For most busy parents with lives full of baseball practices and dance recitals, doctors appointments for checkups when nothing obviously wrong may seem like overkill. However, regularly scheduled checkups, called well-child exams, are crucial to monitoring your child’s health and development. Learn more about well-child exams and what they mean for you and your child with help from your Palm Beach Gardens, FL pediatrician.
What is a well-child exam?
A well-child examination is a regularly scheduled checkup which monitors your child’s growth and development. These appointments give your child’s doctor a chance to keep a close watch on your child’s general health as they grow. These examinations take place when your child is:
- 3 to 5 days old
- 1 month old
- 2 months old
- 4 months old
- 6 months old
- 9 months old
- 1 year old
- 15 months old
- 18 months old
- 2 years old
- 30 months old
- 3 years old
After the three year checkup, well-child exams usually occur annually.
Does my child really need a checkup?
Well-child examinations allow for early detection of problems and conditions, which, in turn, allows for early treatment. In most cases, the earlier the treatment takes place, the higher chances for success it has. Additionally, these visits allow you, the parent, to discuss concerns with your Palm Beach Gardens pediatrician and ask any questions you may have.
What does a well-child exam consist of?
Your child’s doctor performs a physical examination to spot any irregularities or abnormalities your child may have. Height, weight and head circumference are also measured, recorded and compared against earlier measurements to ensure your child’s growth rate is on track. Depending on the age of your child, immunizations may take place at your appointments. Your pediatrician also provides advice and information on childhood diseases, schooling, safety, sleep scheduling and patterns and what you should expect during your child’s early years.
For more information on well-child examinations, please contact your pediatrician at Children’s Physicians in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Call (561) 626-4000 to schedule your child’s appointment today!