An annual well-child visit to your child’s pediatrician is just as important as your child’s health. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends taking your child for a well-child exam at least once a year after the age of 3 years.
Typically, the annual child check-ups include a physical exam, immunization, and assessment of growth, development, behavior, and learning, to ensure that the child’s growth and development are on track.
In order to get the most out of your kid’s annual checkup, it is important that you go prepared. Here we’ll give you some tips to prepare yourself and your child for their annual check-up.
Prepare Your Kid in Advance
When going to the doctor, kids worry about a lot of things including fear of separation from you as they think that you will leave them in the exam room, pain from the exam or medical procedure, and(sometimes) the doctor. They may also assume that they have an underlying illness.
Preparing your child (physically and mentally) in advance can significantly alleviate these fears. It’s a good idea to talk to your child about the importance of the annual check and what will happen during the checkup. Explain to them that going to the doctor is not a punishment but rather a checkup that will help them stay healthy for longer.
Write Down Any Concerns You Have About Your Child
Your kid’s annual checkup is a great opportunity to raise any concerns you have and ask a question about your child’s physical health, development, and growth.
For this, observe and note down everything from your child’s nutrition, sleeping, and socializing habits to their mental and behavioral health. Aim to provide as much information as possible about your child so that the doctor can assess the child’s health easily.
It’s best to note down any symptoms your child has, what you’ve tried to make their symptoms better, what worked on them, and what didn’t.
Remember to make a note of your other concerns and questions before the checkup to help you remember everything you want to bring up.
Be Calm and Positive
Oftentimes, parents are more worried about their kids’ checkups than their children. Remember that if you are anxious about the appointment, your child will automatically pick up on that and become anxious. So be mindful to not project your feelings onto your kid and stay calm and positive.
Bring Books, Things, and Toys to Keep Kid Busy
Every pediatrician visit will inevitably include some waiting. So be sure that you and your child are prepared for this. Bring your child well-fed, bring some snacks, a book, or a few small quiet toys for your kid to help pass the time.
The pricking of the needle may hurt the child a little, so bring distractions, like their favorite toy, chart, or diagram.
Bring Any Forms That Need to Be Updated
Getting important paperwork done during the annual checkup can save a lot of time and frustration later. So, if there is any form from your kid’s daycare center or school that need to be updated, be sure to bring them.
Annual Checkup in Tampa, FL
Annual visits are crucial to keeping your child healthy, catching the red flags of emerging illnesses, and providing them with preventive care.
At Children’s Medical Center, we partner with you to keep your child healthy. Our exceptionally skilled and board-certified pediatricians can provide your child with everything from the treatment of illnesses to immunization, school physicals, and annual checkups.
If you would like to make an appointment with us, contact Children’s Medical Center today at a location nearest to you or use our convenient online request form.