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Your doctor and/or nurse will probably:
1. Check your child's weight and height, calculate body mass index (BMI), and plot the measurements on a growth chart.
2. Check your child's blood pressure, vision, and hearing using standard testing equipment.
3. Ask questions, address concerns, and offer advice about your child's:
Eating. Schedule 3 meals and 1–2 healthy snacks a day. Serve your child a balanced diet that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Kids this age should get 2½ cups (600 ml) of low-fat milk daily (or other low-fat dairy products or a fortified soy milk).
Limit foods and drinks that are high in sugar, salt, and fat. Don't give more than 4–6 ounces (120–180 ml) of 100% juice per day. If you have a picky eater, keep offering a variety of healthy foods for your child to choose from. Kids should be encouraged to give new foods a try, but don't force them to eat them. Teach your child pay attention to feelings of hunger and fullness.
Bathroom habits. Bladder and bowel control is usually mastered by this age. Bedwetting is more common in boys and deep sleepers, and in most cases it ends on its own. But talk to your doctor if your child was previously dry at night and is now wetting the bed.
Sleeping. Kids this age need about 9–12 hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can cause behavior problems and make it hard to pay attention at school. Set a bedtime that allows for enough sleep and have a relaxing bedtime routine. Turn off the TV and digital devices, like hand-held gaming systems and tablets, at least 1 hour before bedtime. Keep them out of your child's bedroom.
Physical activity. Children this age should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Set limits on screen time, including TV, video games, smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Development. By 6 years, it's common for many kids to:
4. Do an exam with your child undressed while you are present. This will include listening to the heart and lungs, observing motor skills, and talking with your child to assess language skills.
5. Update vaccines.Vaccines can protect kids from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your child get them on time. Vaccine schedules can vary from office to office, so talk to your doctor about what to expect.
6. Order tests. Your doctor may check for anemia, high cholesterol, lead, and tuberculosis and order tests, if needed.
Here are some things to keep in mind until your child's next checkup at 7 years:
These checkup sheets are consistent with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)/Bright Futures guidelines.
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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