As a parent, you already know it’s important to take your children to a pediatrician when they’re sick, but it may not be as obvious why you need to take them to a doctor when they’re well. However, well-child visits are vital to your child’s health and well-being.
At Sima Stein, MD, board-certified pediatrician Dr. Stein, an experienced and trusted physician, can provide care and support for your child from infancy through their teen years. Dr. Stein addresses age-related health issues and concerns at regular well-child visits.
Here, she shares when to schedule well-child exams and why they’re so important for your child at every stage of life.
Well-child exams should be scheduled frequently when your child is young. The reason for this frequent schedule is because children change so rapidly in the first couple of years of life. Between birth and two years old, you should see your pediatrician for a well-child exam every 1-3 months.
After your child turns two years old, you should schedule a well-child exam yearly. These annual exams are a great time to ask your doctor important questions about your child’s development. It’s also an ideal time for your pediatrician to share relevant and vital information with you and your child at every stage of life.
At every exam, Dr. Stein records vital information regarding your child’s health and well-being. Seeing your doctor at least once a year can help them intervene promptly if there’s an issue.
For example, Dr. Stein records your child’s height and weight at every visit. If your child isn’t meeting their growth milestones, she can order testing to ensure they have adequate growth hormones.
Also, at the annual visit, your child is screened for hearing and vision, ADHD assessments, and other relevant health-related tests. If any tests or screenings reveal an issue or abnormal result, Dr. Stein recommends further testing, provides a referral to a specialist, or offers effective treatment.
Additionally, at your annual well-child exam, Dr. Stein can check your child’s eating and sleeping habits, electronics use, and social development and offer individualized advice. It’s also an excellent opportunity to ask questions about these issues.
Lastly, one of the most special benefits of annual exams is that they give Dr. Stein a chance to get to know your child and your family and form a special bond. Is it time for you to schedule your child’s well-child visit?
Call the office of Sima Stein, MD, to schedule your child’s next annual well-child visit, or request an appointment online today.
