As a parent, you want to do everything you can to ensure your child's health and happiness. In addition to feeding your little one a nutritious diet and making sure they get enough sleep, you should also take your child for a pediatric wellness checkup at least once a year. A pediatrician will perform a physical exam to see if your child is developing properly and in good health.

Here are a few questions you should consider asking a pediatrician at your child's wellness visit.

How Do You Know if Your Child Is Growing At a Normal Rate?

While all children are different and may not grow at the same rate, you should still ask a pediatrician if your child's growth is normal or not. For example, if your little one's growth has dramatically slowed down recently, a pediatrician may perform several tests to see if there is a medical condition that is hindering your child's growth.

How Much Sleep Should Children Get Every Night?

If you are not sure if your child is getting the proper amount of rest or not, do not hesitate to bring up the subject at a pediatric checkup. The amount of sleep your child should get will largely depend on their age. For instance, if your child is a toddler, a pediatrician may suggest for them to get around 14 hours of sleep per day.

What Are the Best Ways to Potty Train?

Potty training is an important milestone for all children. However, some children may not get the hang of it as quickly as others. If you are having difficulty potty training your little one, ask a pediatrician for suggestions and advice. A pediatrician may recommend putting your child on the toilet at specific times of the day or giving your child a reward after using the toilet.

How Much Exercise Should Children Get?

Just like adults, it is important for children to exercise regularly. Physical activity can help them maintain a healthy weight and improve their mood. A pediatrician may advise for your child to get about one hour of aerobic activity each day to stay in good shape. 

Do not forget to ask all of these questions at your child's next pediatric checkup. If it has been over a year since your child's last wellness visit, you should schedule an appointment with a pediatrician as soon as possible. Contact a pediatric health care clinic for more information.