As a new parent, keeping your child healthy and happy becomes one of your highest priorities. Pediatricians recommend that you schedule regular appointments called well-child visits at various points in a child’s development. Find out how a well-child visit can help encourage healthy lifestyle habits when you visit Dr. Errol Keith Douglas at Gold Pediatrics in Rockville, MD.

The Purpose of Well Child Visits

Young children need constant monitoring to ensure they are healthy and growing normally. They have very young bodies that are still developing from when they are born to their teenage years. The main purpose of well-child visits is to have a doctor check your child’s vitals and growth progress over time. Recording the child’s development, including weight, height, lung function, and blood tests, is important. It is also important to keep track of their mental and behavioral development so that any potential issues can be treated with therapy and medication as needed.

Encouraging Healthy Lifestyle Habits

When you take your child for a well-child visit with your Rockville, MD, pediatrician, it is an opportunity to encourage healthy lifestyle habits. The child learns about self-care and gets more comfortable with the care provider at regular visits. These visits can also teach you as a parent how to best care for your child at home each day, including good nutritional choices and regular physical activity. Your pediatrician will help your child with healthy sleeping habits, hygiene, and managing chronic conditions like asthma.

What to Expect at Your Child’s Next Visit

When your child has an immediate health issue, like a respiratory disease or influenza, the doctor’s visit will focus on treating that specifically. At well-child visits, you can expect a more thorough examination, including:

• Blood pressure and heart rate check.
• BMI, weight, and height check.
• Full-body physical exam.
• Urinalysis and blood panels.
• Immunizations (if due).
• Discuss the child’s physical, emotional, and behavioral progress and potential concerns.

Schedule Time with Your Child’s Pediatrician

Every time you take your child to the pediatrician for a checkup, you can gain much-needed peace of mind about their health and development. Call (301) 517-9710 today to schedule your next well-child visit with Dr. Errol Keith Douglas at Gold Pediatrics in Rockville, MD.