Well-Child Check-ups

Well-Child Check-ups

Well-child check-ups are just as important as visiting the doctor when your child is sick.

Why are these check-ups so important?

– Full examinations
– Tracking growth & development
– Discussing concerns you may have
– Prevention of illness with vaccinations
– Early detection of possible medical issues

Typical Visit Schedule:

3-5 days after birth
2 weeks
2 months
4 months
6 months
9 months
1 year
15 months
18 months
2 years
2.5 years
3 years
Yearly until the age of 18 years

Sick Child Visits

Sick Child Visits

When your child is unwell, it is a worrying time for parents. At ABC Paediatrics we try to make ourselves available whenever our patients need us. Whether it’s via phone for advice or to be seen in the office, we are here 7 days a week.

Hospital Affiliations

Our Paediatricians are also available if needed at some of the Private Hospitals such as St Augustine Private Hospital, Medical Associates Hospital, St Clair Medical Centre and West Shore Medical Private Hospital via their emergency room.

Immunization

At ABC Paediatrics, we provide vaccinations for children at all ages as it is important to protect our loved ones from serious preventable diseases.

In Trinidad & Tobago, our vaccination schedule currently is as follows:

2 months – DPT, HepB, Hib, Polio, PCV 13
4 months – DPT, HepB, Hib, Polio, PCV 13
6 months – DPT, HepB, Hib, Polio, PCV 13
1 year – yellow fever, MMR
18 months – DPT, Polio, PCV 13
2 years – MMR
4-5 years – DPT, Polio
9-12 years – Td
11 – 15 years – HPV (2 doses)

In addition to the routine vaccines, we also offer the following optional vaccines:

Rotavirus
Chicken Pox
Hepatitis A
Pneumococcal 23
Meningococcal
Influenza (Yearly)

Ear Piercing

Our Paediatricians pierce ears from the age of 3 months and onward. We provide a safe
environment and pierce ears in a sterile manner in order to minimize any risk of infection. Numbing cream will be applied to your child’s ears prior to piercing and you will be given a selection of surgical stainless steel earrings to choose from.

Requirements

Age 3 months and older.
Vaccination card with up to date vaccines.

Hearing Screen

Hearing screen

A Hearing screen is recommended for all newborns and is typically done prior to discharge from the hospital in many countries.

Why?

The hearing screening test is the first step in understanding if your baby may be deaf or
have difficulty hearing. Signs of hearing does not mean they can hear all the types of
sounds around them. Early detection ➡️ Early intervention ➡️ Improved outcome for speech and social
development.

When?

The test should be done ideally between birth and 3 months of age.

How?

A tiny probe is placed in your baby’s ear canal. It is completely painless and takes approximately 5-10 minutes.

Vision Screen

Good vision is key in a child’s physical development, success in school and overall well-being.

When?

Visual checks should be done from birth and throughout childhood. All newborns should have their eyes assessed by their Paediatrician using an Ophthalmoscope.

From 6 months of age another vision screening test is very important. It checks for
refractive errors (near/far sightedness, astigmatism) and “lazy” eye which can
sometimes be invisible to parents and Paediatricians.

Why?

By using this vision screen, we are able to detect vision issues early, long before the
children are old enough for visual acuity eye exams. The earlier these conditions are
detected, the better the outcome.

Paediatrician at Delivery

The first few minutes of your child’s journey in life are absolutely critical. Having the right
team at your delivery, whether by natural means or Caesarean section, is the best gift
you can give to your baby from the start.

Why?

While no parent ever wants to think of something happening to their baby at delivery, it is crucial to have persons present who can deal with any unforeseen situations that may arise.

Safety first

Our team of Paediatricians are well-trained in newborn resuscitation and led by our
internationally trained Neonatalogist. In the event of a delivery complication, our team is
well equipped to safely stabilize and transfer your baby (if needed) to a Neonatal ICU.

Prenatal Consults

Our Neonatologist is also available for prenatal consultations as parents may have
questions prior to the delivery, especially those with abnormal ultrasound results or
mothers with existing medical conditions.

Before Discharge

Part of welcoming your baby into the world includes adequate counseling prior to
leaving the hospital on newborn care, safety tips, red flags and given an emergency
contact so that you are prepared for the adventure ahead with the support you need
from us!

General Paediatric Services