The value of a well-child visit

Whether it's packing lunches, driving kids to activities or just getting them to clean their rooms, parents' to-do lists seem to be never-ending. But one task that's worth adding to the list is scheduling a Well Child visit. These regular medical checkups are essential for keeping track of your kids’ growth, development and overall health. And Well Child visits are usually covered at little to no out-of-pocket cost to you as part of your healthcare benefits.

As their name suggests, Well Child visits aren’t for when your child is sick. They are a way to keep your child healthy and catch any potential problems early, before they become urgent issues. Your pediatrician will ensure your child is up to date on vaccines to protect them against serious illnesses and examine them to catch vision, hearing and behavioral issues early.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Well Child visits should be scheduled beginning at three to five days after birth, then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 24 and 30 months old. Starting at age 3, Well Child visits should be scheduled annually, unless your child’s healthcare provider recommends a different schedule. During these visits, your child's doctor can share important information about all aspects of your child's health, answer your questions and make sure your child is meeting key milestones.

Well Child visits are your chance to get tailored advice based on your child’s unique needs and lay the foundation for healthy habits that can last into adulthood.

When preparing for a Well Child visit, make a list of topics you want to talk to your child’s doctor about. These can include topics like development, behavior, sleep, eating habits, and how they’re getting along with other family members.

Make Well Child visits a regular part of your to-do list. They can help you make sure you're doing all you can to keep your child happy, healthy and thriving.