At Happy & Healthy Pediatrics, we understand that as a parent, you may have many questions about your child's health and development. To help you find the answers you need, we've compiled a list of some of the most common questions we receive from parents.
When should I schedule my child's first visit to the pediatrician?
The first visit to the pediatrician should be a few days after your baby is discharged from the hospital, typically within the first week of life.
How often should my child see the pediatrician?
In the first year of life, your child should see the pediatrician regularly for well-child visits, typically at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months. After the first year, well-child visits are usually scheduled annually.
What vaccinations does my child need and when?
Your child should receive a series of vaccinations to protect against various diseases, starting from birth and continuing into adolescence. The specific schedule may vary, but generally follows the immunization schedule recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What should I do if my child is sick and your office is closed?
If your child is seriously ill or injured, you should go to the nearest emergency room or call 911. For less urgent issues, you can usually wait until our office reopens. If you're unsure, many pediatric practices offer an after-hours advice line.
How can I reach the pediatrician after hours?
Most pediatric practices have an after-hours answering service. You can call our office number, and the answering service will direct your call as appropriate.
At what age can my child start eating solid foods?
Most babies are ready to start solid foods around 6 months of age, but this can vary. It's important to look for signs of readiness, such as being able to sit up with support and showing interest in foods.
How can I tell if my child's development is on track?
Your pediatrician will monitor your child's development during well-child visits. However, if you have any concerns about your child's development, you should bring them up with your pediatrician.
What should I do if my child has a fever?
If your child is younger than 3 months and has a fever, you should call your pediatrician right away. For older children, it often depends on the severity of the fever and other symptoms. When in doubt, it's always a good idea to call your pediatrician.
How can I help my child maintain a healthy weight?
Healthy eating and regular physical activity are key. Try to provide a variety of nutritious foods, limit sugary drinks and snacks, and encourage your child to be active for at least 1 hour every day.
Can I call with questions or concerns, even if my child is not sick?
Absolutely! We're here to support you in all aspects of your child's health, whether your child is sick or well. If you have questions or concerns, don't hesitate to call us.
What insurance providers do you accept?
We strive to work with as many insurance carriers as possible to ensure our services are accessible to all families. You can view our current list of accepted insurance providers, but please note that the list could change at any time.
Please remember that this list is not exhaustive, and it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional for advice tailored to your child's specific situation. If you have a question that's not addressed here, or if you need more information, please don't hesitate to call us at 972-546-5550 during business hours, or you can contact us online at any time. Our team is always here to support you in your parenting journey.