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What are well-child exams?

Well-child exams are wellness exams for children. The exams focus on preventing illness, detecting health concerns early, and monitoring growth and development. At Pediatric Associates at Ridge, well-child exams are designed to support your child’s health and reassure you about their wellness. 

What happens in well-child exams?

Well-child exams include:

  • Physical exam
  • Immunizations based on age 
  • Developmental monitoring and screening, including checking milestones
  • Behavioral monitoring and screening

Pediatric Associates at Ridge emphasizes education and discussion during well-child visits. You’ll discuss many topics related to your child’s health, behavior, and development and also learn about illness prevention, nutrition, physical fitness, and safety.  

Well-child exams occur when your child’s in good health, but Pediatric Associates at Ridge strongly believes in preparing parents and children for sudden illnesses and emergencies, so discussion about these topics is part of the exam.

What milestones are checked during well-child exams?

You might have questions about your child’s growth and development, especially if they’re not reaching milestones when you expected. A well-child exam helps answer those questions and gives you the information you need to make informed decisions about your child’s medical care. 

The exam includes checking height and weight milestones as well as the following behavior milestones: 

6 months old

Children should respond to their name, roll over, and have good eye-hand coordination.

1 year old

Children should take a few steps and say simple words.

2 years old

2-year-olds should say two- to four-word phrases, start to run, and demonstrate that they’re ready to start potty training.

4 years old

4-year-olds should interact with other children socially, copy letters and numbers, and demonstrate good communication skills.

These are just general guidelines, so your child may behave differently. Pediatric Associates at Ridge can help you understand those differences and guide you to any necessary early interventions.

When does my child need well-child exams?

Pediatric Associates at Ridge recommends well-child exams at:

  • Before 5 days 
  • 2 weeks
  • 2 months
  • 4 months
  • 6 months
  • 9 months
  • 12 months
  • 15 months
  • 18 months
  • 24 months
  • 30 months
  • Yearly from age 3-18

Your child may need sports physicals, sick visits, or chronic condition management at some point as well. Pediatric Associates at Ridge schedules these exams separately as needed. 

Well-child exams can help prevent illness, discover problems early, and keep your child on track for healthy growth and development. Call Pediatric Associates at Ridge or book your child’s exam online now.