Most parents instinctually know when something “isn’t quite right” with their child and it is time to bring them to a clinic to be checked. It just so happens that well child check visits are equally as important for healthy children.

Well child visits are a time when parents check up on their child’s health and make sure they are growing and developing in the healthiest way possible.
The visits usually start a few days after a child is born and continue until they turn 18 years old after which they transition to a doctor specializing in adult health. A pediatrician or a family medicine provider typically completes the well child checks. 

Since the beginning of the 2020 pandemic, the American Academy of Pediatrics has documented a significant drop in the number of parents bringing their children in for well child checks and we’ve experienced the same in Fairbanks. 
We encourage families to schedule over-due and upcoming visits right away. Well child visits are very important for ALL kids, especially those 24 months and younger, and it is recommended to keep these appointments on schedule. To better protect our patients and staff, Tanana Valley Clinic is following CDC guidelines regarding processes, facilities, and PPE usage to make it safer for families to be seen at their regular visits. 

During a well-child visit, your provider will:

Perform a physical exam. At the beginning of the visit our wonderful nursing team will obtain your child’s height, weight, and vital signs (temperature, pulse rate, respiration rate). As your provider, we will assess your child’s growth and continue to monitor overall development. Depending on the child’s age, a vision and dental assessment are completed and screening labs may be ordered. We listen to your child’s heart and lungs, look into their ears, nose, throat and eyes, examine their skin, and feel for any lumps or bumps. The exam can be a fun opportunity to learn about the human body, but for some, it can make them feel anxious. As parents, you can help by talking to your child about the exam beforehand so they will better know what to expect.

Discuss recommended vaccines.  Early childhood vaccines are one of the best ways to protect your child from serious diseases that can be especially dangerous for infants and young children. By getting your child vaccinated, you can help keep your family and your community healthy. It is important for parents to keep accurate vaccine records and your pediatrician can also help you keep track. A good time to discuss the specifics of immunizations is during your regular well child appointment. Learn more about immunizations and the recommended schedule on our article The importance of Immunizations for our Children.

Talk about illness prevention, nutrition, physical fitness and wellness.  Good nutrition, physical activity, and a healthy body weight are essential parts of a person’s overall health and well being. Healthy eating habits and a regular exercise routine are more likely to stay with you if you learn them as a child. Your pediatrician can be a great source of information about how to keep your children and your whole family healthy.  

Answer questions about your child’s health and development.  One of the most important parts of the well check is the opportunity for you to ask your pediatrician questions about your child’s health and wellness. To prepare for the appointment, make a list of questions so you remember them all during the course of your visit. No topic is off limits. We regularly get questions about picky eaters, sleep concerns, mental health issues, breastfeeding difficulties, and developmental assessments.

There is so much to discuss and address at your child’s appointment. No matter how old your kids are, being properly prepared for annual well visits is a great way to ensure you get the most benefit out of the time you have with your child’s health care provider. Here are five quick tips to help ensure time is well spent during your well child check:

	Schedule your appointment for a convenient date and time. Trying to squeeze the appointment in between other events can leave you feeling rushed and overwhelmed.
	Bring books, toys or games to keep kids busy. To help avoid meltdowns or boredom, bring along something that can help keep your child (and you!) occupied while you wait.
	Bring a list of questions. In the weeks and months leading up to the appointment, be sure to jot down any questions or concerns you want to address with the pediatrician. Some parents like to keep a running “note” in their smartphone, or simply jot down questions on a piece of paper.
	Ask the tough questions. It’s normal to have concerns and fears about your child’s health, but you should never be afraid to address even the most difficult topics during a well visit. That is what we are here for! For our teenagers, we also offer a confidential part of the exam in case they have questions or concerns as they work their way through adolescence.
	Bring any forms that need to be signed. If there are any forms from your child’s daycare or school that need to be completed, be sure to bring them with you. Getting paperwork updated during a well visit can save time and get your child ready for participating in school sports, summer camps, or other events that may occur later.

In general, it’s recommended that you follow the following guidelines for how often your child receives a well-child visit (beginning with the soonest visit after birth): 

• Newborn (generally 2 or 3 days after discharge)
• 2 weeks
• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months
• 9 months
• 1 year
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 2 years
• 2 and a half years
• 3 years
• Once a year every year until age 18

 If you have questions or need more information about well-child care visits, speak with your health care provider today.  We want to help keep your child in the best health possible. 

Dr. Carla Cartagena De Jesus is a physician in the Tanana Valley Clinic Pediatrics Department. Dr. Cartagena De Jesus graduated from the University of Alaska Fairbanks before completing her schooling at the University of Washington and her residency at the University of Arizona.