What is a Well-Child Visit?
It’s important to take your kids to the pediatrician when they’re sick. Or when they need a physical exam for sports. But routine well-child visits are also a critical part of health and wellness for children up to age 21.
Think of these appointments as check-ins to ensure your child is – and remains – on a healthy track. And not just physically. Your child’s pediatrician or care provider will look at how your child is developing emotionally and socially as well.
What to Expect at a Well-Child Visit
The ultimate goal of well-child visits is to make sure your child is reaching age-appropriate milestones while staying as healthy as possible. This check-in with your pediatrician or family health provider includes:
- Physical exam
- Tracking growth and development
- Finding underlying health concerns before they become serious
- Recommendations for immunizations and screenings
- Nutrition and exercise advice
- Exploring important health and safety issues
- Discussing how to manage emergencies and illnesses
Parents and caretakers play a key role during well-child visits. You’ll have the opportunity to share information about how your child is doing at home. Go ahead and brag about the big milestones – and open up about any concerns you have.
Concerns? We’re Here for You
Are you worried about your child’s behavior? Difficulty with school work? Struggles with friends and socializing? Your Munson Healthcare provider is here for you and your family with helpful advice on any challenges your child may be experiencing, such as:
- Behavioral concerns
- Learning difficulties
- Emotional issues
- Family challenges
- Socialization problems
- Puberty and concerns about teenage years
There is no handbook for parenting. And for parents of kids ages 0-21, the internet can leave you with more questions than answers. Remember that your child’s health provider is an expert resource for any concerns you may have.
How often should you schedule well-child visits?
Your child's healthcare provider will give you a schedule based on age and other factors. Generally, The American Academy of Pediatrics advises the following:
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Baby
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Toddler
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Preschooler
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Grade-Schooler
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Teen
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Young Adult
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48 - 72 hours*
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15 - 18 months old
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3 years old
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6 years old
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12 years old
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19 years old
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3 - 5 days old**
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24 months old
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4 years old
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7 years old
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13 years old
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20 years old
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2 weeks old
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5 years old
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8 years old
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14 years old
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21 years old
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2 months old
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9 years old
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15 years old
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4 months old
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10 years old
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16 years old
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6 months old
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11 years old
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17 years old
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9 months old
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18 years old
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12 months old
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*Typically before discharge from hospital
**Only if issues are seen in the nursery
Promoting Lifelong Health
Well-child visits provide an opportunity for your child’s doctor to get to know them when they feel well. In time, this helps your child feel comfortable with essential checkups and screenings. As they grow older, this can lead to more trusted talks with their doctor about concerns related to their health, even if it’s an uncomfortable subject.
Likewise, having a strong relationship with their doctor means your child will be more likely to seek care when needed as a young adult and beyond.
Schedule a Well-Child Checkup
If your child is due for a checkup – even if your well-child visit schedule has gotten off track – there’s no better time than now to schedule this essential visit. If you don’t have a pediatrician or family health provider, our team is here to help you find a qualified pediatrician, close to home.
Meet Waddles!
Waddles is our Munson Healthcare safety penguin. He offers up safety tips for all ages through all seasons, including how to keep our youngest community members healthy.