What is a Well-Child Check?

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Well-child checks or visits are important for healthy development. These specific health exams are designed to monitor growth, development, and overall well-being and recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24, and 30 months followed by yearly visits through age 21. Even if your child has seen the doctor for an illness or follow-up during the recommended timeframe, they need to be seen for a well-child check too. These preventive visits are usually not combined with another type of visit to allow plenty of time for reviewing topics including:

Growth and Development

Your healthcare provider will asses your child’s physical growth, motor skills, cognitive development, and language abilities. By tracking these milestones, doctors can identify any issues early on.

Vaccinations and Immunizations

Vaccines and immunizations are often administered during these appointments, to ensure your child is up-to-date and protected from preventable diseases.

Nutritional Guidance

Your provider may also offer guidance on nutrition practices, such as the introduction of solid foods and maintaining a balanced diet.

Behavioral and Emotional Well-Being

Your healthcare provider will inquire about your child’s behavior, emotions, and social interactions.

Parental Guidance and Education

Well-child checks provide an opportunity for parents to ask questions, seek guidance, and receive education on how to best support the growth of their child.

Why Well-Child Checks Matter

Well-child visits ensure everything is on track and help discover any potential health or developmental concerns early on, allowing for intervention and treatment. Additionally, these routine examinations build a relationship between the child, parents, and healthcare provider, establishing a medical home that provides consistent care.

Keeping vaccinations current and addressing health and developmental issues help to diminish the risk of specific diseases and illness. Lastly, parents benefit from valuable support and education, empowering them to make well-informed decisions regarding their child’s health and well-being.

Any of our NOAH pediatric and most family medicine providers can see your child for a well-child check. Call our scheduling team at 480-882-4545 to find a provider that fits your needs or request an appointment online.