How often does a 3 year old need doctor checkups?

Question

I bet this is pretty common question between husbands and wives. I say this because men tend to frequent the doctor less than women. (I am a male and I do not frequent it unless I have to.)

My question is about our 3 year old. The doctor claims she needs a checkup in two weeks, and that she needs one every three months. She was just at the doctor a couple weeks ago for a post scarlett-fever checkup, and she was fine. She is a healthy girl. They weight and measure her each time she goes.

I think this "recommended check-up" is just to make money. My wife says I'm not a doctor, so how do I know. I am a human and have common sense. I dont remember going to the doctor that often as a kid, and dont feel she needs a check up right now.

Does she need it? How often do you take your kids?

Answer 1

My doctor says once a year unless they are sick.. but where she had that illness she may be more succeptable to things and that is why they want her to go more often. If she has been going to this doctor for a long time and you trust him, then do what he says. Otherwise, you can always get a second opinion

Answer 2

I'm not a doctor neither but I see no reason why a 3 year old should have to see a doctor for a well child check up unless there are medical issues which could be why he wants you to come in more often temporarily. My doctor told me at my son's appointment right after he turned 5 that he only needed a well child check up once a year, granted there is an age difference. Do you guys have a local "Parents as Teachers" group. It is a free program and they come to your house every so often and go over developmental changes and interesting information about your child's age and development. This is the only reason I could possibly see a need to go to the doctors more often (to make sure child is reaching adequate mile stones) Also Dental examines every 6 months are important.

Answer 3

I have 2 boys almost 1 in July and almost 3 in August. The 1 yr. old goes to the doctor mainly for vaccinations and he was sick once this winter so we had a follow-up exam. My oldest has his yearly exam coming up before his 3 rd birthday. He was sick with a cold so he had a follow-up as well... I would say unless your child is sick or needs vaccinations that twice a year is more than enough...