The Importance of Pediatric Care

Throughout your life, medical care makes a difference. You know that as you get older, following a specific screening schedule can be quite literally life-saving. But regular doctor’s visits are important in your younger years, too. And they’re especially critical for children and teenagers.

Fortunately, getting proper pediatric attention doesn’t have to be a big hassle. Here at our SmartClinic Urgent Care clinics in West Covina and Santa Clarita, California, we offer pediatric care so you can get the regular checkups and child-focused treatments your son or daughter needs.

Why is pediatric care so important, though? Let’s take a look. 

Tracking your child’s health and development

As your kids grow, they should reach certain health stages and developmental milestones around specific times. To that end, most medical professionals recommend strategic checkups from infancy to age 21.

When they’re just born, infants should be visiting a doctor monthly. From 9-18 months, they should get pediatric care every three months. Between 18 months and 3 years, doctors recommend a visit every six months. At age 3, the schedule switches to annually.

These periodic visits ensure that everything is on track with your child’s development. It also allows medical professionals to catch any potential issues — from asthma to scoliosis — early. In some cases, early treatment can make a big difference in your child’s outcome as they age. 

Keeping your child safe and healthy

Beyond tracking milestones, regular pediatric care can also help you feel more confident in your parenting. The American Academy of Pediatrics says pediatric care can enable important safety measures, from recommended immunizations to safe play in the backyard.

Ultimately, our SmartClinic Urgent Care team is here to partner with you. And if any issues do pop up, we can help you handle them, offering everything from stitching up minor wounds to testing for strep throat. 

In fact, we have extensive experience treating a range of common conditions that affect kids. We’re here to help your son or daughter feel better faster. 

Helping your child get comfortable

Nervousness about the doctor’s office can be a big barrier to proper health care. We aim to create a welcoming, comfortable environment at our clinics to overcome that. 

We also think that by bringing your children to the same office where you get your medical care, you help them better understand what to expect. And because fear of the unknown is such a big part of a child’s medical anxiety, being in a space that already feels familiar can make a big difference. 

Here’s another great thing about our pediatric care: You can simply walk into a SmartClinic Urgent Care clinic to get started. Alternatively, you’re welcome to call ahead to make an appointment or schedule a virtual visit online.