FAQs

Please take a moment to read our most commonly asked questions. We're always available to answer your questions and encourage you to contact our office if you have a question that is not answered below.

Q: What is a Pediatrician?

A: A pediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of children. Pediatricians have undergone special training in the health and illnesses of infants, teens and young adults, and the majority of pediatricians are certified by the American Board of Pediatrics after passing a comprehensive exam.

Pediatricians provide preventive health care for children in good health and medical care for children who are acutely or chronically ill. They also provide parents with support and advice with issues such as growth and development, safety and prevention, nutrition, and emotional wellness to foster a lifetime of good health.

Q: Can I meet my pediatrician before my baby is born?

A: Yes, in fact we strongly encourage parents-to-be to visit our office for a prenatal appointment. This is a great way to get acquainted with our office and our doctors. During this visit, we will answer any questions that you have about our practice or your new child. Visit our expectant parent's page for more information.

Q: How often should my child see the pediatrician?

A: Your child should not only see the pediatrician for an illness. It is also important to schedule well-child-care exams regularly, beginning in infancy. Also called well-care visits or checkups, these routine examinations provide the best opportunity for the doctor to observe the progress of your child's physical and mental growth and development; to counsel and teach parents; to detect problems through screening tests; to provide immunizations, and to get to know one another. Well-care visits are strongly recommended as part of preventive pediatric care.

Well-child visits are also a good time for parents to raise questions and concerns about a child's development, behavior, nutrition, safety and overall well-being.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this schedule for routine well-care visits:

Congratulations! Your baby is finally here. Newborns are wonderful, but exhausting! Having friends or family around to provide extra help and support can be very helpful. Make sure all visitors wash their hands well. Your baby’s first visit to our office takes place during his or her first week of life, usually 1-2 days after you are discharged from the hospital.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

  • Check your baby’s weight, length, head size, and temperature
  • Monitor for signs of jaundice.
  • Check to see how your baby is feeding.
  • Answer questions about your new baby.
  • Discuss infant behaviors, nutrition, and safety

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 

The 2 Week Visit (sooner if you have concerns!) is a time to talk about how your family is acclimating to the newest addition. Feeding, bowel habits and sleeping are common topics.

By 2 weeks of age, your baby will likely have regained his or her birth weight. Please remember that it is important to always put your baby to sleep on his or her back in a flat, firm and separate sleep space to reduce the risk of SIDS. As always, we are here to answer questions and offer anticipatory guidance.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

  • Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your baby's temperature.
  • Remind you to give your baby a daily supplement of 400 IU of vitamin D drops if you are breastfeeding.

Immunizations: None
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Repeat Newborn Metabolic Screen (PKU)

Bright Futures Parent Info

Families are usually settling in some by this visit. Feeding, sleeping and bowel habits are sometimes a concern. At this visit we will track your baby's growth and development and answer any questions. Your baby may be starting to smile now and that helps a lot!

We do a lot at this visit, including:

  • Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your baby's temperature.
  • Discuss family and infant adjustment
  • Discuss nutrition and safety

Immunizations: None
Tests/Screens/Assessments: Developmental Survey, Post Partum Depression Assessment, TB Risk Assessment 

Bright Futures Parent Info

Many babies seem more fussy or colicky at this age. Be patient. Colicky babies eventually outgrow their crying phase. Keeping your baby safe is the most important thing you can do. Even if you feel frustrated, handle your baby gently and reach out for help to friends, relatives or your pediatrician if the crying is getting to be too much. If you need a break, and no one is available to help you, place your baby on his/her back gently in a safe space, such as a crib or bassinet, and take a few minutes to calm down.

We do a lot at this visit, including:

  • Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your baby's temperature.
  • Provide your baby’s first set of immunizations. Immunizations are safe, effective and keep your child and our community healthy. During this visit, you will be able to discuss any questions you may have about immunizations.
  • Screen for post-partum depression.
  • Discuss infant behavior, nutrition and safety.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 
4 Month Visit

Your baby is becoming more active and verbal. Be careful not to leave your baby unattended, especially on a bed, couch or counter. They move faster than you think!

Babies need only breast milk or iron fortified formula for the first 4-6 months of life. We will talk at this appointment about the appropriate time to introduce solid foods and what foods to introduce first.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your baby's temperature.
  • Provide your baby’s immunizations.
  • Discuss when to start feeding your baby solid foods.
  • Discuss infant behavior, nutrition and safety.
  • Discuss infant development and oral health.
  • Screen for post-partum depression.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 

Your baby will begin to move more and will be able to sit up independently for short periods of time. Now is the time to start baby-proofing your house - if you haven't already done so. You should move the mattress in your baby's crib down to the lowest level.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your baby's temperature.
  • Provide your baby’s immunizations.
  • Discuss the introduction of fluoridated water to encourage the development of strong and healthy teeth. If you have city or rural water,  your water is fluoridated. If you have well water,  you should have your water tested for fluoride before offering it to your baby.
  • Discuss infant behavior, nutrition (starting solids) and safety.
  • Discuss dental referral.
  • Screen for post-partum depression.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 

Your baby may be starting to crawl, pulling to a stand and cruising on furniture. Babies will want to touch everything - this is how they learn. This is a messy time! Have fun and be patient.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your baby's temperature.
  • Discuss your baby's upcoming dental care. Your baby should see a dentist at 1 year of age. You should be brushing your child's teeth with an infant toothbrush and a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Discuss nutrition and safety. 

