The Importance of Well-Child Exams

Find out why every child should visit their pediatrician regularly for care.

While it might seem obvious to pick up the phone and call our Maricopa, AZ, pediatrician Dr. Anthony DiGeorge when your child is sick, it’s also important to bear in mind that a pediatrician isn’t just there to handle your child’s illnesses, they are also there to provide your child with the proper medical care they need on a regular basis to prevent certain illnesses and to keep them feeling their best. To do this, you will need to bring your child in for regular well-child care, which will begin from the moment they are born until adolescence.

When should my child come in for well-child checkups?

The first visit will occur about 3-5 days after the birth of your child. After which, you will bring your child in almost every month until they turn 12 months old. From there, you will bring them in at 15 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months and then every year after that until they turn 21 years old.

Why are well-child exams beneficial?

There are many reasons that you should visit your pediatric doctor in Maricopa, AZ, even if your child seems healthy. After all, having a medical expert by your side is important not just for preventing illnesses but also treating them when they occur. These checkups are important because,

They prevent health issues: From providing tips on healthier living to administering immunizations, there are many ways in which our pediatrician can help your child lead a healthy life and stave away common and potentially serious health issues. Everything from nutritional guidelines to preventing medical care can often be all you need to keep certain health problems at bay.

Track your child’s development: Your child will grow by leaps and bounds throughout the coming months and years and it’s important that they are reaching all physical and mental milestones. The sooner developmental delays are discovered the better. We can detect learning disabilities and other impairments early on when they are often easier to manage.

Answer questions: We know that parents will, at some point or another, have questions about their child’s health. What constitutes a balanced diet? How often should they be sleeping? These are only some of the questions we hear often and a pediatrician can address these questions as well as any concerns you have so that you know that you are providing your child with everything they need to lead a healthy life.

Is it time to schedule your child’s next wellness checkup? Are you looking for a pediatrician in Maricopa, AZ, that can care for your child? No matter what you need, call Southwestern Pediatrics today to schedule an appointment for your child.