Infant and toddler primary care

Your child races through milestone after milestone in their first few years. Advocate Children’s Hospital is here to help keep them healthy, with comprehensive infant primary care in bright and friendly clinics.

Our pediatricians’ offices are conveniently located throughout Chicagoland so you can find care close to home during these busy years. We provide the care you need, including well visits, treatment for minor illness, and access to specialists.

Comprehensive primary care for your infant or toddler

With Advocate Children’s primary care, you get:

• Convenience and access: You can find a clinic near you, with 21 locations across Chicagoland. We offer evening and Saturday appointments at all offices.
• Quality: Our pediatricians are all board certified, meaning they go through specialized training and tests to ensure their expertise in caring for children. Our primary care team takes the latest medical developments into account when caring for your baby.
• Warm environment: Our offices feature child-friendly and welcoming animal themes. We want your baby or toddler to feel comfortable.
• Access to other specialists: Some children only need scheduled checkups and visits when they’re sick. If your family has more extensive needs, our doctors can refer your child to a full range of Advocate Children’s Hospital specialists.
• Community partnerships: We recognize the importance of teamwork. We’re part of the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance, partnering with two other area hospitals that specialize in pediatric care. Through us, your child has access to even more specialists and programs.

Building a relationship with your family

You see your child’s pediatrician frequently in the first few years, usually starting with a visit in the hospital. Your pediatrician gets to know your baby and family well, providing a strong foundation for good health.

Your doctor guides you throughout this stage, providing extra help when you need it and keeping your baby’s health on track. You can also talk to your pediatrician about general childhood concerns.

Well-baby visits

As part of our partnership with your family, we help you follow the recommended well-baby visit schedule. These visits cover many milestones, as well as screenings and preventive care. Your baby’s doctor checks on important health indicators such as:

• Measurements: These marks include weight, length, and head size to understand your baby’s growth and how that rate compares to other infants’ development.
• Physical exam: The doctor does a head-to-toe examination.
• Motor skill and milestones assessment: Your doctor checks your baby’s physical activity and interactions to ensure development is progressing as expected.
• Vaccines: We give needed immunizations, as well as help you keep track of requirements and schedules.
• Advice: You can talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns, including sleeping, feeding, and safety.

Well-baby visit schedule

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you take your healthy baby or toddler for well visits on the following schedule:

• During the first week (when your baby is 3 to 5 days old)
• Over the first year (at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months)
• Through the toddler phase (at 15, 18, 24, and 30 months)

Common conditions we treat in babies and toddlers

Between visits, your baby may need to see the pediatrician for minor illnesses. You can call our offices 24/7 if you have concerns. We have walk-in appointments for urgent needs, as well as convenient evening and weekend appointments at all clinics.

Some of the many common illnesses we care for are:

• Pain and fever
• Ear infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Skin infections
• Colds, coughs, and sore throats
• Respiratory and sinus problems

Answering your questions about infant care

You likely have questions as your baby develops. We’re here to answer them and help you through these challenges. We can provide advice and family resources to help with common concerns, including:

• Bringing your baby home and setting up a safe and healthy household
• Feeding your baby or having trouble with breastfeeding
• Soothing infants who have colic or fuss
• Checking developmental milestones
• Providing referrals to community resources

When to take your infant to the emergency department

Go to the emergency department if you think your child’s illness or injury is life-threatening or could cause permanent harm. We can use your routine visits to talk about how to handle emergencies.

If possible, call your child’s pediatrician before going to the emergency department. They can talk to you about your child’s symptoms, give you advice, and even call ahead. Learn more about when your child needs emergency care.

Antibiotics and your infant

Our pediatricians follow the latest care recommendations. One significant concern for children is antibiotic use.

You may know about antibiotic resistance, which happens when the medications are prescribed incorrectly. Overuse of antibiotics can cause bacteria to no longer respond to treatment, creating health risks for your child and community.

Antibiotics should only be prescribed for bacterial infections. Antibiotics can’t help viruses such as those that cause colds or the flu. Many ear infections are also viral and may not respond to antibiotics. Our doctors always ensure we provide the best, safest, and most-needed care.