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The paediatrician, a specialist in children

This specialist doctor oversees the overall development of the child: from babies to teenagers (up to age 18). The paediatrician makes sure the child is developing and growing properly. The paediatrician also plays an advisory role for parents, and can support them on matters such as feeding, sleep, education, good dietary habits and preventing risks to their children. The paediatrician is also responsible for screening for possible neonatal or genetic conditions. This specialist is in charge of vaccinating children and ensures that the baby or child does not show any delays in development, growth or puberty. Their main role remains focused on the child's healthy physical and cognitive development. The paediatrician can intervene at the maternity unit as soon as the baby is born, to check their first reflexes and screen for any anatomical or psychological abnormalities. The children's specialist also practises in a surgery, where they carry out the vaccinations recommended by the health authorities. They screen for and treat all childhood illnesses. The paediatrician is trained to spot learning difficulties and detect psychological or school-related problems. They perform all the usual medical procedures, adapted for children, their patients.

When should you consult a paediatrician?

From the maternity unit and the baby's birth, a paediatrician examines the infant and carries out a full check-up to make sure the baby is healthy. They can support new parents in their new roles. Eight days after the baby's birth, parents can consult a paediatrician again for a further check-up. Babies born prematurely need paediatric follow-up, specific care and tailored monitoring. Of course, parents consult a paediatrician when their child is unwell, in the case of an infection, injuries, allergies or psychological difficulties. This key point of contact for parents carries out the mandatory check-ups, and is also consulted for childhood illnesses or any health problem. A child must undergo around twenty mandatory medical check-ups up to the age of 16, including 14 during their first three years. The paediatrician does not deal exclusively with young children; they can be consulted for any medical reason up until the child turns 18. Using an online consultation to see a paediatrician is entirely possible: this specialist can manage childhood conditions such as digestive problems in infants, skin rashes, and a number of infectious diseases.

Where can you consult a paediatrician?

There are different ways to consult a paediatrician, depending on the situation and the level of medical urgency. Paediatricians practise, for example:
 • In a surgery. Many paediatricians are self-employed in their own practice. It is sometimes possible to book an appointment online or to call the practice's medical secretariat directly;
 • In a hospital department (teaching hospital), private clinics, children's hospitals, etc.;
 • Or through online consultation, as on Feeli. This option is convenient for getting medical advice for everyday problems;
 • Some schools also have paediatric services;
 • At the paediatric emergency department.

What vaccinations are recommended for children?

Childhood vaccination can also be carried out by the general practitioner. These vaccinations are very important for preventing the risk of serious infectious diseases. They also help prevent the spread of disease within society. Among the vaccinations recommended for children (or compulsory), we can list for example:
 • Measles, rubella and mumps;
 • Diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus;
 • Polio;
 • Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which can cause pneumonia or meningitis;
 • Pneumococcal vaccine;
 • Hepatitis B;
 • Human papillomavirus (HPV);
 • Chickenpox;
 • Hepatitis A;
 • Flu.
To find out about the vaccination schedule, speak to your paediatrician or your regular doctor. The vaccination schedule in France may differ from other countries. Vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect children and prevent disease.

Why consult a paediatrician?

It is important to see a paediatrician regularly for your baby's health, in particular to:
 • Monitor the child's healthy physical and cognitive development;
 • Carry out vaccinations;
 • Treat childhood illnesses;
 • Provide preventive care;
 • Monitor and manage possible mental health issues: ADHD, depression, anxiety;
 • Paediatricians also provide medical advice to parents;
 • Receive education on children's health.
In short, a paediatrician can be consulted for many reasons, to ensure the child's wellbeing and health.

What counts as a paediatric emergency?

Paediatric emergencies are serious medical situations requiring urgent hospital care. Situations that may be considered a paediatric emergency include:
 • Severe breathing difficulties (respiratory distress): wheezing, rapid breathing, blue-tinged skin (cyanosis);
 • A severe allergic reaction: anaphylactic shock after an insect sting, food poisoning or food allergy, etc.;
 • A head injury or serious fall, particularly if the baby loses consciousness or shows symptoms such as vomiting or neurological problems;
 • Seizures;
 • A high fever with a stiff neck (meningitis);
 • Serious injuries or burns;
 • Loss of consciousness;
 • Significant bleeding, bruising, contusions;
 • Ingestion of a toxic substance (medication, household products, etc.);
 • Unusual change in behaviour or difficulty waking up.
This list is obviously not exhaustive. Any warning sign, sign of distress or cause for concern in a child requires medical attention. Paediatric emergencies require getting to hospital as quickly as possible, or contacting the emergency services (call 15 for the SAMU in France, or 18 for the fire brigade).

What care can a paediatrician provide?

