What do pediatricians do?

Pediatricians manage the physical and mental health of children. They conduct routine check-ups and diagnose and treat childhood illnesses and injuries. Pediatricians monitor children from birth, checking on their condition in the hospital. As they get older, children visit pediatricians on a regular schedule for physicals and vaccinations. With each visit, the pediatrician tracks the growth and development of the child and discusses any concerns with the parents. Parents rely on pediatricians to help them with more than just physical ailments; pediatricians often provide suggestions and recommendations on a child’s diet, behavior, and development. Family or general practitioners also treat children, but many parents choose to take their kids to pediatricians for more specialized care.