Well Child Exam: What Happens at Your Child’s Visit

The growth rate of kids can be so fast — before you know it, they are as tall as you are. As they develop, you need to pay attention to their health and general wellness. The best way to monitor their health is to schedule a well-child exam with a trusted pediatrician.

The child’s doctor will consider the growth milestones and evaluate the rate of development that has occurred in the child since the last doctor’s appointment. They are familiar with the child’s health records and can manage issues more precisely. Even more, the routine visits will allow your child’s doctor to detect health issues early before complications occur.

What happens during a well-child exam?

When you visit the doctor’s office, the pediatrician will check weight, measure height and calculate body mass index (BMI) to know if your child’s growth rate is normal. They will also proceed to check the heart rate, blood pressure and breathing to be sure every vital function normally. Afterward, your child will receive a head-to-toe physical evaluation.

Depending on the age of the child, immunizations or vaccinations will be administered to protect his or her body from certain diseases. During your visit, you should be ready to answer whatever questions or concerns the pediatrician has about the child’s health. The doctor will also give suggestions regarding the child’s development.

Generally, along with the procedures mentioned above, the method of assessment depends on the age of the child. The following is a basic guide to know what to expect at different stages of your child’s life.

For infants

The pediatrician will conduct a physical evaluation that includes:

Checking the child’s head, eyes, ears and mouth to ensure healthy growth
Inspecting the skin for rashes and birthmarks
Feeling the body’s belly to diagnose engorged organs or an umbilical hernia
Examining the genitalia for signs of infection like lumps or tenderness

For toddlers

The doctor will test the vision and hearing of the child and ask questions to understand your child’s emotional, mental and social development. The examination includes knowing about:

Changes in behavioral pattern
The child’s response to strangers
The child’s wellbeing
The child’s relationship or interaction with peers
The child’s hearing, speaking and social habits

For school-age children

The doctor will attempt to get an overview of your child’s emotional, mental and social development. The conversation will include:

The child’s daily physical activity
Sleeping patterns
Reading and problem-solving skills
Motor and language skills
Signs of growing independence from parents and siblings

For teenagers

As teens reach adolescence, they face many changes that should be evaluated by a doctor who makes your child feel at ease. During the examination, the doctor will check for signs of tobacco or drug use, alcohol, depression and talk about their sexual health, including:

Sexual activities, chances of unplanned pregnancy, sex-related infections (STIs), and questions about sexual identity and inclinations
Birth control methods, abstinence, and sexual responsibility
How girls can perform breasts examinations
How boys can perform testicular inspections