A pediatrician or a pediatric doctor is a child’s physician who provides not only medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill but also preventive health services for healthy children. A pediatrician manages the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of the children under their care at every stage of development, in both sickness and health.

A pediatrician is trained to diagnose and treat a broad range of childhood illnesses from minor health problems to serious diseases. They can also offer professional advice to parents on how well to take care of their sick children or the possible preventive measures against childhood diseases, treat varying degrees of injuries from mild to complicated, and administer vaccination when the need arises. Although they specialize in the treatment of children, pediatric doctors can also specialize in particular medical conditions that are common in young patients or in pediatric surgery. They treat babies, children, and teenagers with:

• Cancer
• Genetic disorders such as cystic fibrosis and Down syndrome
• Disabilities such as cerebral palsy
• Developmental delays
• Chronic diseases such as diabetes
• Infectious diseases such as meningitis
• Asthma and allergies
• Autism spectrum disorder

If your child suffers from any medical condition, consult the pediatrician near you.

There is no defined age, though mostly treats patients till the age of 18. However, it is generally accepted that children with chronic illnesses and who are under the continuous care of a pediatrician will continue to be cared for by the same doctor for a while longer, and not just up to the age defined here. Visit a pediatric clinic near you if your child is under 18 years of age and is suffering from any medical condition.

After a baby is born, you will have to take them to a pediatrician from time to time. Ideally, you should look for the best pediatrician that suits you before the baby is born for your own convenience. A newborn baby should see their pediatrician three to five days after birth. They should go again when they have reached the following ages:

• One month old
• Two months old
• Four months old
• Six months old
• Nine months old
• 12 months old
• 15 months old
• 18 months old
• 24 months old

Babies are fragile, and their immune system is not fully developed. There are also a number of birth defects that may not be readily apparent when the child is born. Frequent visits to the pediatric doctor will give them many opportunities to examine the child and catch potential problems early.

There are various sub-specialties of pediatric doctors as well, namely:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Pediatric Pulmonology
• Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
• Pediatric Cardiology
• Neonatology

No, pediatric doctors do not help in the delivery of the baby.