A pediatrician is a medical doctor who manages the physical, behavioral, and mental care for children from birth until age 18. A pediatrician is trained to diagnose and treat a broad range of childhood illnesses, from minor health problems to serious diseases.
What Does a Pediatrician Do?
The pediatrician sees baby many times from birth to age 2 and annually from age 2 to age 5 for "well-child visits." After age 5, the pediatrician will likely see the child every year for annual checkups. In caring for the child, a pediatrician will:
- Do physical exams
- Give recommended immunizations
- Make sure your child is meeting developmental milestones in growth, behavior, and skills
- Diagnose and treat your child's illnesses, infections, injuries, and other health problems
- Give you information about your child's health, safety, nutrition, and fitness needs
- Answer your questions about your child’s growth and development
- Refer to and collaborate with a specialist should your child become ill and need care beyond the pediatrician's expertise
Why Do You Need a Pediatrician?
Here are some reasons to consider choosing a pediatrician:
- Pediatricians have specialized training in the physical, emotional, and behavioral needs of children.
- Pediatricians only see children, so they often have a broader experience recognizing and treating childhood illnesses.
- If your baby was born early or has a health condition that needs close monitoring, a pediatrician may offer more specialized care.
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