As a child grows and develops, especially during the early stages of life, it is best for pediatricians to monitor their development through a series of regularly scheduled appointments. These are known as well-child visits.
Just as adults need to see their physician at least once a year for a wellness visit, so do children. You wouldn’t hesitate to take them if they are sick, but it’s just as beneficial to take them when they are not. It’s a way to be sure your child is developing according to certain benchmarks and that there are no medical or developmental issues. For more information on well-child visits, call us at 979.353.0006 to schedule your child’s appointment today.
Well-Child Visit Schedule
Each well-child visit is strategically planned based on the child’s age. These types of appointments provide an excellent opportunity for a pediatrician to examine the child and determine whether or not they are meeting the normal developmental milestones.
Children are advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics to attend a well-child visit at the following ages:
Once the child reaches 3 years of age, it is recommended that they participate in a well-child visit once each year until they are 21 years old.
Primary Purpose of a Well-Child Visit
The biggest benefit to bringing your kid to regular well-child visits is to prevent potential physical, mental, or social issues such as:
Immunizations are often administered at well-child visits in order to avoid potential illnesses. Parents may also wish to discuss safety protocols for their home or the child’s school.
An added benefit to seeing a pediatrician so often during the first few months and years of a child’s life is that it gives parents the perfect opportunity to bond closely with their family physician. This greatly increases the likelihood that parents will reach out or ask additional questions of their pediatrician, which can substantially improve the health of the child.
