The Importance of Well-Child Visits

If you have children, it's important to take them to regular well-child visits. These visits, also called physical exams or checkups, help you understand your child's growth and development. They also help keep your child healthy and safe. Your child will see a pediatric provider for these visits.

What Pediatric Specialists Do

A pediatric provider is a medical doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of infants, children, and adolescents. Pediatric specialists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of childhood illnesses, and focus on monitoring the following:

• growth and development
• vaccinations
• nutrition
• safety
• general wellness

Why does my child need well-child visits?

These checkups offer many advantages, such as tracking growth and developmental milestones.

Growth and development. At each visit, your pediatric provider will give your child a physical exam. They will measure your child's height and weight, listen to their heartbeat and lungs, and perform simple tests to understand how your child is growing and if their development is within a normal range for their age. Your specialist will discuss your child's stages of physical and social development, which are called developmental milestones.

Prevention. Immunizations help to protect your child against serious illnesses. In addition to these immunizations, you and your child’s provider will discuss ways to make sure your child is safe at home and at school.

Answers to your questions. Well-child visits are an ideal time for you to bring up questions or concerns. For example, you may want to know if your child is eating the right foods or getting adequate sleep.

Jot down your top questions and bring them with you. Make notes during the visit and review them when you get home.

If your child has had major changes in their life, such as a new sibling or a new school, be sure to mention them during the checkup.

How often will my child need well-child visits?

During the first few years of life, your child grows rapidly and will need frequent checkups. Here are the ages at which your child needs to see a pediatric specialist:

• 2 weeks
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 2 years
• 2½ years
• Between ages 3 and 21, your child may need an annual well-child visit. Ask your child’s provider when they want to see your child next.

“Well-child visits are more than just checkups. These visits allow us to monitor growth, provide preventative care, and address any concerns early on. Regular checkups help us ensure your child is growing and thriving at every stage.” Samantha Rohe, MD, Faith Regional Physician Services Pediatrics.

To schedule an appointment for your child, call 402-844-8682 or visit frhs.org.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Academy of Pediatrics; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services