A pediatrician is a professional medical doctor with special skills and training in treating diseases that affect the development and overall health of babies, kids, and teenagers. This is a doctor that knows many things about the health of babies and children as well as different diseases. What’s more, a pediatrician is knowledgeable about conditions that can affect the welfare, education, and behavior of your child. An experienced pediatrician also knows how different conditions and illnesses can relate.
A pediatrician can be a professional with general training. Another one can be a professional that has undergone specialized training in areas like cardiology or treatment of heart problems, neonatology or treatment of conditions that affect newborn babies, as well as behavior and development.
Why a Child May Need to See a Pediatrician
You may take your child to a pediatrician if your general practitioner requires the opinion of a specialist about their health or development. A general practitioner can also advise you to take your child to a pediatrician if they think specialized treatment or care is necessary.
Your GP may refer your kid to a pediatrician for treatment or assessment of:
- Allergies and asthma
- Behavior problems
- Poor growth
- Developmental delay
- ADHD
- Autism
- Sleep problems
- Brain conditions like epilepsy
- Disabilities like cerebral palsy, fragile X syndrome, or down syndrome
- Bones or muscles problems like bow legs or hip developmental dysplasia
- Constipation or fecal incontinence
Your baby may also be seen by a pediatrician immediately they are born to ensure that everything is okay.
Choose the Best Pediatrician for Your Child
The best pediatrician is a professional doctor with vast experience in taking care of children. They have undergone professional training, pediatric residency training for their specialty, and fellowship training. Check to ensure that the pediatrician is board certified. What’s more, check how the pediatrician bonds with your child.
With the right pediatrician, the healthcare and development of your child will be monitored and proper measures are taken if something unusual is detected.