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COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
Routine checkups : A recipe for healthy children
The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) recommends parents schedule routine checkups at key developmental stages to give your little one the best care
BY LATAWNYA PLEASANT M . D ., Associate professor of pediatrics at Kentucky Children ’ s Hospital
LEXINGTON — In the journey of parenthood , an essential step toward ensuring the health and happiness of your child is attending well-child care visits with your pediatrician .
The American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) recommends parents schedule routine checkups at key developmental stages to give your little one the best care . Those developmental stages in the first year include : First week ( 3 to 5 days old ) 1 month old 2 months old 4 months old 6 months old 9 months old 12 months old
15 months old 18 months old 2 years old 2 ½ years old Annual visits from age 3 on You can talk to your pediatrician to set well-child visits beyond the first three years of care .
Well-child visits also offer your child important health advantages , including :
IMMUNIZATION
At your well-child visit your child can receive scheduled vaccinations to protect them against various diseases as their immune system continues to develop . By ensuring that your child is up to date on vaccines , you contribute to the wellbeing of the community and create a safer environment for your child to thrive in .
TRACKING GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
This is an integral part of pediatric visits . Doctors carefully monitor your child ’ s physical , cognitive and emotional progress , providing key insights into their overall health . Regular visits ensure time for suggestions , questions or concerns and a place for support .
GETTING ANSWERS
Well-child visits are an opportunity for parents to ask health care providers important questions on a variety of topics from eating habits to behaviors . Being able to address health concerns early on is a proactive approach to preventing sickness and helping your child grow .
TEAMWORK
While the focus of these routine checkups is on the health of your child , it ’ s also about building a partnership between you and your health care team . The visits should be an opportunity for parents and doctors to comfortably collaborate to create the best outcome for their child . Open communication fosters a supportive environment , empowering parents to actively participate in their child ’ s health care journey .
A strong parent-doctor relationship will ensure your child ’ s healthcare is personalized to meet their needs and create a trusting relationship between doctor and child . The more comfortable you are with your pediatrician the more open you can be with your healthcare .
The AAP also offers new parents checklists online for each of these well-child visits .
If you have questions about scheduling visits or health care concerns , contact your child ’ s pediatrician .