One of the most important things any new parents can do is make sure that their child is healthy. This means not only taking care of them when they are sick, but also going for regular checkups to make sure that they are developing properly. The CDC has stated that it is not only important to take your child to the doctor/dentist when there is something wrong, but on a regular basis to make sure everything is alright.
If you are a new parent, everything you need to know about taking care of your child can be a bit overwhelming. You may think that the only time you’ll need to see a doctor after your child is born is when they are sick. This is not the case however, and you should actually be seeing them every few months or so until they are three years old. Why is it so important to see a doctor so often? There are four main benefits that come with frequent doctors visits:
Detect Problems Early
If something is potentially wrong with your child, you would like to know it as soon as possible. In most cases the earlier you detect something, the better your chances are at dealing with it. As a new parent, you may worry over every little thing. Seeing a doctor regularly will help alleviate some of this stress.
Proper Immunizations
You can’t protect your child from some of the most common diseases without vaccinations. Things like ear infections, chicken pox, and hepatitis B can all be essentially avoided with the right vaccinations. When you talk with your doctor, he will go over each and every vaccination your child should be receiving and when they should get it.
Discuss Proper Health Habits
As your child grows older, it will be important to talk with your doctor about developing healthy habits. The child’s doctor can ensure that they are exercising enough, eating right, and getting enough of the essential vitamins.
Develop a Relationship
When you are seeing your child’s doctor every few months, you develop a relationship with them. It is important to feel safe with your doctor, and know that if something bad were to happen with your child, you would have a doctor who not only knows your child, but knows you as well. This sense of familiarity and comfort can’t go ignored when choosing your child’s doctor.
Don’t Forget to Take Your Child to the Dentist for Regular Check Ups
Not only is it important to take your child to the doctor every few months, but they should also be seeing a dentist as they grow older. Similar to doctor’s visits, seeing a dentist can help you detect early signs of any problems, and talk with you and your child about the proper habits for taking care of their teeth. According to Great Grins, a kid’s dentist in Oregon, seeing a dentist regularly at a young age can help reduce the odds of future problems, like cavities and needing braces. Seeing a dentist also allows your child to get a cleaning done, which will help keep their teeth cleaner than simply brushing would.
If you are about to have a new child, schedule your appointments with a doctor and a dentist now. For those of you with children already, make sure you are taking them to their appointments as regularly as you can, no matter how much they may kick and scream. The benefits are far-reaching, and your children will be grateful for it when they get older.
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Do you take your child into the doctor and dentist for well check ups? When was your child’s last check up?
