A well-child exam is a checkup for your child’s general health, growth, and development. The exam helps you and your child to stay healthy and safe. Bastrop well child exams are also an excellent way to understand your child’s medical care needs.

During your visit, the doctor will check for any signs of illness or injury that could become serious in the future. The doctor may also recommend tests and treatments if they are necessary to ensure your little one has good health. It can include things like:

• A developmental screening
• Screening for common childhood diseases such as asthma, allergies, or infections
• Screening for vision problems and hearing loss
•  Screening for developmental delays or disabilities
• Screening for motor skills development

The benefits of regular well-child exams are many:

Early detection of disease or injury

The most common reason for not getting a child’s medical history is that parents do not know what questions to ask the doctor or nurse. A well-child exam can allow your doctor to determine what your child has been up to and whether anything needs attention. It can also teach your child about health and safety in an age-appropriate manner.

Early treatment

A diagnosis made at the first sign of a problem may prevent further deterioration and save your child from unnecessary suffering, discomfort, or surgery. If you suspect that your child has diabetes, for example, an annual exam will allow you to spot any changes in vision or blood sugar levels that could signal a bigger problem down the line. In addition, if your child has asthma or allergies, seeing the doctor will help keep them healthy by giving them access to medications and advice on managing the condition over time.

Keeping track of your baby’s development

You will know if they are gaining weight or developing normally. You will also be able to adjust their diet as needed to ensure your child gets all the nutrients they need (and avoid things like sugar).

You will know what to expect in advance

A well-child exam provides an opportunity for you to learn about what doctors think is normal development for your baby or toddler at various ages, like when they should start crawling, walking, and talking. That information helps give you peace of mind. It also allows you to prepare for any changes in routine that might occur during those developmental stages, especially if something seems out of the ordinary.

Preventive care

Your doctor may recommend a preventive visit, such as immunizations or a physical examination. Prevention can help keep children healthy by catching illnesses early, so they do not require additional treatment (and therefore cost more).

Most illnesses are preventable by getting a regular well-child exam as early as possible. For example, having one at birth may help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). A doctor can detect problems early, such as hearing loss or asthma.

It is important to schedule well-child exam visits on time because they help identify potential problems at an early stage. You can avoid many health issues through regular checkups. To ensure your child thrives, contact Pompeyo C Chavez, MD, today to book a well-child exam appointment.