What to expect at a Well Child Exam.
Well Child Exams are periodic exams to go over general health concerns, check in on development and growth, and ask any questions you have to your child’s providers. They are a great time to voice any concerns you have about your child’s health over the past year, or month(s) depending on your child’s age.
Infants are typically seen at age 1 month, 3 month, 6 months, 9 months, 12 (and maybe 18) months, then it spreads out to once per year after that.
What can you expect at a Well Child Exam?
1. A health history will be taken. If you are a new patient, then it will include some questions about pregnancy and delivery. Any health concerns, developmental concerns, discussion of developmental milestones, breastfeeding or formula feeding, food introduction, safety, sleep, and hygiene are all covered during the visit. We are interested in the physical, mental, and social development of your child. Be prepared to answer lots of questions and if needed support in these areas will be provided.
2. The child will be measured for height and weight, then that data is put on a growth chart. The growth chart tells your provider how your child’s measurements compare to other children of the same age, but really we want to make sure YOUR child is growing adequately along their specific growth chart percentages while taking genetics and parental size into consideration. For example, a child with parents who are 6 foot tall will generally be on a different trajectory than one whose parents are shorter or taller.
3. Physical Exam: Your provider will perform a physical exam that includes looking at the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, listening to the lungs and heart, checking the tummy, reflexes, skin, diaper area, muscle tone, and any other specific areas of concern.
4. Immunizations: Our office does not carry childhood immunizations at this time. Hoagland’s Pharmacy does perform childhood immunizations, so you will want to check with them. We are happy to discuss immunizations, which ones are most indicated, the CDC immunization schedule, and variances of that.
5. Sports Physical: If you have a middle school or high school student who needs a sports physical this is done in conjunction with a Well Child Exam. There are only a few more specific questions and physical exam we can add to the Well Child to complete the sports physical paperwork. We do not do Sports Physicals as stand alone visits but if you had a Well Child in the last year then your provider can also reference that exam to complete the form.
That’s the Well Child Exam in a nutshell! Of course, if you have concerns that come up over the year you can also always schedule outside of the Well Child Exam as well.
If you are looking for a new pediatrician or have realized that over the past years of COVID you haven’t taken your child in for a Well Child, now is a great time to schedule. I love working with children and families to start down a healthy path or continue and support healthy solutions for your child. The first 3-5 years of life are integral to healthy brain development and setting healthy habits for your family. We have openings weekly for children ages 4 months-18 years.