Paediatricians can provide many health services specifically for children, from birth through to adolescence. For example:
 • Primary health care: health check-ups, treatments, vaccines, routine examinations, advice on growth and development;
 • Vaccination;
 • Preventive care;
 • Treatment of childhood illnesses: respiratory conditions, allergies, infections, digestive problems, etc.;
 • Emergency care (injuries, fractures, sudden illness, etc.)
 • Monitoring the child's physical, emotional and mental development;
 • Treatment of dermatological conditions;
 • Medical advice and education.
 • Etc.
Generally speaking, paediatric care aims to ensure the child's good health and healthy development. It also helps parents look after their child and is essential for the prevention and early treatment of childhood illnesses.

What are the warning signs in infants?

It is important for parents to be alert to warning signs in infants. These can indeed indicate potentially serious health problems. Possible warning signs include:
 • Breathing difficulties;
 • An irritable mood;
 • Unusual sleepiness: drowsiness, lethargy, etc.
 • Bluish (cyanosis) or yellow (jaundice) skin tone;
 • A sudden refusal to eat or drink;
 • Vomiting;
 • Diarrhoea, which can lead to dehydration;
 • A high fever;
 • Sleep problems;
 • Severe constipation or other serious gastrointestinal problems;
 • Difficulty urinating;
 • Jaundice;
 • A change in the appearance of the navel: redness, protrusion, discharge, or other symptoms suggesting an infection.
If any of these warning signs are present, it is necessary to seek urgent medical attention.

What emergencies require a child to be hospitalised?

Several serious medical conditions may require hospitalisation of an infant or child. Some examples include:
 • A serious infection, such as meningitis, septicaemia, pneumonia, an infection of vital organs, etc.;
 • Severe breathing problems, which may require respiratory support;
 • Heart problems;
 • A trauma;
 • Appendicitis or other conditions requiring surgery;
 • Severe dehydration, which may require intravenous rehydration;
 • Seizures or convulsions;
 • A childhood cancer or malignant tumours (cancerous);
 • Crohn's disease, or other serious gastrointestinal diseases: gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, bowel obstructions, etc.;
 • Psychiatric disorders;
 • Neurological disorders: epilepsy, brain cancer (brain tumour);
 • Kidney (renal) or liver (hepatic) failure.

What is specialist paediatrics?

Certain serious illnesses can affect children and are managed by specialist paediatricians. These specific fields within paediatrics include, for example, specialities such as:
 • Paediatric cardiology;
 • Paediatric haematology-oncology, for the treatment of leukaemia, blood disorders, lymphomas or childhood cancers;
 • Paediatric gastroenterology;
 • Paediatric nephrology, for the treatment of kidney conditions and diseases, notably kidney failure;
 • Paediatric pulmonology for respiratory conditions (asthma, breathing problems, bronchiolitis);
 • Paediatric rheumatology (juvenile arthritis);
 • Paediatric endocrinology for the treatment of hormonal problems, notably diabetes, thyroid disorders and growth disorders;
 • Paediatric neurology;
 • Paediatric immunology;
 • Paediatric infectious diseases;
 • Etc.
In short, specialist paediatrics manages more complex childhood illnesses.

Can paediatricians advise parents during adolescence?

Yes, paediatricians play an important role for parents and can also provide advice during adolescence, even though they generally focus more on children. That said, they can also provide advice on the needs and development of teenagers, particularly during the transition from childhood to adulthood. For example, paediatricians can advise parents on:
 • Wellbeing and physical health: acne, weight management, puberty, sleep, diet, exercise, etc.;
 • Mental health;
 • Social behaviour and personal development;
 • Sex education, including raising awareness of contraception, preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs);
 • Vaccinations;
 • Advice on family relationships: managing conflict, communicating with teenagers, etc.;
 • Etc.
In short, although the paediatrician's main role is to look after children's health, they can also give valuable advice to parents during adolescence.

What are paediatricians' fees?

Paediatricians' fees depend on a number of factors:
 • For a sector 1 paediatrician: for a child under 6, the fee for a paediatric consultation is 32 euros. Between the ages of 6 and 16, this fee rises to 28 euros. However, for a complex problem, the fee is 46 euros; for a very complex problem, the consultation rises to 60 euros. In all cases, French social security reimburses 70% of the consultation fee, with the rest covered by the parents' complementary health insurance (mutuelle);
 • Sector 2 paediatricians may charge fees above the standard rate, generally between 30 and 80 euros.
Good to know: mandatory check-ups (day 8, month 9 and month 24) are charged at 46 euros and reimbursed at 100%. Additional costs may also be charged for a consultation with a specialist paediatrician.

What is a paediatric department?

A paediatric department is a medical unit specialising in health care for infants, children and teenagers. Paediatric departments are generally found in healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and clinics. Most paediatric departments offer:
 • Comprehensive medical care for children: diagnosis, treatment, disease management, more complex health problems, etc.;
 • Preventive care;
 • Hospitalisation of the child if necessary;
 • Paediatric emergency care;
 • Paediatric specialities;
 • Support for families;
 • Psychological care;
 • Etc.
In conclusion, a paediatric department offers a wide range of care, to specifically meet the needs of infants, children and teenagers.