is different. As they grow, these differences can affect the way they develop, both physically and mentally. That is why well-child exams are an essential part of your child’s development. Not only will you get regular health checks from the pediatrician, but you will also have the opportunity to address any concerns that you may have.
In the first few months, you are likely to have many questions and concerns about your baby. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends scheduling regular well-child exams. These should be done at the following intervals
- Three to five days old
- By one month
- Two months
- Four months
- Six months
- Nine months
- One year
- Fifteen months
- Eighteen months
- Two years
- Thirty months
- Three years
Regular well-child exams are an important first line of defense in the prevention of childhood illnesses. While this is crucial, the sessions with the pediatrician will also offer an opportunity for you to share your parenting experiences and ask any questions you have about the health and well-being of your child.
Peace of Mind
Looking after a newborn baby is a very stressful time, and you are likely to be very sensitive to even the subtlest of changes in your child’s health or behavior.
No matter how big or small the issue, the pediatrician will be there to address any concerns and worries you may have. Many patients feel that their questions might be silly, but when it comes to your child’s well-being, it is better to be safe than sorry. It is essential that you raise any perceived problems, so the pediatrician can investigate if necessary, or put your mind at ease if not.
Complete Checkup
One way that you can get peace of mind is through a thorough medical exam. You probably have many questions about your child’s well-being, and these will be addressed during the well-child exam. The pediatrician will check your baby’s vital signs and provide you with vital information about your child’s development.
So, whether you are concerned about your child’s sleeping patterns, emotional behavior or eating habits, the pediatrician will be on hand to give you the information you need to help raise your child.
Tips and Suggestions
There is an enormous amount of information on the internet about raising children. Yet, it is important to get the right information for your child. What is normal in one case might not be in another.
As part of the well-child exam, the doctor will give you advice and recommendations about nutrition, safety, and behavior. This will help you make any necessary adjustments to your baby’s daily routine or meals.
Vaccinations
Babies are susceptible to a variety of infectious diseases, which can cause many health complications. That is why the well-child exam can be very helpful, as the pediatrician will discuss all the relevant vaccinations and time frames with you. That will give you one less thing to worry about.
Nobody likes injections, and this can be especially true for a baby or child. Having regular sessions with the pediatrician will help your child to become familiar with them, and make the vaccinations as stress-free as possible for both you and your little one.
With you every step of the way
Whether you have concerns or not, your pediatrician will be there for you from your child’s first steps onwards. This care will help your child stay healthy and active.