What is a Well-Child Check?

A well-child visit is one of the best ways to make sure your child is healthy and thriving. Kids bodies grow and change quickly, which is why an annual well-child check is so important.
At a well-child check, your pediatrician or primary care doctor will:

• Perform a physical exam
• Give the child any necessary immunizations 
• Track your child's growth and ask about development and behavior
• Talk about illness prevention, nutrition and physical fitness
• Talk about how to handle emergencies and sudden illness
• Discuss any mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression
• Complete sports physical forms

How often should I schedule a WCC?

When you come in for a well-child check depends on your child’s age. We follow guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Well-child visits are recommended at the following ages for infants and toddlers:

• First-week visit (3-5 days old)
• 2 weeks old
• 1 month old
• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• 9 months old
• 12 months old
• 15 months old
• 18 months old
• 2 years old (24 months)
• 2 ½ years old (30 months)

Children and young adults age 3 to 21 should come in for a visit once a year. 

Top Questions to Ask During a Well-Child Check

1. Is my child’s development and growth on track for their age?
2. What immunizations(s) does my child need during this visit? What does it protect against?
3. Is everything up to date, and may I get a record of my child’s shots?
4. What infectious diseases are going around and how can I best keep my kids safe from them?
5. When should I bring my child back?

It’s also important to ask questions about any sort of treatment or medication that is being prescribed. Parents should understand the diagnosis, how long to give their child the prescribed medicine and what dosage to give. Do not hesitate to ask your provider to clarify instructions.

How to get your child ready for their WCC

If only every child's visit to the doctor was easy and hassle-free, ending with a sticker and a smile. But that's not always the case, especially for anxiety-prone kids who dread shots or other medical procedures.

Creating feel-good interactions at the doctor's office early in childhood can help set the stage for positive health care experiences later on and ensure that a reluctant young patient doesn't grow up to be a doctor-dodging adult. 
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Ways to help prepare your child:

• Don't assume your child is scared of the doctor.
• Prep them in advance but don't overdo it. 
• Be honest. 
• Check your own emotions. 
• Emphasize the positive.
• Prepare for more advanced procedures. 
• Offer choices. 
• Take a favorite object from home.

Here are a few tv show episodes that could help your child feel more at ease with their upcoming appointment.