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About Children’s Checkups
Babies see their doctors often. In well-baby visits, the doctor checks your baby’s development. Your baby gets the vaccines she needs. And you can ask questions and talk about your concerns.
As children get older they need fewer checkups. But it is still important to go to appointments. This is because regular checkups and vaccines can prevent many childhood health problems.
Where to Find Help
Information from the American Academy of Pediatrics on children’s health, safety, and well-being.
Things You Can Do
Tips for Doctor Visits
Bring a list of questions.
Bring a list of all medicines your child takes.
Try to take your child to the same doctor or health center for all checkups. The doctor will get to know you and your child, and her records will be in one place. You will probably feel more comfortable talking about your concerns.
Ask for a schedule for your child’s checkups.
Make sure your child’s shots are up-to-date. Bring her vaccine card with you. See About Vaccines for more information.
If your child went to the hospital or saw a specialist, bring the records. Or have the records sent to your child’s doctor.
If you need more time to talk, tell the doctor. Ask for a name and phone number to call if you have more questions.
Checklists
Example Checkup Schedule
The doctor can make a check mark next to the ages when your child should come in. The doctor can also tell you what to expect at visits.
What Happens at a Child’s Checkup
At each well-baby or well-child visit, the doctor will check your child’s height, weight, vision, hearing, and development. Your doctor may do other tests also, like tests for lead poisoning, low iron in the blood, and tuberculosis (TB). Your doctor will also check your child’s teeth and refer you to a dentist.
The doctor will watch what your baby can do and ask you questions about her progress. You can ask questions and talk about your worries. The doctor will test your baby for physical, learning, and growth problems. The doctor will also talk and play with your baby to see how she plays, learns, speaks, acts, and moves.
Help for Ongoing Illnesses
If your child has an ongoing health problem, like asthma or diabetes, checkups are very important. They help you make sure she is getting the right treatments and is staying as healthy as possible. Checkups can help prevent visits to the emergency room.
At well-child visits, the doctor will measure your child’s height.