The Importance of Routine Well-Child Visits with Your Child’s Pediatrician

Seeing A Pediatrician Regularly

Making a lot of trips to your child’s pediatrician for their appointments can be tiring as a busy parent, but regardless of the reasons—runny nose, a slight fever, an infection, or something else that is concerning to you—it is a good idea for your kid to make routine well-child visits to their pediatrician’s office. These appointments, along with any back-to-school check-ups, are not only central to your child’s well-being, but also can help pediatricians or nurse practitioners recognize health risks and take preventive measures. Seeing a pediatrician regularly is important for your child’s health.

Personalized Care

In addition, a pediatrician who sees your child often gets to really know your child and their well-being so they can personalize their care. Just as importantly, you, the parent, will get to know the pediatrician if you see them more often. This relationship will help you communicate better with them in the long run. You will also feel more at ease and comfortable sharing information as well as asking questions. Some of the following below are common health concerns that a pediatrician can often find during routine well-child visits:

Vaccinations

There are many required vaccinations, and it can be overwhelming for a parent to keep track of what is needed and at which age. You can work with your pediatrician or nurse practitioner to check if your child is up to date.

Obesity

Preventive health is crucial. With the rise of childhood obesity, consistent appointments so that your pediatrician can track your child’s weight and height are essential to help determine a possible weight problem. Your child’s pediatrician can work with you to create healthy eating habits and ways to promote exercise.

Behavioral Issues

Sometimes behavioral issues might be hard for a parent to pinpoint. For example, something as simple as snoring can sometimes signal serious problems, such as sleep apnea, bedwetting, and even ADHD. Talk to your pediatrician about things you notice that you are unsure about. They can determine whether your observation is something to be concerned about or not.

Development & Growth

Your child’s pediatrician can monitor patterns to accurately determine your child’s growth and development. They should also be able to ask the correct questions during pediatric appointments to help spot any problems.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Many children have been found to be lacking in Vitamin D, which can lead to future health issues. The best way to combat this is to have your pediatrician recommend a number of servings of calcium a day tailored for your child. Each child is different and may require more or less of certain nutrients. Pediatricians are experts in this subject area and can provide you with the tools and resources you need to help your child.

Maintaining Wellness Into Adulthood

Not only do consistent well-child visits keep your child healthy and ensure that any health issues are addressed, but frequently taking your child to their pediatrician can demonstrate to them the importance of preventive health services and help guarantee that they continue seeing physicians and maintaining wellness into adulthood.