What to Expect From Well-Child Visits

Children experience many physiological changes in their early years. That is why you should adhere to the schedule of screenings and pediatric visits even when the child is healthy. Pompeyo C Chavez MD can prepare age-appropriate wellness exams for your child. Here is what you can expect during your scheduled appointment.

Well-child exams scheduled visits

AAP (American Academy of Pediatricians) is a schedule for children who do not have signs of critical health problems. The periodicity schedule is an outline of screening recommendations for well-child visits. The guidelines encompass different stages of life, from infancy to puberty.

The AAP guidelines also note that well-child visits could involve more health reviews than regular preventive care appointments. Your pediatrician will focus on the developmental milestones of your child.

Growth chart and developmental growth

Every screening involves a physical exam and a review of the child’s medical history. Your pediatrician records data in a growth chart that includes the child’s weight and head circumference. The growth chart can identify development anomalies and detect medical issues.

When your child turns two, your healthcare provider will record BMI (Body Mass Index). Typically, it involves comparing the child’s weight with children of the same age.

Nevertheless, a single measurement does not always mean the child’s growth is unhealthy. Some infants may lose weight due to diarrhea or an illness and regain weight after getting better. Therefore, your pediatrician will consider their growth over several weeks or months.

Sleep environment recommendations

According to statistics, more than 3,500 children die annually in their sleep. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is often from accidental deaths like strangulation and suffocation.

During your wellness visit, your pediatrician will discuss your baby’s sleep and safety. Research indicates children who sleep on their backs are less likely to succumb to SIDS. That is because babies who sleep on their sides or stomach tend to roll over, which increases the risk of accidents.

You must ensure your child sleeps on a firm surface whenever they fall asleep in the car seat. The baby’s crib and playing area should conform to safety standards. Your pediatrician can answer your questions and discuss critical aspects of your child’s environment.

Feeding and signs of allergies

Your pediatrician will also review your child’s feeding problems from the first visit. During the first week, your provider will discuss breastfeeding and iron-formulated milk.

The AAP recommends breastfeeding the baby for the first six months. However, if you are breastfeeding, your child will require vitamin D supplements.

Your healthcare provider may review the baby’s digestive problems and allergies. Signs of an allergic reaction to food may include vomiting most or all of the food after feeding. Skin rashes could also be a sign of an allergy.

A loose stool more than eight times a day suggests stomach problems or overfeeding. The baby should be consuming between four and six ounces daily. You may be underfeeding your child if they have few and very hard stools in the first month.

To learn more about well-child visits, call Pompeyo Chavez, MD, to schedule an appointment today.