We know that raising a child comes with a million questions, and we’re honored to be part of your family’s journey. Below, you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? Please don’t hesitate to reach out to our office directly. There’s no such thing as a question too small when it comes to your child’s health.
What is a pediatrician?
A pediatrician is a medical doctor who has dedicated their career to the health and well-being of children — from newborns all the way through young adulthood.
Pediatricians complete years of specialized training focused specifically on how children grow, develop, and respond to illness differently than adults. Most pediatricians, including ours, are board-certified by the American Board of Pediatrics, which requires passing a rigorous, comprehensive exam as well as required ongoing continuing medical education.
Pediatrics is about so much more than treating sick kids, though. Our role is to be your partner in raising a healthy, thriving child. That means providing preventive care when your child is doing well, treating illnesses when they arise, and supporting you as a parent with guidance on everything from nutrition and sleep to safety, emotional health, and developmental milestones. We’re here for the whole journey.
Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?
Absolutely, and we genuinely love these visits! Expecting a baby is one of the most exciting and sometimes overwhelming experiences life has to offer, and we want you to feel completely at ease before your little one arrives.
Prenatal Appointment (fee applies): Interested in a private visit with a specific doctor? We’re happy to set that up. You’ll have dedicated time to ask all your questions and get to know the physician you’d like to be your child’s primary doctor.
During your visit, we’ll walk you through what to expect in those first few weeks, answer any questions you have about our practice, and make sure you feel confident and cared for as you prepare to welcome your new baby. Visit our Expecting Parents page to learn more, or simply give us a call to schedule!
How often should my child see the pediatrician?
More often than you might think, and not just when they’re sick! Regular well-child visits (sometimes called checkups, preventive visits, or well-care exams) are one of the most important things you can do for your child’s long-term health.
These visits give us the opportunity to:
- Track your child’s growth and developmental milestones over time
- Screen for any potential concerns early, when they’re easiest to address
- Administer vaccines on schedule
- Offer guidance on nutrition, sleep, behavior, and safety
- Get to know your child as an individual — and get to know your family
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends well-child visits at the following ages: either 3–5 days after birth, or 14 days after birth, then at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 24 months, and then annually from ages 2–3 onward. Of course, we’re also here whenever your child is sick or you have concerns in between visits.
These appointments are also a wonderful time for you to bring up anything on your mind. There’s no such thing as too many questions at a well-visit!
Do you offer same-day sick appointments?
Yes, same day sick visits are a core part of how we work. Call early at (714) 565-7960 to be seen the same day whenever possible.
What is the best way to schedule an appointment?
The easiest way to schedule is to give our office a call during regular business hours. Our friendly front desk team will be happy to find a time that works for you. Whether you need a same-day sick visit, a routine well-child checkup, or a prenatal consultation, we’ll do our best to accommodate your family’s schedule.
Office Hours:
- Telephones: 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Appointments: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Is your office accepting new patients?
Yes! We are always welcoming new patients and new families into our practice, and we’d love to have you. Whether you’re expecting your first child, relocating to the area, or simply looking for a pediatrician that’s a better fit for your family, we’re here. Give us a call or request an appointment online, and we’ll take it from there.
Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?
Vaccines are one of the most powerful tools we have for keeping children healthy and safe. They work by preparing your child’s immune system to recognize and fight off serious diseases before your child is ever exposed to them. Many of the diseases we vaccinate against can be severe, even life-threatening, especially in young children.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, childhood vaccinations have reduced infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. That’s an extraordinary achievement, and it’s only possible when families participate together.
We know that some parents have questions or concerns about vaccines, and we welcome that conversation wholeheartedly. Our doctors are always happy to talk through any worries you have in a judgment-free, open environment. Please reach out, as we’d much rather have that conversation with you than have you feel unsupported.
Is it okay for my child to get several vaccinations in one visit?
Yes. According to the AAP, your child’s immune system is surprisingly capable. It’s constantly learning and adapting. Handling multiple vaccines at once gives your child’s immune system helpful practice rather than overwhelming it.
The schedule is designed with this in mind, and combining vaccines reduces the number of office visits and ensures timely protection.
When should I start worrying about a fever?
It’s less about how high the fever is, and more about how long it lasts and how your child is acting.
The key thresholds by age are:
- If your baby is under three months, any temperature at or above 100.4 °F warrants a call to your pediatrician.
- For kids three months to three years, you can generally watch and wait up to three days as long as they’re still eating, drinking, and not seeming “overly sick.”
