The easiest way to stay on top of your child's health

When a child develops worrisome health symptoms, such as a high fever or a cough that won’t quit, it’s time to call the pediatrician. But seeing a doctor for regular preventive care is also very important. “There’s so much that goes on in pediatric preventive care that sets kids up for long-term success with their health,” says Katie K. Lockwood, M.D., an attending physician with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Primary Care. It’s a time when the doctor can help parents learn to instill good basic health habits, such as eating well, sleeping well, and getting enough physical activity, Dr. Lockwood says.  

 Preventive checkups for babies, kids, and teens are called “well-child visits.” In infants especially, growth and development happen fast. That’s why at this stage, your child should see a doctor every month or every few months. After your kid turns 3, the well-child visit can become an annual appointment to take care of screenings, physical exams, height and weight checks, blood tests, and recommended vaccinations.   

But well-child visits can only help monitor your child’s health if you actually set up these appointments. Bookmark this schedule so you know when your children should have their well-child visits. And read on for some of the most important reasons you don’t want them to miss these important checkups. 

You teach your kids that their health is important

Toddlers learn from observing their parents and interacting with their environment. Through these routine visits, they learn to trust health care providers and come to understand the importance of going for checkups, even when they feel just fine. “We really emphasize the value of taking good care of your body,” says Dr. Lockwood. You can help get your child excited for their well-visits by playing doctor at home. 

You keep on track with immunizations

Without question, getting vaccinations on schedule is one of the best ways to protect your child from many preventable illnesses. And the vast majority of vaccines are given during well-child appointments. It’s a great time to ask your doctor any questions you have about vaccines. Your pediatrician will make sure your child gets the right vaccines at the right age, in accordance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommended schedule.

Your child gets important screenings

Many health screenings are done at well-child visits.  Depending on your child’s age and risk factors, the doctor may check for autism and developmental delay, iron deficiency, and other conditions, says Dr. Lockwood.  

You can ask questions and raise concerns

Kids don’t come with instruction manuals. As your child grows, you’ll have many questions and concerns. Well-child visits give you time with your pediatrician to discuss any health-related questions or worries that are on your mind.  

Kids get their vision and hearing checked

Your child’s eyesight and hearing will be periodically checked so that any issues can be identified and addressed right away. If your child needs eyeglasses, the pediatrician can send you to an optometrist. “A lot of times when kids have mild vision problems, they might not recognize it or have the verbal skills to explain that they can’t see very well,” says Dr. Lockwood. Routine vision checks at well visits can catch this before it causes problems. The pediatrician may also send your child to an otolaryngologist (often called an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or ENT) or an audiologist (for a further hearing evaluation).  

You can track your child’s growth

Regular height and weight checks will reveal how your child’s body is growing. This information helps determine whether your child is meeting important developmental milestones. “We can look at growth charts and use the data as a tool to show a family the kind of trajectory their child is on,” says Dr. Lockwood. 

You can spot behavioral health challenges

Kids have complex emotional lives. Regular doctor visits can be a chance to assess behavioral health challenges, such as anxiety or aggression. It’s important to remember that it’s normal for toddlers to have temper tantrums while their emotional skills are still developing. Their pediatrician can offer advice on how to support your child in managing their emotions. 

You can get age-appropriate safety advice

The pediatrician can be an excellent source of safety advice for kids of all ages. Topics during well-child visits for younger kids may include warnings about interacting with strangers. “One of the best things about having a long-standing relationship with a pediatrician is that you build on topics over time,” says Dr. Lockwood. 

There’s help for the whole family

Kids are part of a family, and good medical care takes that into context. “We support whole families in pediatric care,” says Dr. Lockwood. Her office routinely connects parents with financial counselors and social workers to help with whole-family issues, such as food insecurity, that can impact a child’s health.

If you’re ever tempted to delay preventive care for your child, consider these reasons why it’s so important to your child’s future. And don’t forget: These visits are covered by your insurance plan. Lifelong good health starts at the very beginning of life. Healthy, happy kids have a better chance of growing up to be healthy, happy adults.