As pediatricians, we often hear parents expressing concern over the need for routine check-ups for their children. This is especially true when kids are young and require visits every few months rather than annually. Are they really necessary?

The answer is yes. 

Preventative care is crucial in ensuring your child’s overall health and well-being. Below we take a closer look at why pediatricians believe such child well visits to be so important. 

Early Detection and Prevention

Preventative care allows for the early detection and prevention of certain health issues. With regular check-ups, pediatricians can monitor growth and development and identify any areas of concern.

Vaccinations play a significant role in the prevention of illness and disease. Guidelines are developed for when these immunizations need to be given — and most pediatricians will make sure that check-ups align with these dates. 

What’s more, routine screenings and exams can catch hearing and vision impairments, developmental delays, and chronic health conditions that may be present. Additionally, screenings for autism, depression, and behavioral concerns must all be discovered before escalating. 

With routine checkups, each of these things can be addressed with your pediatrician early to minimize their impact. 

Address Parental Concerns 

There are a lot of unknowns when it comes to raising children. How do you know when your child’s fever indicates something more serious? What if your child has a slight limp when walking— is that normal? Who can you ask? 

New parents often have a lot of questions. While doing an online search can often answer some of the basic questions, it doesn’t replace professional knowledge. Your child’s pediatrician is a highly educated and skilled medical professional specializing in treating children of all ages.

Routine check-ups give parents a chance to connect with the pediatrician. You can ask your questions, express your concerns, and build a higher level of trust with the one caring for your child. 

After all, making important health decisions concerning your little one is much easier to do when you have built a trusted relationship with your pediatrician. 

Developing Healthy Habits

Not only will these routine doctor visits keep your child healthy medically, but they are a great way to ensure you are developing healthy habits at home. 

Providing your child with a variety of healthy foods to choose from and encouraging healthy habits can have a positive impact on the rest of their life. What’s more, getting your child physically active and involved in sports is always a good idea. This will help them to remain healthy while reducing their risk of obesity. 

Your child’s pediatrician can offer tools and tips for developing healthy habits, such as with food, exercise, social, and screen time. Take advantage of this resource to help your child adopt a healthy lifestyle that can be carried throughout life. 

Seek Preventative Care at Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group

In the medical field, a shift is taking place that puts a greater emphasis on being proactive with health rather than reactive. This is why routine check-ups with your child’s pediatrician at Advocare Haddon Pediatric Group are so valuable. 

Contact us today to schedule your child’s well visit.