Regular Checkups: How Often Should Your Child See a Pediatrician?

There are so many things to think about when it comes to parenting. Having a new baby can be overwhelming, and often, things don’t get much easier when the kids get older. 

Your pediatrician should be your partner in ensuring the health and well-being of your child. But how often should you see them? Read on to find out all about pediatric care and how often you should schedule a pediatrician visit for your child.

What Does a Pediatrician Do?

Pediatricians are doctors who specialize in providing care for babies and children. Some children will need to see their pediatrician more frequently than others. This will depend on their needs and if any emergencies arise.

However, there are some guidelines that can help to know how often your child should see a pediatrician. The US Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least seven pediatrician visits between the ages of 1 and 4, for routine wellness checks. After the age of 4, annual visits are recommended up to the age of 21. 

Well-child check-ups might include hearing screening, immunizations, vision screening, and developmental checks. The pediatrician might also do blood tests and check your child’s blood pressure. 

Wellness exams may also involve testing of the child’s heart and lungs. These appointments provide an opportunity for parents to discuss any worries or concerns with the doctor. The pediatrician can provide advice and reassurance for most common childhood issues.  

Pediatrician Visits for Babies 

The suggested schedule for seeing a pediatrician is that the first visit should be around 3-5 days after birth. Following this, you should arrange appointments at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months. 

Visits for babies are particularly important. Babies are unable to communicate if they are in pain and their immune systems are not yet fully developed. 

Seeing a pediatrician frequently when your baby is young can also help to pick up any potential problems early. Plus, it’s important to ensure that all the required immunizations are done on time. 

Why Are Vaccines Important?

Vaccines protect children from potentially serious illnesses. Vaccines are now widely available for upwards of 20 diseases, including measles, influenza, and mumps. 

It’s important to note that some people with compromised immune systems and also pregnant women and newborns may not be able to be vaccinated. So ensuring there is adequate vaccine coverage amongst children helps to provide herd immunity. 

Choosing the Best Pediatrician for Your Family 

Location will always be a factor when it comes to choosing a pediatrician. If your family is based near Payson, Utah, you should consider https://provopediatrics.com.

There are many subspecialties of pediatrics, where doctors specialize in areas such as adolescent medicine and developmental and behavioral pediatrics. Depending on the needs of your child, you may wish to look for a pediatrician with a relevant specialist interest. 

Realize the Importance of Regular Pediatric Check-Ups

Above, we’ve outlined all the reasons why it’s important to take your child for regular wellness checks with their pediatrician. Preventative medicine can really help with long-term health and wellness, so make sure you schedule your next appointment on time. 

For more great content related to parenting, health, and well-being, don’t forget to explore the rest of the blog.