Hooray for well-child checks! It's like a superpower for keeping your little ones healthy and happy. Kids sprout up like daisies, which is why a yearly checkup is vital to keep them growing strong and thriving. During a typical well-child check, your pediatrician will review your child's medical history, check their growth and development, perform a physical exam, and administer any necessary vaccines. They will also discuss any concerns you may have and provide guidance on nutrition, safety, and other important topics. Regular well-child checks are important not just for addressing immediate health needs, but also for detecting potential health issues early on. By catching a problem early, your child's doctor can provide early intervention and treatment, which can prevent more serious health problems down the road. In addition to the medical benefits, well-child visits can help foster a positive relationship between your child and their pediatrician. This can make future visits less stressful and more productive, as your child will feel more comfortable discussing any health concerns with a trusted healthcare provider. So, if your child is due for a well-child check, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment. It's a small investment of time that can pay off big in terms of your child's health and well-being.

At a well-child check, your pediatrician or primary care provider 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
• ​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.

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.

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.