Kids get sick a lot. On average, a child can catch between six and eight colds a year. It may seem that you are always at the doctor’s seeking kids care for something. While it may seem like you are back and forth a lot to the pediatrician, you should never skip out on well checks for kids.

Typically, when you visit the pediatrician, the symptoms are reviewed, the child is examined, and a treatment plan is given. Sick visits are not considered well checks for kids. Well checks for kids are a much more thorough examination that records your child’s growth and more.

What Are Well Checks for Kids?

Well checks with the best pediatricians are comprehensive screenings to ensure that your child is growing as they should, and there are no underlying problems. Here are some of the things that are done during a well check:

  • A physical exam of the entire body is performed.
  • Developmental milestones are recorded.
  • Immunizations are addressed. If any vaccinations are needed, they are given during this exam.

Hearing screening, vision screening, reflexes, strength, and range of motion are all reviewed during well checks for kids. This is the routine exam where baselines are determined, which can help the pediatrician track changes in your child’s health down the road.

Well checks are an important part of your child’s health care. They are preventive and informative. Typically, during the child’s well check, the doctor will provide education about nutrition and care. If there are any abnormalities, this type of exam can be when they are discovered.

Why Well Checks Are So Important

It is vital to take your child to the doctor when they are not feeling well, but it is also essential to take them to the doctor when they are well and scheduled for a well-child checkup. These appointments are not only information-gathering appointments, but they are preventative appointments as well.

Health concerns and questions are often addressed at these appointments. More importantly, a well check can reveal an undetected underlying problem that can benefit from early intervention. They also promote wellness in the future. The pediatrician gets to know your child at these appointments and takes detailed notes about the interaction. In the future, if your child does get sick, your pediatrician will know from their baselines exactly what to do to get them on the road to recovery.

Keep your well-child check-up scheduled for the health of your child.