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 

At this age, your baby can transition from breast milk or formula to cow’s milk. However, it is healthy to continue breast milk, if that is what you prefer, for your baby. Most babies need 3 meals, 2-3 snacks per day, and no more than 16-20 ounces of whole cow's milk per day. Your baby will be able to eat many of the foods you eat, but be careful to avoid small, hard foods that can cause choking.

It is time to wean your child from the bottle and offer all liquids in a sippy cup. It is much easier to wean your child now than if you wait until they are older. Avoid cavities and additional tears and make the change now!

Your baby will be outgrowing the infant carrier car seat. Continue to have your baby in a rear facing car seat until age 2.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your baby’s weight, length and head size and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your baby's temperature.
  • Provide your baby’s immunizations.
  • Discuss self feeding and appetite changes.
  • Discuss dental health and baby safety.
  • Discuss dental referral.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 

Your child may be able to climb and run, so be sure to safety proof your home.

Poison control is available 24 hours a day: 1-800-222-1222 - keep this number handy in your cell phone and on your refrigerator.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your baby’s weight and length, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your baby's temperature
  • Provide your baby’s immunizations.
  • Discuss Behavior, dental health and safety

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 
18 Month Visit

At 18 months, your child understands much more than he or she can say in words. Use words to describe your child’s feelings and gestures. Read and sing to your child often. When reading, use simple words to talk about the pictures.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight and length, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature
  • Provide your child's immunizations.
  • Discuss development and behavior.
  • Discuss dental health, toilet training readiness, and safety.
  • Discuss temper tantrums.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 
2 Year Visit

At this age, your 2 year old may go from trying to be independent to clinging to you; this is normal. It is better for toddlers to play than to watch TV. Even having television playing in the background interrupts healthy toddler play - background music is a better choice.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, length and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature.
  • Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit.  Your child may need immunizations if they are behind on their shots.
  • Review your child’s development with you using the MCHAT (Autism screening tool) questionnaire.
  • Discuss dental health, language development, exercise and safety.
  • Discuss toilet training.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 
2 1/2 Year Visit

Your baby is not really a baby anymore. They are firmly in the toddler years. One moment they seem so big and the next still very small. This is the "do-it-myself time."

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight and length, and record on a growth curve
  • Measure your child's temperature.
  • Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit.
  • Discuss language, social development, preschool readiness, and safety.
  • Discuss dental health  (if they have not yet seen a dentist, they should!)
  • Discuss healthy meals/snacks

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 
3 Year Visit

Your child will likely be moving into a world of make believe that they create with their imagination. Toys for dress up and make believe are important at this age. Read books, sing songs and play rhyming games with your child each day.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature and pulse (heart rate).
  • Most of our patients do not have immunizations due at this visit.  Your child may need immunizations if they are behind on their shots or during flu season.
  • Discuss dental health, literacy, interaction with others, physical activity, and safety..

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 
4 Year Visit

Four year olds often like to sing, dance and act. They like to tell "tall tales" and make up stories.  Enjoy these fun moments with your little one!  Parents should continue to help with brushing teeth even though your child will want to do it all by themselves.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
  • Provide your child's immunizations.
  • Discuss dental health, school readiness, personal habits, television, outside activities, and safety.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 

At this age, your child needs more independence. However, you need to set clear limits. A regular bedtime and consistent bedtime routine are important. Be a great role model. Show an interest in what they are learning.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure. 
  • Review your child’s speech and development.
  • Discuss exercise and nutrition.
  • Discuss kindergarten readiness and mental health.
  • Discuss dental health and safety.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 
6 Year Visit

Encourage good learning by helping your child organize a distraction-free time to do homework and ensuring eleven hours of sleep each night. Teach your child what to do if there is a fire and have practice fire drills. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
  • Review your child’s school performance and development.
  • Discuss exercise, nutrition and mental health.
  • Review oral health and safety issues.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info 
 
 

Continue to encourage good nutrition and exercise for your child. This is the time he or she is building good health habits for a lifetime! There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index  and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
  • Review your child’s school performance and development.
  • Discuss exercise, nutrition and mental health.
  • Review oral health and safety issues.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Parent Info
 
 

