Taking Care of Your Child’s Health
Your job as a parent is to help your child grow up healthy and strong. Taking care of your child’s health is a big part of that. This month, we’ll share helpful tips about where to take your child when they’re sick, why having a regular doctor is so important, and how you can speak up for your child at doctor appointments.
Where should I take my child for medical care?
When your child is sick or hurt, it’s not always clear where to go for care. But knowing where to go can save time and help your child get better faster.
A pediatrician is your child’s primary doctor, specially trained to care for kids’ health. They treat illnesses and check your child’s development. They also check your child’s physical, mental, social, and emotional health. Pediatricians schedule regular checkups— every few months or once a year, depending on your child’s age—to help them be as healthy as possible.
Urgent care centers treat minor illnesses and injuries that aren’t life-threatening. They’re open late on weeknights, weekends, and holidays when your pediatrician’s office is closed. Use urgent care if your child needs medical attention and can’t wait for the next available appointment with their doctor.
Not all urgent care centers are set up to treat babies and young children. It’s a good idea to find a pediatric urgent care near you or confirm that a nearby urgent care can care for your child if needed.
Parent Newsletter February 2025
Emergency departments are for serious or lifethreatening problems, like trouble breathing, broken bones, or major injuries. They’re open 24/7 and have special tools like labs and imaging to handle severe cases that can’t be treated elsewhere.
How long will it take to see a healthcare provider?
Picking the right place to go helps your child get care faster.
Pediatrician: Short wait if you have a scheduled appointment. Same-day visits might take longer.
Urgent Care: Usually faster than the ER, around 15–60 minutes, depending on how busy it is. Get in line, online, for an in-person urgent care or walk-in clinic visit. With Samaritan’s On My Way, you can use your computer or mobile device to select a walk-in care location, see the average wait time, and hold a spot in line.
Emergency Room (ER): Longest wait, often 1–4 hours or more, since the most serious cases are treated first.
More Information: When to Call Your Pediatrician
As a parent, you can always tell when your child isn’t feeling their best. But how do you know when it is safe to treat your child’s illness at home, and when should you contact the doctor?
Caring for Your Sick Child at Home
In this newsletter, Pollywog shares some tips for caring for your sick child at home and knowing when to call the doctor.
The Well-Visit: Why Go and What to Expect
A guide to well-child visits from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Getting the Most from a Doctor’s Visit
Here are tips on the best ways to handle your concerns and questions and get the most information from your child’s visit.
Importance of a Primary Care Doctor & Well Child Visits
Having a primary care doctor and going to well-child visits are very important for your child’s health. Here’s why:
Preventing Illnesses
• Check-Ups: Your child’s doctor checks in regularly to make sure your child is healthy and to catch any problems early.
• Vaccines: During these visits, your child will get shots that protect them from serious diseases like the flu and measles.
Catching Problems Early
• Early Help: If your child has allergies or other health concerns, the doctor can catch them early and help treat them before they get worse.
• Support for You: You can ask the doctor about sleep issues, picky eating, or any worries you have about your child’s health.
Building Trust with the Doctor
• Familiarity: Seeing the same doctor helps your child feel comfortable. If your child gets sick, they’ll already know the doctor.
• Trust: You’ll also feel more comfortable asking the doctor questions and sharing concerns.
Tracking Growth and Development
• Healthy Growth: The doctor will check that your child is growing how they should, like their height, weight, and head size.
• Milestones: They also check to see if your child is reaching important milestones like talking, walking, and learning.
Healthy Habits
• Advice on Eating and Exercise: The doctor will give you tips on feeding your child, making sure they eat healthy, and helping them stay active.
• Preventing Problems: Good habits now can keep your child from having health issues in the future.
Overall Health Care
• One Main Doctor: Your child’s primary care doctor is the person who knows your child’s health best and can help with any health needs.
• Ongoing Care: Regular visits help keep track of your child’s health over time so they get the best care as they grow. Whether it’s for a routine check-up or a sudden illness, the doctor will know your child’s health history and needs.
In short, primary care and well-child visits are about keeping your child healthy. These visits help prevent illness, track your child’s growth, build a good relationship with the doctor, and make sure they get the proper care when they need it.
How to advocate for your child at a medical appointment
Advocating for your child means asking questions, getting answers you understand, and making sure your child’s health is always the priority. As a first-time parent, it’s important to feel confident and prepared when taking your child to the doctor. Here’s how you can speak up for your child’s health:
Get Ready Before the Appointment
• Write Down Concerns: Before the appointment, write down any concerns, symptoms, or changes you’ve noticed with your child’s health, even small ones. This makes sure you won’t forget anything during the visit.
• Make a List of Questions: Write down any questions you want to ask the doctor, like about treatments, medications, or how a health problem might affect your child.
• Know Your Child’s Medical History: Include details about your child’s past illnesses, allergies, and current medications.
Understand What’s Happening
• Ask for Simple Explanations: Doctors may use medical terms you don’t know. It’s okay to ask them to explain things more simply so you understand.
• Ask for a Interpreter or Translator: It may help to ask for an interpreter or translator if the language at the facility is not your primary language.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions: If something isn’t clear or you don’t understand, ask the doctor to explain it again.
Be Firm but Respectful
• Speak Up: If you’re worried about something, let the doctor know. If you disagree with something, calmly ask questions to understand better.
• Trust Your Gut: You know your child best. If something doesn’t feel right or you want a second opinion, ask for it.
Take Notes
• Write Important Points: During the visit, write down anything important the doctor says, including diagnoses, instructions, or changes in treatment. This can help you remember the advice.
• Ask for Written Instructions: If the doctor gives you instructions (like for medication or follow-up care), ask for them in writing.
Know What Comes Next
• Ask About Follow-Up: Before you leave, make sure you know what’s happening next—whether there are follow-up visits, tests, or more treatments.
• Know What to Watch For: Ask for specific signs that would require your child to need immediate medical attention. Understanding what to watch for can help prevent emergencies.
• Who to Contact: Ask if there is a number, email, or another way to contact the doctor if you have any questions later.
Involve Your Child (If Possible)
• Let Them Share: If your child is old enough, let them talk about how they feel. It’s good to include their voice in the appointment.
• Comfort Them: If your child is nervous, reassure them and stay calm. It helps them feel safer. Know Your Rights
• Get a Second Opinion: If you’re not sure about a diagnosis or treatment plan, it’s okay to ask for a second opinion.
• Understand What’s Happening: Make sure you understand anything the doctor wants to do. Don’t feel pressured to agree to anything until you are entirely comfortable with the plan.
Stay informed, ask questions, and trust yourself—you know your child better than anyone. Knowing where to go for medical care, building a strong relationship with a primary care doctor, and confidently advocating for your child during appointments can help your child grow up healthy and strong.
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