Why Family Medicine is ImportantEvery parent wants the best for their child, especially when it comes to their health. One of the best ways to ensure your child's needs are met is to participate in well-child visits with a trusted pediatrician. A pediatrician is a medical doctor who has undergone specialized training in treating children, including completing medical school and residency training in pediatric healthcare.

Well-child visits are the perfect time to discuss any concerns you may have about your child's health and development. However, it's not always easy to know what questions to ask. In this blog post, we'll share eight important questions to ask at your child's next appointment to help you get the most out of your visit:

  1. 1. 'Is my child growing and developing well for their age?'

    As our children grow from tiny babies to independent young adults, monitoring their growth and development is key to understanding their health. During well-child visits, your pediatrician will measure your child's height and weight, and also evaluate your child's developmental milestones.

    Tracking this information over time is important for detecting any changes that could be indicative of a health issue. By asking your pediatrician about how your child is progressing, you can be sure that any potential problems are caught early and addressed so that they have the support they need to reach their full potential.

  2. 2. 'Are there any vaccines or boosters that my child needs?'

    One of the most important ways to protect your child's health (and potentially avoid a visit to the children's hospital) is by ensuring that they are protected from infectious disease and up-to-date with their vaccines. Your pediatrician will be able to advise you on which vaccines your child needs, as well as when they should receive them.

    Additionally, many vaccine-preventable diseases can be extremely contagious and easily spread, so it's important to ask your pediatrician about any recommended vaccines or boosters. This will help keep your child, their peers, and the larger community safe!

  3. 3. 'What illnesses are going around, and how can I protect my child from them?'

    Unfortunately, not all diseases are preventable with vaccines. Some illnesses, such as the common cold or stomach bugs, can spread quickly and easily in crowded areas – such as schools or daycare centers.

    Your pediatrician will be able to provide you with information on any current or predicted outbreaks in your area, as well as advice on how to reduce the risk of your child becoming ill. This might include simple things like washing hands regularly, or even avoiding certain activities where the risk of infection might be higher.

  4. 4. 'Is my child old enough to change or get rid of their car seat?'

    Child safety seats, including booster seats, are designed to provide optimal protection in the event of a car accident. They're also meant to be adjusted or changed as your child grows, so it's important to make sure that the seat is still an appropriate fit for your child.

    Your pediatrician can provide you with advice on when it is safe to switch from one type of car seat to another, or if your child is ready to transition out of using a car seat altogether. Though recommendations are commonly age-based, height and weight are often more important in determining the safety and effectiveness of a car seat.

  5. 5. 'What should my child be eating, or not eating?'

    As part of a pediatrician's training, they'll be well-versed in the latest nutrition guidelines for children. This means that your pediatrician will be able to help you encourage healthy eating habits, as well as provide specific advice on your child's diet while keeping in mind any special dietary needs or allergies they might have.

    Though it might seem simple enough to encourage your child to eat fruits and veggies while avoiding sugary snacks and drinks, nutrition is often more complicated than that. Your pediatrician will be able to provide more detailed and comprehensive advice on the types of foods your child should be eating—as well as how much they should be eating—so that you can feel confident that your child is getting the nourishment they need to stay healthy.

  6. 6. 'How can I support my child's mental health?'

    Just as it's important to monitor your child's physical health, it's also important to look out for any signs of mental health issues. Many adults fail to recognize that these problems can affect children, often leaving them undiagnosed and untreated.

    Your pediatrician can be a great resource if you're concerned about your child's mental health. They can provide advice on how to talk to your child about any issues they may be facing, as well as a referral to a mental health specialist if needed. With the right support, your child can get the help they need to stay healthy and happy.

  7. 7. More specific questions

    Every child is unique, from their personality and preferences to their medical needs. Take this opportunity to ask your pediatrician specific questions about any developmental issues your child may have, or medical conditions they may be showing symptoms of. For instance, if your child has been having behavioral issues in the classroom, or is simply sitting too close to the TV, your pediatrician can help troubleshoot and devise a plan.

    If it turns out that your child has an issue that requires a specialist or specialized care, your pediatrician can provide a referral to the appropriate professional.

  8. 8. 'When is our next appointment?'

    Every child is unique, from their personality and preferences to their medical needs. Take this opportunity to ask your pediatrician specific questions about any developmental issues your child may have, or medical conditions they may be showing symptoms of. For instance, if your child has been having behavioral issues in the classroom, or is simply sitting too close to the TV, your pediatrician can help troubleshoot and devise a plan.

    If it turns out that your child has an issue that requires a specialist or specialized care, your pediatrician can provide a referral to the appropriate professional.

  9. Before you leave your Premier Medical Associates doctor's office, take the time to schedule your child's next appointment! We recommended that children visit their doctor at least once a year, or more often if they have any underlying medical conditions. Additionally, if your child is starting school or participating in any activities that require a physical exam (like sports), it's important to check with their pediatrician to make sure they are up-to-date on their immunizations and physicals.

At Premier Medical Associates, we're proud to provide your child with the best in comprehensive care. From regular checkups to diagnosis and treatment of various pediatric health conditions, our team is here to offer your family the highest quality care. Plus, we also have family doctors and physician assistants who can provide care for you and your other family members!

Searching for a qualified pediatrician in the Pittsburgh area? Look no further than Premier Medical Associates! With pediatric care experts in Penn Hills and Irwin, PA, we make it easy for you to find a doctor who understands your child's unique needs. Schedule your child's appointment today!