You should ideally begin making yearly checkup appointments at three years old (before that, more often) so that your pediatrician can keep accurate and complete records of your child as she or he grows. Establish a strong, ongoing relationship with a pediatrician at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX and schedule your child's annual checkup today.

Why Should You Bring Your Child for Annual Checkups?
Children can be very resilient and strong, but they also need monitoring to ensure that they are developing in a healthy way. At annual physicals, your pediatrician will do basic checks on the development of your child. You will also find that you need to take your child in for regular physicals for school-related reasons. Young athletes must pass a physical before being allowed to play sports and participate in certain gym activities.

What Happens at an Annual Checkup?
You’ll likely spend about 30 minutes to an hour at yearly physical with your child’s doctor. An annual checkup with your child’s pediatrician will include evaluating and recording the following information:

- Weight
- Height
- Body mass index (BMI)
- Blood pressure
- Vision tests
- Immunizations

Keeping Your Child Healthy and Happy
Scheduling annual checkups for your child is one of the best ways you can keep her or him healthy and happy throughout their younger years. The actions you take today to promote your child’s normal development will have positive ramifications throughout his or her life, well into adulthood. Other tips to consider include:

- Asking your doctor for dietary information to ensure that your child is receiving the proper nutrition on a daily basis.
- Ensuring that your child gets proper rest each night (toddlers need up to 13 hours).
- Encourage good dental hygiene habits.
- Be a positive example for your child when it comes to healthy habits -- they will follow your lead.

Schedule Your Next Visit
Is it about time for your child’s next annual checkup? If so, schedule your appointment today at Peekaboo Pediatrics in Houston, TX by calling (713)-861-4800. Dr. Heena Thakkar and Dr. Shilpa Pankaj are caring and attentive pediatricians (a mother-daughter pediatric team) who look forward to helping children maintain good health.