You take your kids to the doctor when they’re sick, but it’s also important to take them when they’re healthy. Regular pediatric well visits play a key role in helping your children stay healthy.
These visits are scheduled checkups, designed to keep a close eye on children’s growth and development. During these routine visits, pediatricians can check to ensure children are meeting developmental milestones and suggest age-appropriate immunizations and tests, including a weight and height check.
How often should kids have well visits?
The answer to this question depends on a child’s age. At the very beginning of life, children undergo such rapid growth and development that frequent checkups are needed. From birth through 18 months, children should have well-child visits every one to three months.
The frequency of well-child visits shifts to every six months beginning at 18 months of age and continuing through age 3. Beginning at age 3, children can move to an annual well visit, unless otherwise advised by a medical provider. Visits with a pediatrician can continue up to age 21.
These guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics apply for most children, but some children may need more frequent visits if they have a chronic illness or developmental challenges.
What happens during a well visit?
A pediatric well visit is quite similar to an adult checkup, but includes an emphasis on developmental milestones. During well visits, your child’s pediatrician will perform a physical exam, carefully examining your child from head to toe.
To help gauge your child’s development, you may be asked to fill out an assessment form about your child’s abilities prior to the appointment or to answer questions about what your child can and can’t do. Your answers help the pediatrician determine whether milestones are being met or if support is needed.
During a well visit, your child’s pediatrician will also ensure your child is up to date on immunizations, including routine childhood vaccines and annual vaccines such as the flu shot.
How should I prepare for my child’s well visit?
If it’s your first visit with a Northeast Georgia Physicians Group pediatrician, bring your child’s medical records to the appointment or have your previous pediatrician send them over. You’ll also want to bring your child’s insurance card to the appointment.
If your child’s well visit includes a sports or school physical or you need documentation about immunizations, let us know that beforehand and bring any applicable forms to the appointment.
Beyond those basics, you can prepare for your child’s appointment by thinking through any concerns and questions you have about your child’s health and wellness. It may also be helpful to ask others, such as your spouse or your child’s caregivers, about any questions or concerns they have. If your child is experiencing anything that seems out of the norm, including medical symptoms, be sure to mention those during your child’s appointment.
You and your child’s pediatrician have the same goal—to keep your child healthy and well. These well visits offer an opportunity for a pediatrician to gauge your child’s health and offer suggestions and tools to prevent illness and injury. Don’t hesitate to ask questions to get the information you need to care for your child.
Choose NGPG for pediatric well visits
Children aren’t just tiny adults. They have unique health needs and challenges as they grow, learn, and develop. NGPG Pediatrics offers the specialized care kids need to stay healthy, including regular pediatric well visits. Our board-certified pediatricians and advanced practice providers are here to partner with you to keep your children healthy and well as they grow.