As an adult, you probably don't go to the doctor very often unless you're sick or something is bothering you. Perhaps you have a physical once a year, but that's about it. This may leave you wondering why your infant needs to go to the pediatrician for well visits so often. Taking your baby to the doctor every month or two may seem like a lot, but there are actually a lot of good reasons for these frequent appointments.
1. Your pediatrician establishes what is normal for your baby.
Every baby is different. They are different sizes, show different behaviors, and grow at different rates. By seeing your baby regularly and tracking their height, weight, and other metrics, your pediatrician gets a better sense of what is normal for your baby. This makes them more likely to notice when something is abnormal, so illnesses and abnormalities are caught more quickly.
2. Developmental deficiencies show up at different stages.
There is a long list of developmental deficiencies and disorders that your pediatrician is keeping an eye out for whenever you visit with your baby. These include dyslexia, congenital deafness, and impaired vision. These all show up at different times, so visiting the doctor's office often ensures that your baby will be diagnosed early if anything is amiss. An early diagnosis usually translates to better management of the condition.
3. You can discuss your baby's progress.
Babies change so much during the first few years! One day, they're only nursing, and the next they're eating solid foods! Regular appointments at the pediatrician ensure that you can discuss all of these changes with your child's doctor as they come about. You can raise your concerns and get guidance from an expert. For instance, you can ask questions about transitioning your baby to solid foods one month, and questions about potty training a few months later.
4. You can stay on track with vaccinations.
It is important for your child to be vaccinated in order to prevent serious diseases. These vaccines all need to happen at different times. Some require booster shots a few months after the first shot. By seeing your baby's doctor regularly, you ensure they stay on track with vaccinations and adhere to the best timetable.
While taking your baby to pediatrician services every few months may seem excessive, it really is the best way to ensure your child gets the healthcare he or she needs. To learn more, contact a company such as Kitsap Children's Clinic LLP.
Share4 October 2019
I knew that my hearing wasn’t as good as it had once been, but I was still upset when my doctor told me that I had a significant hearing loss in both ears, and that I was going to need hearing aids if I wanted to participate more fully in my day to day life. But then I started researching hearing aids. I was thrilled to find out that there were small, barely visible aids that could help me hear without marking me as hearing impaired on first glance. Even better, the hearing aids were much more advanced than I’d thought. The ones that I chose can actually help cancel out environmental noise, like the clatter of a loud restaurant, so that I can focus on conversation with the waitress or the person across the table. My hearing aids have really improved my life.
