A pediatric well-child visit in Jefferson City, MO, begins with a visit to Dr. Hildegard Emslander, Dr. Lora Folz, and Dr. Jason Hagely of JC Peds. They will give your child all the care that they need, and they will also make observations to determine if your child is meeting developmental milestones. But always keep in mind that every child is an individual and may vary slightly from the norms.
The five stages of child development include:
Newborn
From birth to the age of two months, your newborn will be full of surprises. They will go from doing things automatically, like responding to loud noises and light, to making expressions. The well-child visit in Jefferson City, MO, will be about making sure the baby responds to stimuli and grows with each visit. Newborns get well visits four times in their first month.
Infant
Infancy is the period from three months to one year. Miraculous things are happening every day as your baby grows. Well-child visits take place at four, six, nine months, and a year. During this time, your child will be getting second and third doses of vaccines. Growth will be monitored, as well as cognitive and physical development.
Toddler
Vaccinations during this time include measles and mumps. This little bundle of energy is getting into everything and will be going to visit the pediatrician once a year from the age of one to three. The doctor will check weight and height, vital signs and check the immunization record to see what vaccines are needed.
Preschool
At this point, the immunizations that are needed to get your child into school need to be completed. Your pediatrician will make sure that it is updated. Checking all their vital signs; height, weight, temperature, and how they measure size-wise to others their age. Children at this age are vocal, and the doctor will likely talk to your child and ask some questions to let them show their cognitive abilities. Asking questions if you have them is something you should do.
School-age
School age is a long development period from kindergarten to high school. Your child will go to the doctor yearly to get their weight and height checked. Some vaccinations will be given during this time period and booster shots as well. Many physical changes happen during these years and your child should feel comfortable talking to their pediatrician about concerns they may have about their body.
When you need to arrange a well-child visit in Jefferson City, MO, contact Dr. Emslander, Dr. Folz, and Dr. Hagely of JC Peds. To make an appointment, call our office at (573) 606-7337.