In the first year of life, a newborn may grow from seven pounds
and 20 inches tall into a toddler whose weight has increased by
200 percent and length by 50 percent. And, in that same year,
that same toddler has learned to communicate, walk, eat, drink,
and play, and make his or her desires and needs known. Although
in subsequent years, growth in stature and abilities may not be
as rapid and dramatic, mental, physical, and emotional
development continue to change. And, through it all, from
infancy to adolescence, parents must see that this child is
weighed and measured regularly; receives immunizations; has
routine checkups to make sure development is going well; is
cared for when sick or hurt; and able to handle the pressures
that life brings. What is a pediatrician? A pediatrician is a
child's physician who provides: - preventive health maintenance
for healthy children. - medical care for children who are
acutely or chronically ill. Pediatricians manage the physical,
mental, and emotional well-being of thei