WELL CHILD VISITS/ANNUAL PHYSICALS
Regular well-child exams and physicals are essential to your child’s health starting at birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends several checkups that include a physical exam and assessments of your child’s growth and development, immunizations, and various screenings such as lead and anemia screenings, mental health screenings and others. Click here to download the Recommendation for Preventive Pediatric Health Care.
Preventative pediatric healthcare is the cornerstone to supporting your child’s health, especially with an established primary care provider who knows your child and your family well. Here is a list of preventative care children should receive and can access at My Place Pediatrics.
Well Child Exams
Sports Physicals (not as comprehensive as a well-child exam), including needed participation paperwork
Lead Screening
Newborn State Screening
Hemoglobin Screening
Developmental milestones screening (gross & fine motor, social, emotional, speech)
Postpartum Depression screening for new moms
Alcohol, Smoking and other Drug use screenings
Depression & Anxiety Screening
Oral Health Screening
Referral for hearing screens
Height and Weight Screenings
Recommended Well Child Exam Schedule
The first-week visit (3 to 5 days old)
Annually 4 years old through 21 years old.
Click here for information regarding recommended immunizations.
The policy of My Place Pediatrics is that we strongly recommend on-time routine immunization of all children and adolescents according to the Recommended Immunization Schedules for Children and Adolescents.
For parents desiring a non-medical exemption for school or other group participation, we direct you to the Colorado Department of Public Health Online Immunization Education Module for completion and certification. We do not provide non-medical exemptions for our patients.
Click here for the CDPHE Immunization Education Module.
Caring for Kids As They Grow & Knowing What to Expect Next
My Place Pediatrics offers comprehensive pediatric care to patients undergoing every developmental stage. From newborns to teenagers, we will be with you and your family every step of the way. We also help parents and guardians understand what to expect and prepare them for their child’s biggest needs.
Newborn
Preparing for the arrival of a newborn is one of the most exciting and sometimes scary times of your life. At My Place Pediatrics, we are here to help you care for your child from birth. During the first few weeks with your newborn, expect to focus on the mother’s recovery, feeding the baby and establishing daytime and nighttime routines. Every newborn is different, so it will take some time and patience before you can figure out your baby’s likes and dislikes.
Check out this helpful site for more information on newborn care.
Infancy
A baby goes through some of the most remarkable transitions and changes during the first year of their life. Over just one year, your baby develops from being entirely dependent for someone with interests and curiosity. Your baby will grow very quickly at this stage, and you may be surprised by what they can do.
The first three months may seem the hardest, but the more responsive you are to their needs, the more secure they are likely to feel. During this time, infants become more responsive, gain more control of their muscles, improve their visual coordination and will likely sleep longer day and night.
At about four months, most infants have developed regular eating, sleeping and playing habits. Between four and seven months, your baby will reach a number of motor milestones. Understanding your child’s temperament and warmly responding to their needs is important. Nothing is more exciting than your face-to-face interactions with your infant.
Many things occur during the last few months of infancy. Babies will begin sleeping through the night, pull themselves up to stand, attempt to feed themselves and possibly even take their first steps. They’ll develop a more understandable language and display separation anxiety, a normal, healthy display of their attachment to you. Your infant will explore the world by touching and putting things in their mouth, so it’s important to redirect their attention from items that can be dangerous and harmful.
Your life changes immensely during the first year of your child’s life. My Place Pediatrics is eager to help you make those first 12 months as comfortable and enjoyable as possible!
Toddler Years (1-3)
Age One
At one year old, your child’s development will begin increasing rapidly. They will call you by name, improve their vocabulary, walk around while holding onto furniture, start climbing, feed themselves, and so much more. Between 12 and 24 months, your toddler will transition from breast milk or formula to regular milk from a bottle or sippy cup. Remember to enjoy and participate in their development. However, we also understand a toddler is not the easiest person to live with – saying “no” is more common than saying “yes,” throwing toys occurs more often than picking them up, and sharing becomes a challenge. Minimize unfavorable behavior by childproofing the environment, keeping a logical daily routine and doing your best to anticipate when they’re tired, hungry or not feeling well.
Age Two
Don’t let the “Terrible Twos” worry you. For most toddlers, these months are when they have more control over their language skills and watch your activities intently, with the hopes of helping out in any way they can. Two-year-olds are explorers, and no area of your home is safe. Put forth the extra effort to secure household cleaning products and medications. Of course, terrible behavior is inevitable because children at this age want it both ways and have trouble making up their minds. Despite your challenges, take time to appreciate the little things. Your child's physical, emotional, and intellectual growth in this stage is remarkable and the year will be over before you know it.
Age Three
Three-year-olds have meaningful social skills, begin to form friendships and become more cooperative. They can better express themselves, ask “why?” all the time and have vivid imaginations. At this age, your toddler will have much better motor skills, be better at using the potty and may be ready for a toddler bed. Three-year-olds feed off their environments, so it’s important to provide positive reinforcement and fuel their curiosity continually.
Dr. Tann is happy to discuss any specific concerns you might have about your child’s behavior during the toddler years. Call us today or make an appointment online.
Preschool Years (3-4)
Preschoolers have a greater sense of independence, from using the restroom and picking out their clothes to caring for others. They will also begin forming respect for authority and have a heightened sense of coordination. This is a beautiful stage because they’re enthusiastic, fun, imaginative and oftentimes hard to keep up with!
Family time is very important at this stage to help your child establish their identity. Meals together are a great start, but be aware that your child may be hesitant to try new foods. Your preschooler is learning quickly and will pick up new shapes, colors, figures and objects. They will continually make you proud of how knowledgeable they’re becoming.
Elementary Years (5-11)
Our elementary years contribute to some of our fondest childhood memories, and recalling your time in school is a great way to connect with your child as they begin their own educational journey. Five-year-olds are very imaginative and will ask questions about anything and everything. Their logic and problem-solving skills will develop through your child's elementary years. This is also a time when they may discover a particular learning disability, which is vital to address as soon as possible.
Meaningful life and social skills are developed during the elementary years. Your child’s daily activities become more independent, and any chores they have will teach responsibility. They will also learn about practice and teamwork through music and sports. Increasing academic and social activities will help your child learn valuable time-management skills.
Every child has a different personality. Some may need encouragement to get out there and try new things, while others will take more risks and need special attention. My Place Pediatrics can help you customize your parenting and support you.
Teen Years
The teenage years are a wonderful yet challenging time for parents and teens alike. The amount of changes that take place physically, mentally and emotionally can be overwhelming, and My Place Pediatrics is happy to be by your side during every teenage year. We want to ensure a patient’s transition to adulthood is an exciting and healthy process.
Please call us today to learn more about our adolescent services, screenings and vaccinations. We’re happy to walk you through and help you understand any stage you’re experiencing. For more information about our pediatric services, please call our office or fill out our contact form today. We are more than happy to answer all of your questions.