Why Choose a Pediatrician for Your Child’s Health Care?
Choosing a pediatrician for your child’s healthcare offers many advantages, as pediatricians are specially trained to address the unique health needs of children. At Universal Healthcare Services, in Bakersfield and Fresno, CA, our team is dedicated to providing expert care that focuses on your child’s growth, development, and overall well-being. Pediatricians offer personalized care that is tailored to children’s specific health concerns, from infancy through adolescence. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at Niles Children’s Clinic, Universal Pediatrics, and Wible Family Medicine in Bakersfield and Fresno, CA.


Table of Contents:
Why should I choose a pediatrician instead of a family doctor for my child?
At what age should my child start seeing a pediatrician?
What preventive care services do pediatricians provide?
What should I expect during my child’s first visit to a pediatrician?
Pediatricians are specialists in the medical care of infants, children, and adolescents, with training focused exclusively on the health and development of young patients. This specialized training equips them with a deep understanding of the unique physical, emotional, and social developmental needs of children. Pediatricians undergo extensive education and residency training specifically in pediatrics, making them experts in diagnosing and treating childhood illnesses, from common conditions to more serious diseases.
One of the key benefits of choosing a pediatrician at Universal Healthcare Services is their ability to provide care tailored specifically to children. Our pediatric nutritionists are trained to communicate effectively with children and make them feel comfortable, which can help manage the anxiety and fear that children often experience during medical visits. They also have a keen understanding of developmental milestones and can offer guidance on nutrition, growth, and behavior that is specific to children.
In addition, our pediatricians are well-versed in vaccinations and preventive care for children. They stay up-to-date with the latest recommendations from health authorities to ensure your child receives the appropriate immunizations and screenings at the right times. This proactive approach is vital in safeguarding your child’s health and preventing potential health issues.
Our pediatricians collaborate with a network of pediatric specialists. If your child requires specialized care, our pediatricians can refer you to trusted professionals experienced in handling specific pediatric conditions. This network ensures comprehensive and coordinated care for your child.
While family doctors are capable of treating patients of all ages, including children, their training is broader and less concentrated on the pediatric population. For families seeking a healthcare provider with in-depth knowledge and experience in child health, our pediatricians at Universal Healthcare Services offer specialized care that aligns with these expectations.
We emphasize the value of initiating a relationship with a pediatrician shortly after your child is born, beginning with a comprehensive newborn examination in the hospital within the first 24 hours. This crucial check-up assesses your newborn’s health, addresses any immediate concerns, and equips you with essential guidance on caring for your new baby.
Following this initial evaluation, we recommend regular pediatric check-ups to closely monitor your child’s growth and development. At Universal Healthcare Services, we tailor our care to meet your child’s unique needs, scheduling visits two to five days after birth, followed by check-ups at one, two, four, six, nine, and twelve months of age. These visits are pivotal for tracking developmental milestones, administering vaccinations, and providing support on various aspects of child-rearing from nutrition to sleep.
As your child grows, the frequency of visits will adjust, but maintaining regular check-ups remains essential. Our pediatricians typically recommend visits at 15, 18, and 24 months, then annually from ages two to five. Beyond the age of five, we suggest annual check-ups, unless specific health concerns require more frequent attention.
At Universal Healthcare Services, we believe that these regular well-child visits are vital not only for preventative care and vaccinations but also for fostering a trusted relationship between your family and our pediatric team. This relationship provides reassurance and support as your child navigates new health challenges.
Our practice places a strong emphasis on routine well-child visits, where pediatricians meticulously assess your child’s physical and developmental milestones. These visits are crucial for conducting thorough physical examinations and tracking growth patterns, ensuring that your child is on a healthy trajectory.
Immunizations are a cornerstone of our preventive strategy, protecting children from a variety of infectious diseases, including measles, mumps, and whooping cough. Our pediatricians adhere to a recommended immunization schedule, providing timely protection and peace of mind to parents.
We also prioritize developmental and behavioral screenings, which are integral to identifying potential issues early and facilitating timely interventions. Our pediatricians are skilled in assessing cognitive, emotional, and social development, offering guidance and referrals as needed to support your child’s growth.
At Universal Healthcare Services, we recognize the importance of nutrition and physical activity in preventing obesity and related health issues. Our pediatricians provide tailored advice on healthy eating habits and physical activity, empowering parents to encourage active lifestyles and age-appropriate nutrition for their children.
Hearing and vision screenings are another vital component of our preventive care, as early detection of issues in these areas can significantly impact a child’s learning and social experiences. Our pediatric team is committed to ensuring that any potential problems are identified and addressed promptly.
Injury prevention and safety education are also key aspects of our pediatric care services. We provide parents and caregivers with essential guidance on childproofing homes, proper car seat usage, and other safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries.
At Universal Healthcare Services, your child’s first appointment is designed to provide personalized care tailored to their specific needs. Our pediatricians begin by reviewing your child’s medical history, including prenatal and birth details, family medical background, and any past complications. We also discuss essential aspects of your child’s health, such as feeding patterns, sleeping habits, and overall behavior, to get a comprehensive view. The physical examination is a crucial part of this visit, where we measure your child’s growth, including weight, length, and head circumference, and check vital signs. We also perform a thorough examination of the heart, lungs, abdomen, eyes, ears, and mouth to ensure proper function.
In addition, we focus on monitoring developmental milestones to confirm your child is progressing as expected for their age. Immunizations are an important part of this visit, and we follow the recommended vaccination schedule to protect your child from various illnesses. Our pediatricians prioritize open communication, allowing you to ask questions about nutrition, sleep safety, or common concerns like colic or diaper rash. We provide expert guidance on caring for your newborn and preparing for the months ahead as your child grows.
The first pediatric visit sets the foundation for your child’s health and development. It’s an opportunity to establish a relationship with your pediatrician and ensure your child is on the right path for ongoing health and well-being.
Choosing the right pediatrician is essential for your child’s long-term health and development. At Universal Healthcare Services, we understand the unique needs of children and provide specialized care that evolves as they grow. Our team is committed to offering a comprehensive approach to pediatric healthcare, from routine check-ups to addressing more complex health concerns. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at Niles Children’s Clinic, Universal Pediatrics, and Wible Family Medicine in Bakersfield and Fresno, CA. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Fresno CA, Burness CA, Clovis CA, Panama CA, Alameda CA, and surrounding areas.


Additional Services You May Need
▸ Well-Child Visits
▸ Sick Visits
▸ Immunizations
▸ Chronic Disease Management
▸ Newborn Care
▸ Developmental Screenings
▸ School Physicals
▸ Nutritional Counseling
▸ Behavioral Health Support
▸ Hearing and Vision Screenings
▸ Lactation Support
▸ All Services