Over and over pediatricians talk about the Well Child Check (WCC), that you need to go to them, that they’re important, that you shouldn’t miss them.  Why? Is it because we like seeing cute little babies all the time? Well, we do, but there are actual reasons why the Well Child Checks are so important.

Child development.

During the WCC, your pediatrician will talk with you and your child, and carefully observe your child to make sure that your child is developing the way they should be.  While development is quicker when they’re younger, there are still milestones to watch when they’re in their teens.  

Child growth. 

Over their time with the pediatrician, a child can go from 8 pounds, 20 inches to 150 pounds, 70 inches.  This progress is tracked at each WCC on a growth chart that helps the pediatrician know if growth is normal.  Abnormal growth can be identified, and close following or treatment can occur.

General health.

Your child is carefully examined during each well check.  This has two benefits. One, it allows your pediatrician to get to know your child, so when they come in for a sick visit the pediatrician can often tell what’s different from usual.  Two, things can be found that should be followed, or sent for referral.  

Health history.

When a new patient comes in we often take a general health history, which includes chronic ailments such as asthma or diabetes.  A returning patient’s history will include things that happened since the last time they were there, such as surgeries or trips to the ER and which medicines your child is taking.

Family history.

A family’s illness history is important because it can point to things to watch for in a child.  Also, if a child has a problem that may be a little difficult to pin down, knowing what diseases have been in the family can help.  

Often we’ll ask a person’s exact relation to child not because we’re trying to be judgemental, but so it can help us determine what sort of concern we should have.  For instance, if a child has a half sister with seizures, but the half sister gets them from the parent they don’t share, then we can feel more comfortable that the child isn’t at risk for seizures. 

Social history.

Again, we don’t ask about this so we can judge.  We ask so we can be aware of potential problems-safety, health, etc.  It also allows us to get to know you and your child more. I love to ask about people’s pets as it often leads to some good stories.   

Safety issues.

This is where we remind you and your child of various ways to be safe.  This includes things like helmets for bikes and horses, car seats and seat belts, sleeping on the back in the first year, and checking your hot water temperature.  When they’re older, we talk to them about personal safety.

Caregiver questions and concerns.

This is a chance for you to bring up anything that has been bothering you, or concerning you about your child.  This is also a time for the child to ask questions they may have.

Vaccines.

At each WCC we check your child’s shot record to make sure it is up to date.  We discuss each vaccine the child needs, and when the next vaccines are due.  

Other benefits of the WCC.

Studies have shown that children that attend regular WCCs are less likely to end up needing to go to the ER.  

Bottom line.

Well Child Checks are the backbone of pediatric care.  They are meant to make sure your child stays healthy and safe.  Be sure you make and keep yours.