The pediatric evaluation changes depending on the child’s age. In newborns, the physical exam should be thorough checking vital signs, skin color and tone, fontanelles, reflexes, and looking for any congenital abnormalities. This helps ensure a healthy start to life. As children grow, it’s important to monitor developmental milestones like movement, speech, and social interaction to catch any delays early. In older infants and children, the physical exam includes measuring growth, checking vision, and hearing, and evaluating systems such as the heart, lungs, abdomen, and nervous system. The exam should always be done in a gentle, age-appropriate way to help the child feel comfortable. Communication with parents or caregivers is essential, and every visit is an opportunity to support both the child’s health and development.

As part of the evaluation, it’s also helpful to ask about nutrition, sleep patterns, and behavior, as these offer insight into the child’s overall well-being. Watching how the child behaves and interacts during the visit can reveal important developmental cues. It’s crucial to make sure the child feels safe and respected throughout the process. Pediatric care is not just about finding problems, it's about helping children grow up healthy and strong. During the physical exam, it's important to pay attention to signs like breathing effort, heart murmurs, abdominal masses, or changes in muscle tone. Skin findings, such as rashes or bruises, can also provide valuable information. A careful and consistent physical exam helps detect problems early, even before symptoms appear.