Of course, you want your child to eat nutritious foods and be healthy. After all, eating healthy can help stabilize his energy, sharpen his mind, and even improve his mood. If your child is a picky eater, new research suggests that you shouldn’t worry too much. According to eating disorders specialist Nancy Zucker, kids with typical pickiness, such as refusing to eat vegetables, will likely outgrow their poor habit as they mature.
Figuring out how to care for your newborn can be a nerve-wracking experience. Fortunately, a pediatrics office in Westminster can help you navigate your way through parenthood. Most pediatricians follow a designated schedule of check-ups through the course of a child’s life to assess their growth and evaluate their health. Parents should visit a doctor within the first week of birth, every month following until the fourth, at six months, and then every three months after until the two year mark. After this, most children should be fine with yearly check-ups.
The First Examination
You should bring your child to a pediatrician within the first week of life to check on their general health and set the standard by which your doctor will monitor their growth over the first two years of their life. Your pediatrician will start by measuring your baby’s head size, length, and weight and recording it on a chart so you can compare it to other infants their age. Your child’s hearing will be tested and they’ll also be given a blood test and hepatitis B immunization.
The First Two Years
The first visit sets many of the standards for what you can expect in the intervening months. Each visit will be accompanied by a routine physical, assessing your child’s growth on charts and questioning you about milestones, like rolling over and crawling, to make sure they’re developing appropriately, both physically and mentally. A psychosocial and behavioral examination will help you identify any potential psychological issues earlier. These visits will frequently be accompanied by standard immunizations, including the follow-up boosters for hepatitis and preventative treatment for conditions, like Poliovirus and Pneumococcal.
Further Treatment for Your Child
After the two year mark, you and your doctor should have a good understanding of your child’s developmental trajectory, but pediatricians recommend yearly follow-up appointments throughout adolescence. You should also schedule appointment preceding major changes in your child’s life. Physicals are required for students entering their first year of elementary, middle, and high school and also before enrolling in activities like organized sports and camp.
If you’re living within the area of Westminster, CO, you can take your child to local pediatricians in Indian Crest Pediatrics for his or her regular checkup, immunization, and other vital health monitoring procedures.
Sources:
(Planning Your Visit, northshore.org)
(Baby’s Checkup Schedule, thebump.com)