What To Expect During a Child Check-up

Your growing child will need frequent visits to Southwest Children's Clinic in West Jordan, UT during the early development years. After all, kids can pick up germs and are more vulnerable to their environment as they build immunity. As you prepare for a child checkup, here are some things to expect.

Will the Doctor Communicate With Me?

You can expect your pediatrician to do a thorough consultation with you during the appointment. After all, while your child is the one under examination, the parent needs information. Your pediatrician will let you know the results of everything they measure. Plus, the pediatrician will review concerns noted during the checkups.

For example, if your child appears slightly malnourished, expect the doctor to ask about the diet you serve at home. They'll give recommendations to ensure your child receives a range of vitamins and minerals to help improve development. They may ask about sleep schedule as that plays a major part in the child's growth hormone. The physical exam appointment is also the perfect time to ask the doctor any questions you have about your childcare and well-being.

What Is the Appointment Timeline?

Your child’s first health appointment takes place just a few days after birth. While the delivery doctors will check your newborn immediately after birth, you should still take them to the pediatrician after you bring them home. You should expect to see your pediatrician several times before the child turns 2. After all, the next appointment should take place at the 1,2,6, 9, and 12-month mark. After your child reaches the age of 3, then regular visits can happen annually unless your child needs extra care.

What Does the Doctor Check?

A standard child checkup involves a comprehension overview of how your child is growing. Doctors will check the height, weight, and head circumference. Kids receive a hearing and vision exam. If there are any concerns, the pediatrician will recommend a specialist for further review.

Vital signs like respiratory health, blood pressure, and reflexes also need to be documented. A healthy child is expected to meet certain growth milestones. If the doctor notices any issues, they will discuss them with you and see if any intervention can help.

Keeping up with these doctor appointments is essential for your child's health. The pediatricians of Southwest Children's Clinic in West Jordan, UT look forward to seeing your little one at their next child checkup. Call our office at (801) 563-1975 to make an appointment soon.