Between school schedules, sports, social plans and the ongoing challenge of getting enough sleep, keeping up with your child’s routine can make you feel like a circus juggler trying to keep one-too-many objects in the air. Well-child visits help you stay on top of your child’s health – without dropping the ball.
An annual checkup allows your doctor to monitor your child’s physical growth and development. But regular checkups do more than track your child’s height and weight. They help identify potential problems in their earliest stages when they are easiest to treat. Each appointment gives you the chance to ask questions and receive expert advice tailored to your child's age and unique needs. The relationship you build with your doctor is an added bonus.
What to Expect at Each Stage
Well-child visits typically include a physical exam and health review. However, the focus of the appointment often changes as your child grows and develops.
Infants and Toddlers
During the first few years, visits are more frequent because your child is growing and developing at a rapid rate. Your doctor will focus on:
- Growth, including your child’s height, weight and the size of their head
- Developmental milestones such as rolling, sitting, walking and talking
- Feeding and nutrition
- Sleep habits
- Vaccinations based on the recommended schedule
School-Age Children
As your child starts school, their wellness checks focus on their overall health, learning ability and social development. The appointment typically includes:
- Height and weight measurement
- Screenings to assess vision and hearing
- Questions about school performance, social activities and social health
- Guidance on nutrition and physical activity
- Discussion about their behavioral and emotional health
Teens and Adolescents
Visits during the teen years focus on physical and emotional health, as well as your child’s increasing independence.
During these appointments, your doctor will discuss and assess your child's:
- Physical development
- Mental health, including anxiety and depression screening
- Lifestyle and habits
- Vaccinations, including those recommended for adolescents
Questions to Ask at Your Child’s Visit
Getting the most out of each appointment starts with asking the right questions. Consider bringing a list so you don’t forget anything. Here are some sample questions to get you started.
- Is my child growing and developing as expected for their age?
- Are there any developmental milestones or behaviors I should expect?
- Is my child up to date on vaccines and screenings?
- Are my child’s sleeping and eating habits on track?
- Do you have any concerns about my child’s behavior, development or health?
Pediatric Handouts and Forms
The average parent has a lot on their plate, and their to-do list can often be overwhelming. These forms and handouts from Witham Pediatrics include age-specific guidance, developmental milestones and practical tips to support your child’s health.
Partnering in Your Child’s Care
Well-child visits are more than routine checkups. They’re a partnership between you and your healthcare team. Whether you're scheduling a pediatric checkup near you or planning your child's next well-child visit, having a trusted provider makes all the difference. At Witham Health Services, our pediatric providers are here to support your child’s health at every stage with convenient scheduling, preventive care and guidance you can count on.
Additional Resources
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