The Importance of Well-Child Visits

Every parent wants a child who is healthy, happy, and thriving in every area. Regular visits to a pediatrician are necessary for ongoing child wellness and proper development. Get clarity about well-child visits and why they are important when seeing Dr. John Vann and Dr. Tricia Schmit at Omaha Childrens Clinic P.C. in Omaha, NE.

What Are Well-Child Visits?

From the time you first bring your newborn baby home from the hospital, your child should be going to regular well-child visits. These are appointments with a pediatrician to monitor the child's growth, physical condition, and overall development over time. The visit is a chance for parents to ask questions and get peace of mind that they are doing everything possible to ensure that their child is healthy.

The Importance of Well-Child Visits

Every child has a different growth process and different needs. Well-child visits help you and your doctor identify those needs early on. For instance, if a child has a possible issue with vision, hearing, or a behavioral challenge like autism or ADHD, early intervention is possible. Well-child visits with your Omaha, NE, pediatrician are also important because they allow your doctor to keep a detailed record of your child's health history in one place. That way if ever there is a medical concern, it can be handled efficiently and appropriately.

A Usual Well-Child Visit

Expect the visit with your child's pediatrician to take about 30 minutes to an hour. The purpose is to get a full view of your child's health and development and take notes. Your doctor will take the following steps during a standard well-child visit:

• Measure height and weight.
• Check eyes, ears, throat, and other body parts.
• Check breathing and heart rhythm using a stethoscope.
• Administer scheduled immunizations or vaccinations.
• Draw blood for testing at certain appointments.
• Ask questions about the child's overall health and address any concerns you may have. That includes everything from eating habits to behavioral changes.

Keep Your Child Feeling Well

At your first appointment, you and your doctor can go over all of your child's health and wellness needs and schedule future well-child visits. Please call (402) 330-5690 today to set up your first appointment with Dr. John Vann or Dr. Tricia Schmit at Omaha Childrens Clinic P.C. in Omaha, NE.