- For children over three, you can often wait up to five days, but if other symptoms show up (ear pain, sore throat, painful urination), don’t wait that long.
Two fever red flags include:
- If a fever disappears for 24 hours and then comes back, that could signal a secondary infection. Call your doctor.
- If your child has a history of febrile seizures, medicate at the start of any illness to prevent the fever from spiking too fast.
Not sure when a fever is serious? In this podcast, PAM pediatrician Dr. Reshmi Basu explains the real guidelines, including the age-by-age thresholds most parents don’t know.
Does my child need vitamins?
For most healthy children eating a reasonably balanced diet, no!
Whole foods provide the nutrients children need, that most pediatric multivitamins are unnecessary for healthy kids. There are, however, specific exceptions (Vitamin D for breastfed babies, iron for premature infants, etc.) that you can discuss with us at well visits.
Do you have a recommended formula for my baby?
Most standard iron-fortified infant formulas are nutritionally equivalent and AAP-approved. Our Tustin pediatricians are happy to help you choose based on your baby’s specific needs (reflux, sensitivity, etc.) at your newborn visit.
Is my baby getting enough nutrition?
According to the AAP and based on our experience, this is one of the most common worries new parents have, and the reassuring news is that babies are generally good at regulating their own intake. Here’s how to tell:
The clearest signals to watch:
Wet diapers are your best day-to-day indicator. After the first week, expect at least six wet diapers per day. Steady weight gain is the other big one. Babies typically regain their birth weight by 10-14 days old and should double it by around 5-6 months. Your pediatrician tracks this at every well visit.
If you’re formula feeding, the AAP gives concrete benchmarks: roughly 2.5 oz of formula per pound of body weight per day. By end of month one, most babies take 3–4 oz per feeding every 3–4 hours. By six months, that grows to 6–8 oz across 4–5 feedings a day. That said, every baby is different. A baby who seems satisfied and is growing well is the real measure, not hitting an exact number.
If you’re breastfeeding, the AAP recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months. Output (wet/dirty diapers) and weight gain matter more than tracking ounces, since you can’t measure what goes in directly. Aim for 8–12 feedings per 24 hours in the newborn stage.
After six months, the AAP recommends introducing solid foods while continuing breast milk or formula through at least age one. Breast milk and formula remain the primary nutrition source. Solids are a complement, not a replacement.
When to call your pediatrician: if your baby seems persistently hungry after feedings, isn’t producing enough wet diapers, is losing weight, seems unusually lethargic, or you’re just unsure, call. There’s no such thing as a worry too small.
Do you still follow traditional vaccination guidelines?
Yes — absolutely and without exception. Our practice follows the vaccination schedule set by the AAP. These guidelines are developed by some of the world’s leading pediatric health experts and are based on decades of scientific research.
We want to be transparent about this: our commitment to the recommended vaccine schedule is not political. It is medical. Vaccines are among the most thoroughly studied interventions in the history of medicine, and the schedule is carefully designed to protect children at the ages when they are most vulnerable.
We also understand that in today’s world, it can be hard to know who or what to trust. If you have questions, doubts, or things you’ve read or heard that concern you, we genuinely want to hear them. Our door is open for those conversations — always kindly, always without judgment. Your child’s safety is our shared goal.
What do I do if my child gets sick after hours?
We partner with Rady Children’s Health to offer several options when our office is closed:
- 24/7 Nurse Advice Line: Call 1-844-GET-CHOC for free, round-the-clock guidance from pediatric healthcare experts. This line can also connect you to a virtual physician visit when needed.
- Pediatric Urgent Care: For non-life-threatening illnesses and injuries that need in-person evaluation, Rady Children’s Health has urgent care locations available in Irvine and Orange.
- Emergency: If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.
Visit our After-Hours Care page for full details and locations.
When should I use urgent care vs. the emergency room?
Urgent care is appropriate for non-life-threatening situations such as:
- Ear infections, sore throats, or minor infections
- Minor cuts, sprains, or injuries
- Fever in children over 3 months who are otherwise stable
- Vomiting or diarrhea without signs of severe dehydration
Go to the ER or call 911 for situations such as:
- Difficulty breathing or turning blue
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
- Severe allergic reactions
- Head injuries with confusion or repeated vomiting
- Any fever in a baby under 3 months old
Not sure? Call 1-844-GET-CHOC and a pediatric nurse will help you decide.
