When you have a child, you should consider regular trips to the child doctor a part of your life. There are so many important reasons for taking your baby to the doctor, and then continuing with those visits throughout their childhood. Once you learn some of the many things the doctor does and how those things can benefit your child, you will see why those appointments are so significant. Here are things that can be done at your child's doctor visits and why they are important:
Measure and track their growth
It's important for a baby's growth to be measured and weighed, then tracked. This way, the doctor can make sure your baby is growing at a healthy rate. If the child doctor finds there is a problem, then they can intervene to get your baby back on the right track. Your child will continue to have their growth and development monitored throughout the years. This will help the doctor to be alerted to changes that may indicate there is an issue going on that needs to be addressed.
Give them their vaccinations
Vaccinations are important because they help to prevent the spreading of awful illnesses. You can talk about the different vaccinations with the doctor and go over any concerns you have. Then, your child will get the appropriate vaccinations for their age. Many of the vaccinations will need boosters, which will be done at future visits.
Order blood tests
Another thing that can happen during some of your child's doctor visits is the doctor will order labs. They may order labs as part of your child's annual exam, or they may order them because they have concerns. The blood will be drawn in the doctor's office, then it will go to the lab. The lab will then send the results back to the doctor, who will go over them with you.
Treat illnesses
Any time your child is sick, and you feel it's to the point where they may need more than over-the-counter medication, you want to take them to their doctor. The doctor will examine them and then prescribe any medications that they feel your child should be taking to combat their illness. Also, if your child is injured, and it's not severe enough to go straight to the emergency department, then you can take them in to see the doctor who can determine the best way to treat the injury.