What Does a Paediatrician Do?

A paediatrician is a doctor who specialises in the health, growth and development of infants, children and adolescents. Paediatricians are trained to understand how illnesses, medications and developmental milestones differ in children compared with adults.

They provide routine wellness checks and vaccinations, diagnose childhood illnesses, assess development and manage ongoing or chronic health conditions.

Routine Reasons to See a Paediatrician

Regular paediatric visits are an important part of a child’s overall care, even when they are not unwell.

• - Well-baby and well-child check-ups: Tracking growth, weight, height and developmental milestones.
• - Vaccinations: Following the recommended immunisation schedule.
• - Developmental assessments: Monitoring speech, motor skills, learning and behaviour.
• - Nutritional guidance: Particularly during infancy, weaning and early childhood.
• - School or activity health assessments: Medical reviews or clearances when required.

Routine visits also allow parents to discuss smaller concerns early and help the paediatrician build a clearer picture of the child’s health over time.

When Illness Strikes: Signs That Warrant a Paediatrician Visit

Not every sniffle or minor complaint needs an immediate clinic visit. However, the following symptoms generally warrant professional evaluation:

• - Fever, especially in a baby under 3 months, or one that persists in an older child.
• - Persistent cough that is not improving or occurs with breathing difficulty.
• - Vomiting or diarrhoea that continues, especially with signs of dehydration.
• - Unusual lethargy, difficulty waking or a marked change in behaviour.
• - Refusal to eat or drink for an extended period.
• - Skin rash, particularly with fever or rapid spreading.
• - Ear pain or repeated ear pulling, which may indicate an ear infection.
• - Persistent abdominal pain or pain that is becoming worse.
• - Signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes or reduced urination.

If you are unsure, particularly with a young infant, contact a paediatrician for guidance, as a child’s condition can change quickly.

Understanding Fever in Children

Fever is one of the most common reasons parents seek paediatric care. It is not an illness by itself, but a natural response that often occurs when the immune system is responding to an infection.

What Counts as a Fever?

A measured temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher is generally considered a fever in children.

When Fever Needs Medical Attention

• - A baby under 3 months with a temperature of 38°C or higher: Seek prompt medical assessment.
• - A high or rising fever, especially when the child appears very unwell.
• - Fever lasting more than 2–3 days without improvement.
• - Fever with a rash, stiff neck or sensitivity to light.
• - Fever with breathing difficulty or persistent vomiting.
• - A child who is unusually lethargic, irritable or difficult to console.
• - A seizure occurring with fever, which should be medically assessed.

Managing Fever at Home

If the child is alert, drinking fluids and has no warning signs, general supportive care may include:

• - Keeping the child comfortable and offering fluids regularly.
• - Using light, comfortable clothing rather than bundling the child up.
• - Using age-appropriate fever medicine only according to the product label or a healthcare professional’s advice. Doses for children are commonly based on weight.
• - Monitoring the child’s breathing, hydration and behaviour, not only the temperature reading.

How Often Should Children See a Paediatrician?

Check-up schedules vary according to age, vaccination timing, development and individual health needs. A paediatrician may generally recommend:

• - Infants (0–12 months): Frequent visits aligned with growth monitoring and vaccinations.
• - Toddlers (1–3 years): Periodic visits with developmental assessments and vaccinations.
• - Preschool and school-age children: Regular check-ups, often annually, with vaccinations as needed.
• - Adolescents: Regular visits addressing growth, puberty, emotional wellbeing and emerging health concerns.

Choosing a Paediatrician Near You

When choosing a paediatrician, consider the following:

• - Qualifications and experience relevant to your child’s needs.
• - Communication style that helps both parent and child feel informed and comfortable.
• - Accessibility, including location, clinic hours and support for urgent concerns.
• - Hospital support, with access to emergency care, specialists and inpatient services when needed.
• - Continuity of care, so the same doctor can understand the child’s medical history and development over time.

Frequently Asked Questions