According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a child should visit a pediatrician for a well-child check-up at least ten times during the first two years and yearly after they reach three. Your pediatrician will be able to provide you with a more detailed schedule based on your child’s specific health concerns.
Well-Child Exams
At Rigby Pediatrics, we know how important regular health exams are for your child’s well-being. These check-ups give us the chance to watch them grow, track their development, and ensure they’re thriving—helping to build a healthy foundation for their future. From birth through adolescence, well-child visits allow us to catch potential problems before they develop into more serious issues.
Our team is here to support you and answer any questions you have. We’re committed to building a warm, trusting relationship with your family so we can be there for your child at every stage of their journey to a healthy, happy future.
The Purpose of Well-Child Exams
There are many reasons why well-child exams are important. They give us a clear picture of how your child is growing and developing and give you peace of mind that your little one is on track. These regular visits allow us to catch any potential issues early, keeping your child as healthy as possible.
Monitoring growth
During well-child exams, we track important growth markers like height and weight to ensure your child is growing as expected. These measurements help us detect any growth concerns early on and provide guidance on proper nutrition to support healthy development.
Vaccinations
Vaccines are a key part of protecting your child's health. Rigby Pediatrics adheres to the CDC’s recommended schedule for vaccinations. Depending on your child’s age, vaccinations may include necessary immunizations like hepatitis B or rotavirus vaccines for infants or booster shots for tetanus and MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) for older children.
Recognizing developmental problems
Well-child exams are a valuable opportunity to monitor your child’s developmental milestones. We assess their motor skills, language comprehension, and speech to ensure they’re hitting key markers and address any delays while they’re still young.
Lab work
Some well-child exams may involve lab tests such as screenings for anemia or lead exposure. These tests allow us to identify hidden health issues, like nutrient deficiencies or exposure to harmful substances, that could affect your child’s well-being.
Parental guidance
We’re here to support you as your child grows by offering personalized advice on everything from nutrition and sleep routines to safety tips and emotional well-being. Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed every step of the way.
Vision tests
Vision plays a crucial role in your child's learning and development. That’s why we perform routine screenings during well-child exams. If we notice anything unusual, we’ll recommend further testing or refer you to a specialist for evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should my child get a well-child exam?
How do I know if my insurance covers well-child exams?
Well-child exams are considered preventive care and are covered by most health insurance plans. We recommend contacting your insurance provider before your child’s visit to confirm coverage.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Please bring your child’s immunization records, recent lab results or medical reports (if applicable), a list of current medications, and health paperwork for school or sports. Additionally, please come prepared with any questions or concerns you have regarding your child's health or development.
What if my child has special health concerns?
Please let us know prior to your visit if your child has special needs or a chronic condition so that we may provide the best level of service.
How can I prepare my child for their appointment?
We suggest preparing anxious children by telling them in advance what will happen. If your child is nervous, offering them a toy or another distraction while they wait can help relieve some of the stress.
Contact Rigby Pediatrics to Schedule a Well-Child Exam Today!
Our team is committed to keeping your child healthy and happy as they develop. Well-child exams are a vital part of that journey.
Call us today to schedule your child’s well-child exam at Rigby Pediatrics!