“Regular child checkups play a decisive role during the first years of life. It includes all the activities aimed at the prevention, detection and timely treatment of diseases, in addition to the monitoring and education of the child and the family, in order to achieve their proper development and growth ”, highlights Dr. Jorge Mucha, prominent pediatrician at our clinic.

What is assessed in a child check-up?

• The adequate increase in weight and height
• Feeding habits
• The child’s health status, through a complete physical examination
• His/her skills and correct psychomotor development
• Compliance with the vaccination schedule

Also:

• Counseling is provided for the proper care of the baby
• Anemia is prevented through the indication of iron supplements
• Diseases such as parasitosis and anemia are ruled out

According to the parts to be auscultated, in the physical examination we can detect:

• Head: Microcephaly or macrocephaly
• Eyes: Strabismus (wandering eyes)
• Mouth: Check the palate, in case there is an opening (cleft palate)
• Skin: Various skin conditions, including certain birthmarks
• Heart and lungs: Abnormal heart rhythm or heart murmurs, the latter are usually harmless, but sometimes it is recommended to talk with a specialist
• Abdomen. Enlarged organs or unusual masses
• Hips and legs. Dislocation or other joint problems of the hip.
• Genitals. In boys, rule out phimosis (tight foreskin). Also, the doctor will make sure that both testicles have descended into the scrotum. In girls, if there are vaginal synechiae (union of the labia minora).

How often a child checkup should be done?

• From birth to 28 days: once a week
• From 1 to 11 months: 1 time per month
• From 12 to 23 months: 1 time every 2 months
• From 24 to 59 months: 1 time every 3 months

Remember, we have all the biosecurity protocols to provide you with the safe and quality care that you and your baby deserve.

Dr. Jorge Mucha
Pediatrician at Clínica Ricardo Palma