Well-Child Visits
Regular well-child exams are an important part of keeping kids healthy and
up to date on immunizations
against many serious childhood diseases.
Checkups also are a chance
for you and the doctor to talk about developmental and safety issues, and for you
to get answers to any questions about your child's overall health.
What to Expect at the Doctor's Office
At a typical well-child visit, your child will be weighed and measured and these
results will be plotted on growth
charts for weight, height, and body
mass index (BMI). Using these charts, doctors can see how kids are growing compared
with other kids the same age and gender. The doctor will take a family and medical
history and do a physical exam.
Your child may be screened for anemia,
lead poisoning, tuberculosis,
high cholesterol, or other conditions. The doctor also will ask about your child's
eating habits.
The doctor will make sure all immunizations are up to date. At this age, most kids
should have had these recommended vaccines:
Your child should also get the flu
vaccine every year, ideally before flu season begins. Other vaccines might be
needed if the doctor determines that your child is at risk for conditions like meningococcal
or pneumococcal disease.
Developmental Progress
The doctor will check your child's developmental progress, asking about behavior
and specific developmental milestones. Doctors also give a screening test to help
identify developmental delays and autism
at the 24- or 30-month visit.
Developmental milestones for 3-year-olds include being able to:
- dress and undress with a little help
- knows first and last name and age
- can count three objects
- can copy a circle
Child safety is another topic discussed at well-child visits. The doctor will talk
about the importance of using car
seats, closely watching kids around swimming
pools, preventing poisoning, not smoking around kids,
and using sunscreen. In
homes with guns, weapons
and ammunition should be stored separately and kept locked at all times.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Some symptoms can be signs of an infection, chronic medical condition, or other
medical problem. Call your doctor if your child has any of these:
- changes in weight
or eating habits
- changes in behavior or sleep patterns
- a failure to grow in height as expected
- a fever and also looks sick
- long-lasting or frequent vomiting
or diarrhea
- severe or long-lasting irritability or tiredness
- signs of a skin infection or a long-lasting rash
- long-lasting cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, or other breathing problems
- localized pain, such as pain caused by an ear
infection
Common Medical Problems
Young children have an average of 6 to 8 colds
a year, and also may have several bouts of diarrhea and vomiting, as well as
ear infections.
Sleep problems and behavior or discipline
concerns are very common at this age and can be frustrating for parents. Your doctor
can offer guidance to help you manage these issues too.