Well Visits

What are well visits?

Well visits are regular checkups that track and monitor your child’s growth and development from birth through early adulthood. Routine well visits are important to ensure your child reaches their expected milestones — talking, walking, reading, and much more. 

With well visits, your pediatrician at Garland Pediatric Practice can address potential concerns or roadblocks in your child’s development as soon as they arise. The earlier your pediatrician identifies physical, mental, and cognitive concerns, the sooner they can provide treatment. 

What can I expect from well visits?

The details of your child’s well visits depend on their age and medical history. In general, a well visit begins with recording your child’s height and weight. Next, your pediatrician at Garland Pediatric Practice checks your child’s vitals (respiration rate, blood pressure, temperature). 

During a well visit, your child’s pediatrician may perform a physical exam. After reviewing their medical history, they look inside your child’s ears, nose, and throat, and then listen to their heart and lungs. After palpating their abdomen to check for proper organ size and location, they test your child’s reflexes and muscle strength.

Your pediatrician can also administer any vaccines your child needs at these visits. Before you leave, they may perform a vision and hearing screening. 

Well visits also serve as an opportunity to discuss nutrition and lifestyle changes your child may need to thrive. Your pediatrician may also ask about your child’s diet, exercise routine, and sleep schedule to gather necessary information.

Preparing for your child’s well visit is vital to ensure you maximize your time with their pediatrician. Before you arrive, make sure to bring:

• A list of medications your child takes
• Documentation that covers past injuries, surgeries, and illnesses
• Immunization records
• A list of questions or concerns you have

If this is your first time visiting Garland Pediatric Practice, your pediatrician may ask for additional information from your previous pediatricians or family doctor.

How often does my child need well visits?

Garland Pediatric Practice offers comprehensive well visits for newborns, toddlers, children, adolescents, and teenagers. During the first few months of your child’s life, your pediatrician recommends bi-monthly, then monthly visits. From ages 6-18 months, they may need a well visit once every three months.

By age three, your child only needs to visit once a year. As your child ages and asserts their independence, you may no longer need to accompany them to the doctors for their annual visits.

To learn more about well visits, call Garland Pediatric Practice or schedule an appointment online today.