For parents and guardians, there is nothing more important than the health of their baby or child. Because each child develops at different paces, both mentally and physically, monitoring their health is fundamental for their well-being. Located in Chatham, New Jersey, and serving families throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and the surrounding areas, Touchpoint Pediatrics details why these appointments matter and what parents can expect.
What Is a Child Wellness Check?
A child wellness check is an annual visit to the pediatrician for a routine exam that monitors the development and health of a baby or child. Conducted by a board-certified physician, these exams are generally tailored to the child’s age and development stage. Because the exam is intended to be a complete wellness check, it will focus on a range of areas, including:
- Height and weight measurements
- Growth progress
- Vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate
- Track development progress
- Eating habits
- Behavioral issues
- Amount of physical activity
- Vaccinations
The wellness check will also include an in-depth physical exam, making certain there are no concerning abnormalities. The physical exam typically focuses on the following areas:
- Eyes: Performing a vision screening
- Ears: Looking for any infections that may be present and causing the child discomfort
- Nose: Making sure there are no septum deformities
- Throat: Viewing tonsils and back of the throat, as well as checking teeth
- Heart: Verifying the heartbeat is normal and no unusual sounds are present
- Lungs: Checking for breathing abnormalities
- Abdomen: Gently pressing on the area, feeling around for any masses or sections that are painful to the touch
- Skin: Monitoring the skin to detect any irritation, rashes, or lesions
Reasons to Schedule Child Wellness Checks
Not only are annual wellness visits imperative for monitoring a child’s health and confirming they maintain a healthy development rate, but they are also essential for the early detection of any potential health concerns. Many illnesses and injuries have symptoms that do not display immediately. Qualified physicians are trained in what to look for during these wellness visits. Detecting a health issue early enough can provide a greater opportunity for a child to receive the necessary treatment.
Another advantage of these annual wellness checks is the opportunity for parents or guardians to ask their child’s pediatrician any questions. Parents and guardians can review a variety of health topics, such as proper diet and nutrition, car seat safety, sun protection, and other healthy habits.
Routine wellness screenings are also a great opportunity for parents and their children to form a healthy relationship with their family physician. Working with the same group of pediatricians often makes it easier for families to keep track of their child’s physical and social development. For parents, having physicians they can trust with their child’s health can offer greater peace of mind.
Child wellness visits are also important because children develop constantly, making it difficult for physicians to establish a baseline for their health unless they see the child annually. This baseline is helpful when the child comes into the office sick, as their provider can compare how the child feels now to their standard health.
Preparing for a Child’s Wellness Check
Ensuring children receive the best possible care requires some preparation on the part of parents. Before leaving home for a wellness visit at the pediatrician’s office, parents should bring any necessary paperwork or documentation about their child’s health. These items include:
- Up-to-date medical records
- List of vaccinations
- Family medical history
- Any blood test results
- List of any medications and supplements
- A list of allergies, if any
- Any surgical records
- X-rays or any other radiology studies
Parents may also need to discuss the visit with their children. For instance, kids who are overly nervous or stressed about the checkup may need coping mechanisms to navigate the doctor’s visit. Parents should note that most pediatricians and other medical staff strive to make children as comfortable as possible during routine exams.
Annual Wellness Visits at Touchpoint Pediatrics
Even for babies and children displaying no noticeable health issues, yearly wellness checks are vital. Touchpoint Pediatrics offers personalized care for families throughout Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond. The 100% board-certified pediatricians are dedicated to providing families with the care they need, including annual health and wellness visits. For more information regarding these specialty services or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today.