Pediatrics - Colorado Springs, CO - Woodmen Office

What Is a Well Baby Visit?

A well baby visit is a vital first step to ensuring your baby’s healthy growth and normal development. When your child is a newborn, these visits will occur much more frequently than when your child is older. During a well baby visit, your pediatrician may:

• Weigh and measure your baby
• Perform a physical exam (to check reflexes, alertness, hearing)
• Administer immunizations/vaccinations
• Do a blood test to check for inherited disorders
• Discuss eating and sleeping patterns
• Review ways to keep your baby safe and what to expect as they grow

How Often Should My Baby Have An Exam?

Some pediatricians will vary slightly in their schedules, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies get checkups at:

• 3 to 5 days after birth
• 1 month old
• 2 months old
• 4 months old
• 6 months old
• 9 months old
• 12 months old
• 15 months old
• 18 months old
• 24 months old
• 30 months old

What Is a Well Child Visit?

Well-child visits happen annually for children ages 2 to 18. They're just like well-baby visits, but for older kids. So a well child visit is an opportunity for parents to make sure their child is healthy, as well as address concerns about their growth and development. If you are concerned that your child is missing important milestones or not progressing in school, this is the time to bring it up with their pediatrician.

Your pediatrician can offer expert advice on how to foster your child’s learning, successful potty-training, playground safety, and many other issues.

During a well child exam, your pediatrician may:

• Perform a physical exam
• Administer immunizations/vaccinations
• Chart your child’s growth and development
• Discuss illness prevention, health issues, eating and exercise habits

What Is a Sports Physical?

A sports physical, also known as a pre-participation physical examination (PPE), determines whether or not a child can safely participate in sports. It does not take the place of a regular physical. 

During a sports physical, your physician may:

• Review your child’s medical history (past injuries/surgeries, current medications)
• Record height and weight
• Take blood pressure and pulse 
• Check vision
• Examine heart, lungs, abdomen, ears, nose, and throat
• Evaluate posture, joints, strength, and flexibility
• Offer training tips for avoiding injuries
• Identify risk factors linked to certain sports

Does My Child Need a Sports Physical?

It depends. Most states require students to complete a sports physical in order to participate in any school-sanctioned sport. If you are unclear whether or not your child needs a sports physical, ask the school’s coach or the school administrator.

Even if a sports physical isn't required, coaches and doctors still highly recommend getting one. Your family can easily complete a sports physical at our Urgent Care center.

What If My Child Does Not Pass a Sports Physical?

Sometimes a child will fail to pass a sports physical, typically due to a recent injury or newly diagnosed illness. (E.g. concussion, heart murmur, asthma.) Our number one priority is to keep your child or teenager healthy and safe. So if your child does not pass their sports physical, we will do everything we can to provide the care they need to get back in the game. 

What Do I Need To Bring Before I Bring My Child In To See The Doctor?

Before visiting our office, please make sure that you have:

• Your photo ID
• The patient’s current health insurance card
• Previous medical records, if necessary
• Sports physical form, if necessary

You can save time by filling out the pediatric patient registration form above and bringing it with you into the office.