A pediatrician is a valuable provider throughout your child’s life, from when they are born, right up to when they reach adulthood. Their key role is to ensure your child stays in the best health possible by providing a range of comprehensive services.
Routine wellness checkups are an important way to keep on top of your child’s physical and emotional health care needs and are also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have about your child’s development or their physical or emotional health.
The Role of a Pediatrician
A pediatrician if often the first point of contact when your child is sick. However, they don’t just provide sick visits, they also provide routine wellness care to ensure your child is developing well both physically and emotionally and that they stay healthy. These visits also help to detect any concerns in the earliest stages when treatment is typically more effective.
At a well-child visit, your child’s pediatrician will evaluate aspects of their growth and development, such as recording their weight, height, and other important information, and checking that your child is up-to-date with their immunizations.
Hearing, vision, and other screening tests will also be included at some visits, which are dependent on the child’s age and other factors. In addition to this, a pediatrician can offer advice on a variety of topics, from child safety to establishing a healthy lifestyle, such as improving sleep, managing weight, and getting the right amount of exercise.
Questions To Ask Your Pediatrician
Childhood is a time of significant growth and change, and even if your child is healthy, well-child visits are a good time to ask questions, raise concerns, and focus on your child’s overall wellness. Discussing ways to improve care and prevent future problems helps ensure your child stays as healthy as possible during their childhood and beyond.
Important questions you may wish to consider asking your pediatrician may include:
What vaccinations should my child have and when?
Vaccinations are an important way to protect your child and others against potentially serious diseases. Your pediatrician will check that your child is up to date with their immunizations at every visit, and you will receive an immunization schedule so you know which vaccinations your child can expect to have during their childhood, and when. If you are concerned about a particular vaccine or have any questions, discuss these with your pediatrician.
What milestones can I expect my child to reach next?
It is important to check your child is achieving the appropriate milestones for their age group to ensure they are developing in a healthy way. In the early years, this includes smiling, picking things up with their hands, taking their first steps, and learning to babble/talk. Your pediatrician will discuss your child’s milestones at each visit, and you should raise any concerns you have. All children develop at different rates, but sometimes, it may identify the need for further screening tests, such as a hearing or sight test.
Should I be concerned because my child…?
Because a pediatrician has in-depth knowledge around children’s health and development, they can be the best person to talk to if you have any questions or worries about your child. Whether you are concerned about their sleeping or eating habits or their behavior, that they seem to be slow walker, or if you think they may have an allergy, your pediatrician can provide you with help and guidance, or refer you to a specialist as necessary. If you have a concern or think of a question outside of your appointment, don’t be afraid to call your pediatrician for advice. They are there to help you as much as possible.
When is my child’s next appointment due?
Try to get in the habit of scheduling in your child’s next well-child visit at each appointment, even if it seems a long way in the future. You can always make changes to your appointment nearer to the time if required. Well-child visits help to ensure your child stays healthy and to identify any issues that may require further investigation or treatment. They also help ensure your child is up to date with their vaccinations, which are carefully scheduled to make sure they receive them at the safest and most beneficial time. Set a reminder of your appointment in your diary or smartphone, so you don’t forget.
Pediatrician Near Me in Purchase, NY
If you are looking for high quality, expert pediatric care for your child, visit Westchester Park Pediatrics. Our experienced and compassionate providers offer a comprehensive range of healthcare services to ensure all of your child’s needs are met, including primary care, routine physicals, newborn care, mental health services, wound care, vision and hearing care, ear piercing, and much more.
To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment for your child, call us at (914) 761-1717 or you can schedule a consultation online.
