In addition to taking your child to the doctor when he or she is ill or when he or she needs an examination in order to participate in a particular activity like a sport or a summer camp, periodic routine well-child visits are recommended. These visits are designed to:
- Examine your child
- Track his growth and development
- Update his immunizations
- Find any problems before they become serious
- Provide information on health and safety issues
- Provide information on nutrition and physical fitness
- Provide information on how to handle illnesses and emergencies
- Provide advice on routine behavioral issues
- Allay parental guilt trips that come with the territory
- Answer any questions parents have regarding their child
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that well-child visits be done at the following ages:
- 3 to 5 Days
- 2 Weeks
- 1 Month
- 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 Months
- 3, 4 and 5 years
- Annually, between the ages of 6 to 21 years
Well-child visits are an important and necessary part of maintaining your child's health. Please schedule and complete each recommended visit. Your child's health could depend on it.