You should visit your pediatrician any time that you are concerned about your child’s health. It is better to be on the safe side when treating children. If your child is exuding perfect health, it is still recommended to see a pediatrician at least once a year over the age of three, and every several months between the ages of 1 and 3 years.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends all parents-to-be visit a pediatrician during the third trimester of pregnancy as an important first step in establishing a trusted relationship and supportive medical home for their child. Besides answering any urgent questions parents have about bringing home a new baby, a prenatal visit can help anticipate under-recognized challenges such as postpartum depression. At the same time, it can introduce positive parenting strategies to help buffer the health effects of stress in a child’s life and the supportive role pediatricians can play. If you do not have a pediatrician by the time you give birth, one will likely be suggested to you by the hospital staff.

The US Department of Health and Human Services has a recommendation for every child between the ages of 1 and 4 to receive 7 well-child visits at these intervals:

• 12 months
• 15 months
• 18 months
• 24 months
• 30 months
• 3 years
• 4 years

After the age of four, it is recommended that each child should visit the pediatrician for an annual check-up. Of course, this is merely a general recommendation. Your child may require more frequent visits to the doctor than is recommended by this guideline. If you are ever concerned about the health of your child, you should schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician immediately.

Role #1: Educate Parents About Expected Development

When parents are not always aware of how their child should be developing or what behaviors and skills are appropriate for certain age, the pediatrician becomes an educator.

Role #2: Conduct Developmental Surveillance

It is crucial to determine if the child is meeting developmental expectations. Developmental surveillance, such as screening or monitoring, should be a part of every well-child visit, regardless of age.

Role #3: Refer for Comprehensive Assessment

Just as with all the other types of medical screenings (e.g. mammography, vision screening, colorectal cancer screening), developmental screening, too, is interpreted as normal, abnormal, or inconclusive (re-screen).

Role #4: Search for Etiology

Search for etiology. Why might this child’s development might be delayed? It is important to recognize that firstly, you may never know the etiology, and secondly, you do not need to know the etiology before proceeding with referral for beginning a plan of intervention and a comprehensive developmental assessment.

Role #5: Facilitate Intervention

Pediatricians can advise families about strategies that can be used at home to promote development. And perhaps more importantly, pediatricians can help families access resources designed to help with developmental delays.

If you or someone you know is looking for a pediatrician, come to Suburban Healthcare today! Our team of kind and caring professionals are experienced in treating children and can help them be as healthy as possible! To talk with an expert, contact our office today. Visit us online or give us a call to schedule an appointment at our clinic. We serve patients from Naperville IL, Plainfield IL, Joliet IL, Woodridge IL, Wolfs IL, Warrenville IL, Crystal Lawns IL, Romeoville IL, Lockport IL, Crest Hill IL, Shorewood IL, Gilletts IL, and Fairmont IL.