At the 2 year well-child check, this may be the conversation at the end of the visit:
Provider: “We will see him when he turns 3 years old!”
Parent: “Wow, that’s a whole year! Seems like such a long time between visits! We are used to coming in for visits so often over the past 2 years”
It’s true!
In the first 2 years of a child’s life, there are 10 well-child visits which address the rapid changes in physical skills, social skills, and sensory milestones.
Developmental monitoring, also called developmental surveillance, is the process of recognizing children who might be at risk for developmental delays. The AAP recommends that developmental monitoring should be a part of every well-child preventive care visit and includes the following:
Obtaining a developmental history.
Asking about parents’ concerns.
Observing the child.
Identifying risk and protective factors.
Documenting the findings.
Genesis Pediatrics is now implementing a 30 month (2 1/2 year old) well-child visit. This visit will specifically focus on your child’s development including:
Gross Motor Skills
Fine Motor Skills
Problem Solving Skills
Personal/Social Skills
Language
Do you have concerns about your child’s development?
The CDC’s “Learn the Signs. Act Early.” program encourages parents and providers to learn the signs of healthy development, monitor every child’s early development, and take action when there is a concern. The program offers free checklists and other tools to make developmental monitoring practical and easy.
Check out the Milestone Tracker App, a free app from the CDC.
If you ever have any questions or concerns about your child’s development, please do not hesitate to contact the office so you can discuss them with your primary provider!