Frequently Asked Questions About Pediatrics

Pediatricians provide comprehensive care for infants, children, teens and young adults up to age 21. Pediatric care includes everything from routine wellness checkups and vaccines to the diagnosis and management of acute and chronic conditions.

Pediatricians address the biological, social and environmental factors that shape a child’s development, assessing their overall health, tracking developmental milestones, coordinating with specialists as needed, and helping families create nurturing home environments for children to thrive.

Yes, pediatricians provide basic mental health care. They routinely screen children for emotional, behavioral and developmental issues, and diagnose common conditions, like ADHD, mild anxiety and depression. Your pediatrician can prescribe initial medications, and refer you to therapists, counselors or child psychiatrists, if needed.

Your baby’s first visit to the pediatrician sets the foundation for healthy growth and early detection of any concerns. Most experts recommend scheduling your newborn’s first appointment within 3 to 5 days of leaving the hospital. During this initial visit, your pediatrician will confirm your baby is eating well, gaining weight, and adjusting to life outside the womb.

During the first three years, frequent visits to the pediatrician help track milestones, nutrition and development. After age three, annual checkups are usually enough, unless your child has specific health needs.

Your baby’s first visit will usually be 3 to 5 days after leaving the hospital, followed by appointments at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 24 months and 30 months, then continuing yearly from age 3 through age 21.

You can tell if your child is growing normally by tracking their height, weight and head size on pediatric growth charts during regular checkups. Pediatricians look for a steady, consistent growth curve over time, rather than a specific percentile number. While children grow at different rates, large deviations may signal nutritional or medical concerns. A trusted pediatric doctor will explain what’s typical and guide you through any adjustments your child may need.

The amount of sleep a child needs depends on their age.

• Newborns (0 to 3 months): 14-17 hours per day in short bursts
• Infants (4 to 12 months): 12-16 hours per day, including naps
• Toddlers (1 to 2 years): 11-14 hours per day, including naps
• Preschoolers (3 to 5 years): 10-13 hours per day, which may include a nap
• School-age (6 to 13 years): 9-12 hours per night
• Teens (13 to 18 years): 8-10 hours per night

Call your pediatrician right away if an infant under 3 months old has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher. For older children, call for high or persistent fevers, labored breathing, severe pain, unusual lethargy or cough or cold lasting longer than 7 to 10 days.

Call Immediately (Emergencies)

• Infants under 3 months – Rectal temperature of 100.4°F or higher
• Breathing Issues – Fast breathing, wheezing, or skin pulling in around the ribs
• Dehydration – No wet diapers for 8 hours, dry mouth, or crying without tears
• Behavioral Changes – Extreme sleepiness, confusion, or inconsolable crying
• Severe Pain – Stiff neck, severe headache or belly pain lasting over two hours

Call within 24 Hours

• Persistent Fever – Fever over 102°F lasting more than 3 days, or any fever lasting past 5 days
• Cold symptoms – Cough or cold that lasts more than 7 to 10 days without improvement
• Digestive Issues – Repeated vomiting, diarrhea lasting more than 12 hours, or blood in stool
• Specific aches – Signs of ear pain or a severe sore throat
• Skin changes – A rash that appears suddenly, blisters or looks infected

You know your child best. When in doubt, trust your instincts and call.