Kids are not able to make their own medical appointments, so unfortunately like many things in life, it falls to parents to remember. While it can be tough to keep up with all the things they need to do, there are some appointments which you should always set a reminder for, like the ones below.
- Vaccinations
Many childhood illnesses such as measles have found their way into communities across the US because of low vaccination rates. While their immunization schedule for the first few years is pretty heavy, it has been designed to help them fight the most dangerous childhood illnesses. Once they get to school age, most schools will have immunization programs, or you can ask your pediatrician to send you reminders.
- Checkups with a Pediatrician
As a baby, your child will have to undergo a lot of checkups at different stages, but once they reach the age of three it will usually only be an annual thing. Annual checkups allow your pediatrician to check things like your child’s growth and weight. It also gives you a chance to talk through any concerns and order tests if needed. That’s why, even if you are busy, you should try and get them to these appointments.
In some states, these appointments are called well child visits, and they follow strict guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics, so you can be sure that your child will get a good checkup. If you are having an issue with your child — from lack of sleep to development delays — this is an excellent chance to speak to a medical professional.
- Dental Appointments
The frequency of your child’s dental appointments will depend on many factors. In general, most dentists will want to see your child once or twice a year for a checkup. This means they can look for signs of cavities and tooth decay, both of which can be painful and damaging if left for a long time. While it can be hard to remember to book a checkup, see if your dentist has RecallMax, which sends out automatic reminders so that there’s no excuse to skip a checkup.
If you have a child who dislikes brushing or has bad technique, then dental visits are a good chance for them to learn to do it properly. When it comes to dental work, if there is an issue such as your child suffering tooth decay, then the sooner it’s spotted, the better. If your child is showing signs that they need braces, then you can also get them referred to an orthodontist.
Every parent wants the best for their child and to keep them as happy and healthy as possible. The best way to do this is to ensure they see medical professionals regularly so they can give you advice on taking care of your child. Whether it’s for immunizations or a dental cleaning, make sure you have the kids’ appointments on the calendar.
