Wondering how to pick a pediatrician that’s right for your family? When choosing the best doctor to care for your kids, there are many factors to consider.
According to the CDC, nearly four million babies are born in the United States yearly. From the day they’re born until they become adults, those children and their families need the guidance of a healthcare provider specially trained to meet their health and wellness needs as they grow and develop.
This blog article explains why your child should see a pediatrician for primary care, how to pick a pediatrician that meets your needs, and other essential factors to consider.
Why your child should see a pediatrician
Babies, young kids, and teens are constantly growing and changing, so their health needs differ from adults’ needs in many ways. Pediatricians specialize in the health and wellness of children and understand their unique needs. They’re specially trained in the illnesses and conditions that impact children and know how to treat them best.
Pediatricians also provide helpful guidance to parents and caregivers to help them raise their kids in a safe and healthy environment so they can grow and thrive.
What do pediatricians do?
While pediatricians are best known for treating kids when they’re sick, they’re also experts in preventative care. They ensure kids get the necessary immunizations and help kids and parents establish healthy routines.
Pediatricians are trained in the physical, emotional, and social development of babies and kids. Even if your child is healthy, they should see their pediatrician at least once a year (more often for babies) for a checkup.
The annual health checkup or “well visit” is a time for the pediatrician to check your child’s growth, ask you and your child questions about how they’re doing, and administer any vaccines that are due. They’ll provide helpful lifestyle tips and guidance for living a healthy life.
FAQs about how to pick a pediatrician
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear from patients looking for guidance and advice on how to pick a pediatrician that will meet their child’s healthcare needs.
What are the most common childhood illnesses?
While adults and children get many of the same diseases, the symptoms often present differently in kids and may require different treatments.
Pediatricians understand these differences and know how to help your child when they experience some of these common illnesses, including:
- Ear infections
- Common cold
- Influenza (the flu)
- Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
- Hand, foot, and mouth disease
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Strep throat
What is the difference between a pediatrician and a paediatrician?
When researching information about how to pick a pediatrician, you may have come across the word “paediatrician” and wondered what it means. There is actually no real difference in the meaning—paediatrician is simply the way pediatrician is spelled in the United Kingdom.
When should my child stop seeing a pediatrician?
Your child should keep seeing their pediatrician regularly until they turn 18. Once they officially become an adult, they can transition to an internal medicine doctor for their primary care.
Get quality pediatric care at LMH
Want to know how to pick a pediatrician in Cass County? Look no further than the dedicated pediatric team at Logansport Memorial Hospital.
Our pediatricians, nurses, and highly-qualified staff provide comprehensive care for infants, children, and teens. We’ll take a compassionate and personalized approach to managing your child’s health and wellness, so they can grow up happy and healthy.
