The well-child visit is a must on your to-do list
As a parent, you probably have checklists of things that need to be handled in your household. These might include changing the car oil, shopping for groceries, and scheduling playdates. One important item that can be overlooked when you have a hectic schedule but needs to be included in your to-do list is well-child visits.
Parenting is a huge responsibility, and you should have a medical professional as your partner in the journey to ensure your kids hit their milestones, are protected from certain illnesses, and more. With this in mind, your Pravan Kids membership was designed to provide this support by tracking your child’s developmental milestones by providing and helping you schedule well-child visits.
What is a well-child visit?
A well-child visit, also known as a well-baby check-up or preventive pediatric visit, refers to a routine medical appointment that focuses on a child's overall health and development. These visits are typically scheduled at regular intervals during a child's early years, from infancy through adolescence, and provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to monitor the child's growth, assess their physical and cognitive development, administer necessary immunizations, and offer guidance on age-appropriate nutrition, safety, and behavior. Well-child visits are crucial in promoting preventive care, early detection of potential health issues, and fostering a strong doctor-patient relationship that supports the child's long-term well-being.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends 14 to 15 well-child visits before your child turns six. Here are some of the reasons why you should not miss them:
They provide anticipatory guidance by tracking growth and development
Is your child hitting the right milestones? Are they growing as expected? The AAP recommends keeping tabs on these stats to understand if your child should be referred for an evaluation or a specialist. Early detection is key to managing metabolic, nutritional, emotional, or developmental issues. This tracking happens at well-child visits.
They foster trust with parents and kids
Parents worry about doing the right by their kids all the time. Having a trusted advisor to guide them through the early years is invaluable; these relationships are built on well-child visits.
As kids grow and begin navigating adolescence, their pediatrician becomes an anchor. Seeing their doctor as a trusted figure throughout the years, in sickness and in health, will offer them a confidant for things they don’t feel comfortable sharing with their parents.
They are an in-person FAQ section
Worried about vaccine safety or efficacy? Here’s your chance to shoot those questions in a judgment-free environment! At well-child visits, your pediatrician will review and discuss the immunization schedule.
Are you uncertain if they are hitting puberty early or late? Your pediatrician can guide you through these troubled waters with precise data and information.
Remember, empowered parents make for healthier kids.
Create your all-star team!
When pediatricians and parents work together, kids are healthier and happier. At Pravan Kids, we want you to make the most of your membership, and developing a relationship with our pediatrician during your well-child visits is the right start. If you’re worried that this visit might expose your child to illness, remember that our waiting room has different areas for healthy and sick kids.
Embrace well-child visits as a navigational compass for your child’s development and well-being. Chart the course, stay vigilant for detours, and empower your child with the tools for a robust and healthy life.
So, grab your calendar and set the coordinates for your child’s next well-child visit. You can also get ready for your next visit using our Milestone Checklist.
