How often should you take your child to your pediatrician?

Any parent will want to keep their children away from any illness or conditions. To identify what is abnormal, the parent has to be aware of the normalities of the child. Despite having a close watch, it is essential to have a visit to the pediatrician to make sure they are taking enough precautions, like vaccinations. When the child remains inside the mother’s womb, there is a schedule to follow, in terms of visiting the doctor. Likewise, there is a pattern to be followed after birth for child health and wellness. Pediatrician visits for children not only pertain to times of any illness but will not suffice. Here are times when you should take your child to the doctor. 

Pediatric care schedule

• Newborns (0-1 month): Most newborns will have at least two visits within the first month of life, one shortly after birth and another within the first two weeks.
• Infants (1-12 months): Infants should visit the pediatrician every two to three months for check-ups and vaccinations, which includes doses for Hepatitis B, Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Haemophilus influenzae B. 
• Toddlers (1-3 years): Toddlers should see a pediatrician every four to six months for check-ups and vaccinations. At this stage, toddlers are given follow-up doses of vaccinations from the previous phase and begin the next course Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Chickenpox, and Hepatitis A.
• Preschoolers (3-5 years): Preschoolers should see a pediatrician every six to 12 months for check-ups and vaccinations. The vaccines from now on will be further doses from courses started earlier, and these call for a pediatrician for children.
• School-aged children (5-12 years): School-aged children should see a pediatrician once a year for well-child checkups and vaccinations.
• Teens (13-18 years): Teens should see a pediatrician once a year for a check-up, vaccinations, and to discuss any health concerns.

Vaccinations

Pediatricians can provide all the necessary vaccinations to keep children healthy and protected against serious diseases. 

Early detection and treatment of illnesses

Regular well-child checkups with a pediatrician can help detect and treat illnesses early on, which can prevent complications and improve outcomes.

Monitoring growth and development

Pediatricians can track a child’s growth and development, and provide advice and support to help ensure they are reaching their milestones.

Building a relationship with a trusted healthcare provider 

A regular relationship with a pediatrician can help parents and children feel more comfortable and confident in discussing any health concerns.

Mental health support

Pediatricians can also provide support and resources for children and families experiencing mental health challenges.

It is recommended that children have regular pediatric appointments and check-ups and these visits vary depending on the child’s age and health. Parents need to choose a pediatrician they trust and feel comfortable with, as this can help ensure the best possible care for their child. Regular visits to a pediatrician can help monitor a child’s growth and development, identify and address any potential health issues early on, and ensure the child receives necessary immunizations. 

This blog hopes to bring awareness to the pediatric visits and schedule to be followed. If your child has any chronic illness or any other disturbances in between, you have to make your trip to the pediatrician.