Taking your child for well-child exams is very important for their overall health and well-being. Bastrop well child exams help you track your child’s development, identify any abnormalities, and address them early. Although you may be tempted to skip a well-child exam if your child is not sick, doing so comes with many risks.
Here are the advantages of well-child exams;
- Track your child’s growth
Before they turn two, babies may need up to 10 well-child visits with their main care provider. These checkups are crucial to the health of children of all ages. They also make certain that your kid is developing normally.
Your physician will measure your child’s height and weight at each well-child appointment. Also, they will measure the circumference of the baby’s head. Your doctor may follow your child’s development by comparing these measures to those from your last appointment and growth charts for children of the same age. When it comes to the growth chart, it is not the percentile that matters but the pace of their growth.
- Preventive care
Children’s equipment, medicine, and healthcare standards may evolve as doctors and researchers gain more knowledge. Following the suggested well-child visit schedule helps ensure that you are up to date on all preventive treatments for your children, such as vaccines and screenings.
- Monitor development
During your child’s well-child visit, the most frequent topic you will discuss will most likely be developmental milestones, especially during the early years. This may include social behaviors, Physical characteristics, and emotional health. Even if your child is not sick, regular visits will establish patterns that will allow your pediatrician to identify and address any abnormalities or concerns as soon as possible.
- Child health education
Your pediatrician can help educate you on the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle for your child to prevent future medical conditions caused by poor health habits. They will also provide you with the educational resources and tools you will need to support them at home. This can include topics such as;
Diet: Proper nutrition is essential for children as they grow. Your doctor will inquire about any dietary allergies or aversions and ways to keep picky eaters nourished.
Sleep habits: To achieve optimum health, children aged 6 to 12 years old should regularly sleep 9 to 12 hours every 24 hours. Teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 need less sleep, averaging 8 to 10 hours every 24 hours. Your doctor can help you figure out why your kid isn’t getting enough sleep or is sleeping too much.
- Develop a collaborative approach
You and your kid must develop a connection with your physician to be an efficient partner in your child’s care. Regular visits help build strong, trusting relationships between the physician, the parent, and the kid. This collaborative approach will aid your child’s provider towards a greater understanding of your child’s medical history and assist you as you traverse through various life events.
Attending a well-child exam has a lot of health benefits for your child. Therefore ensure you do not skip any visits. Contact Pompeyo C Chavez, MD, to schedule your appointment for a well-child exam.