Have you consulted a pediatrician for your child? Here's why you should

When your child is born, your primary concern will be the welfare of your child, which will involve proper nutrition and keeping them away from illness and disease. The best way to do that is to find a pediatrician or child specialist near you. A pediatrician is a doctor who is trained to treat diseases and illnesses that affect babies, kids, and teenagers.

A pediatrician vs a family doctor

A family doctor typically treats adults over the age of 18. Whereas, a pediatrician will focus on the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of children until they turn 18 or 21. Pediatric doctors offer advice, prevent illness, and help in fostering a healthy lifestyle for your child. They also help you treat critical or long-term conditions in children, like diabetes or asthma.

If your child shows any symptoms related to a specific condition, your pediatrician may refer your child to another child specialist near you for further evaluation and specialized diagnosis. The referred specialist will have specialized training and unique expertise in an area of practice, such as cardiology and orthopedics.

Benefits of opting for a child specialist near you

You can take your child to a family doctor or a general physician for consultation. However, here are the benefits of visiting a pediatrician:

• They are specifically trained to treat children
• They are the most experienced doctors when it comes to child care
• If your child was premature or suffers from a chronic ailment, a pediatrician will be the best person to treat them as he or she can also recommend specialists for additional care and diagnosis

As your child grows and develops, you might likely visit your pediatrician for a number of reasons. Remember to provide the doctor with detailed information about your child, along with any other noticeable symptoms. With a pediatrician, you can ask all of your questions, no matter how small or trivial they may seem. You may want to bring a family member or friend along to jot down important information. The more you understand, know and note down, the better you can care for your child at home.

Why visiting a pediatrician is important for your child's growth and development

One reason that makes it essential to take your child to a pediatrician is the monitoring of developmental progress or milestones. During visits, your child will be weighed and measured. This is necessary to evaluate changes in weight and height. The doctor can then compare this with other kids of the same age to let you know how your child is progressing. You may also be asked about your child's behavior at home, upon which you'll have to inform him or her about your child's actions, like sitting up, smiling, the language used, walking, and how they use their hands and arms. The pediatrician may also check your child's muscle tone and reflexes.

Taking your child to a good child specialist near you is one of the best decisions you can make. Visit one today to prevent, monitor and treat any health issues that may affect your child.