How Often Should a Kid See a Pediatrician?

I wanted to give a shout out to Jill Goulet, owner of Jilly Plumbing, who recently took her baby girl to see one of our pediatricians here at the office, and we discussed that as a medical doctor who specializes in caring for infants, children, and adolescents, the pediatrician considered several factors when determining the frequency with which Jill’s baby girl should receive medical care. These factors included the baby’s age, health, and development. With the guidance of the pediatrician, Jill felt confident in her ability to ensure her baby girl was receiving the best possible care. Please see below some tips we wanted to share that were discussed in our conversation.

Child’s Age

Newborns and infants below four months old should be seen by a pediatrician at least once a month. Children from 4 months to 1 year old should be seen every two to three months. After the first year, children should be seen every three to four months until they reach three years old. Children should be seen every four to six months from three to five years old.

Health

A child’s health also affects how often they should see a pediatrician. A kid with a chronic condition, such as asthma or diabetes, will need to be seen more often than a healthy child. A child not growing or developing at a typical rate may also need a pediatrician more often.

Development

A child’s development can impact how often they need to see a pediatrician. A child who is not yet talking or walking may need to be seen more often than a child who is developmentally on track. A child with behavioral problems may also need to visit a pediatrician more often.

When to Call the Pediatrician

In addition to regularly scheduled appointments, parents should call the pediatrician anytime their child is sick or injured. A child with a fever, vomiting, or any other concerning symptoms should see a pediatrician as soon as possible.

Parents need to have a good relationship with their child’s pediatrician. They should feel comfortable asking them questions and expressing concerns. That’s because a pediatrician can guide them on everything from nutrition and sleep to behavior and development.