As we learned previously, having continued access to healthcare is crucial for an optimal pregnancy, the birth of a baby, and the postpartum period. Furthermore, having access to healthcare in infancy and throughout childhood is essential for healthy development. Well-child visits are an important part of a child’s health. Additionally, the recommended vaccinations are essential to a child’s health and help make sure children stay healthy. Children who are not vaccinated are not protected and are more likely to get diseases such as measles and whooping cough (CDC, 2022). Vaccination against these diseases is very important as they are extremely contagious and can be very serious, especially for babies and young children. Lately, there have been outbreaks of these highly contagious diseases, especially in communities with low vaccination rates.

Well-child visits are essential for many reasons. It is during these visits that a healthcare provider, usually a pediatrician, tracks growth and developmental milestones, discusses any concerns or symptoms that might impact a child’s health, and discusses many other important topics related to a child’s health and well-being (CDC, 2022). Typically, the first well-child visit is scheduled right after the baby is born, and the second takes place 2 weeks postpartum to identify potential concerns related to the birth. After these initial two newborn visits, well-child checks are scheduled at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years, 2.5 years, and 3 years. Additionally, it is during these well-child visits that the majority of scheduled vaccinations will be administered to prevent a wide range of illnesses, including measles, whooping cough (pertussis), and other serious diseases.

“On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases” (CDC, 2022). Vaccines have been tested as part of a process to ensure that they are safe and effective for children to receive at the recommended ages. Below, you will find a list of vaccinations recommended by the CDC from birth to 3 years of age (figure 5.10). Keep in mind that, although on-time vaccination is best, there are also other options if a child falls out of schedule. A parent or caregiver can always discuss a vaccination plan that fits their child.

Along with keeping up with vaccines and regular health checks, there are many important ways that caregivers can support a child’s cognitive, linguistic, and physical growth. The CDC (2021) suggests the following interactions:

• Bonding with young children is very important, so talk to infants, as they will find your voice calming, and hold them often.
• Pay attention to the child’s cues and answer when they make sounds by repeating the sounds and adding words. This will help them learn to use language.
• Read to young children. This will also help them develop and understand language and sounds.
• Sing and play music. This helps children develop a love for music and aids in brain development. Playing soothing music can help children relax and fall asleep. Young children need a lot of sleep.
• Praise children and give them lots of loving attention. Spend time cuddling and holding them. This will help them feel cared for and secure.
• Play with a child when they are alert and relaxed, and watch them closely for signs of being tired or fussy so that they can take a break from playing, if necessary. Distract a child with toys, and move them to designated safe areas when they start moving and touching things.

Finally, remember that the mother’s, parent’s, or caregiver’s physical, mental, and emotional health are very important, so it is critical that they also take care of themselves.

Licenses and Attributions for Encouraging Healthy Development

“Encouraging Healthy Development” by Esmeralda Janeth Julyan is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Figure 5.10. CDC 2021.