Positive self-image is important as your child begins to enter the changes that come with puberty. Empower them to feel good about themselves, their interaction with others and praise their effort more than the outcome.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child’s temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
  • Screen your child's vision and hearing.
  • Review your child’s school performance and development.
  • Discuss exercise, nutrition and mental health.
  • Review oral health and safety issues.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 
9 Year Visit

Your child is becoming more responsible and will be able to take on more tasks such as taking care of his/her own room. He or she may also start reading independently for pleasure.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
  • Review your child’s school performance and development.
  • Discuss exercise, nutrition and mental health..
  • Review oral health and safety issues.
  • Discuss personal hygiene and puberty/body changes.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 
10 Year Visit

Your ten year old still requires adult supervision when you are away. Watching TV with your child allows you to discuss any controversial topics that may come up, but limit screen time to 2 hours per day. Family mealtime is important to keeping communication open and fostering healthy lives.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
  • Perform vision and hearing screens.
  • Review your child’s school performance and development.
  • Discuss exercise, nutrition and mental health..
  • Review oral health and safety issues.
  • Discuss personal hygiene and puberty/body changes.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 
11 Year Visit

Your child may be transitioning to middle school at this age. He or she may be participating in more group activities. Expand your conversations about healthy living practices to include tobacco, drug and alcohol avoidance.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure. 
  • Provide your child’s immunizations.
  • Discuss growth and development, and social and academic competence.
  • Discuss violence and injury prevention.
  • Discuss emotional well-being, safety and risky behavior (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual activity)..
  • Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 
12 Year Visit

Your child will be in middle school at this age. Continue your conversations about healthy living practices to include tobacco, drug and alcohol avoidance. Your child should be able to assume more responsibility for personal hygiene and chores. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure. 
  • Discuss growth and development, and social and academic competence.
  • Discuss violence and injury prevention.
  • Discuss emotional well-being, safety and risky behavior (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual activity)..
  • Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 
13 Year Visit

Even though friends are becoming more important at this age, having a caring adult to provide a listening ear and from which to obtain accurate health information is equally important. Foster open communication with your child. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure. 
  • Discuss growth and development, and social and academic competence.
  • Discuss violence and injury prevention.
  • Discuss emotional well-being, safety and risky behavior (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual activity).
  • Discuss puberty changes to expect or that may be starting to occur.

Immunizations:None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 
14 Year Visit

Your child may be showing an increasing interest in extracurricular activities. Have conversations about risk taking behaviors, driving, alcohol, drug use, family rules and expectations. Discuss media and internet safety. Make certain that they have an adult they can confide in if they are unable to communicate with you. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure. 
  • Discuss growth and development, and social and academic competence.
  • Discuss violence and injury prevention.
  • Discuss emotional well-being, safety and risky behavior (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual activity).
  • Discuss puberty and sexuality.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 

Your teen may be adjusting to the transition to high school. Development of family relationships continues to be important, but it is also normal for teens to place more and more emphasis on their peer relationships. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's temperature, pulse and blood pressure. 
  • Discuss growth and development and review your child's school performance.
  • Discuss violence and injury prevention (driving, guns, dating violence, bullying)
  • Discuss emotional well-being, safety and risky behavior (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual activity).
  • Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance including distracted driving and vaping.
  • Discuss puberty and sexuality.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 
16 Year Visit

Congratulations! You are solidly in the teen years! It is exciting to see the wonderful person your child is becoming. Possible conflict can arise at this time as your teen assesses your family values versus those of culture and peers. Keep the lines of communication open and give them additional responsibility while being present for them when they inevitably make mistakes. Be supportive and allow them to develop resilience and self-pride. During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of the visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your teen’s weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve
  • Measure your teen’s temperature, pulse and blood pressure 
  • Discuss growth and development and review your child's school performance.
  • Discuss violence and injury prevention (driving, guns, dating violence, bullying)
  • Discuss emotional well-being, safety and risky behavior (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual activity).
  • Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance including distracted driving and vaping.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 
17-18 Year Visit

Your child is getting closer to finishing high school and entering the adult world. Making mistakes are a normal part of growing up. Continue to provide emotional support and guidance for them during this time. There are no scheduled immunizations at this visit unless your child is behind and needs to catch up on immunizations.

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your teen's weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your teen's temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
  • Discuss growth and development and review your child's school performance.
  • Discuss violence and injury prevention (driving, guns, dating violence, bullying)
  • Discuss emotional well-being, safety and risky behavior (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual activity).
  • Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance including distracted driving and vaping.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 
19 Year Visit and Beyond...

Your child is now transitioning to adult life! They will still look to you for support and guidance, but will be more on their own when it comes to decision making. 

During the teen years, we provide the opportunity for your teen to have at least a portion of this visit with the parent out of the room.

At this visit we will:

  • Measure your child's's weight, height and body mass index, and record on a growth curve.
  • Measure your child's's temperature, pulse and blood pressure.
  • Discuss growth and development and review your child's school performance.
  • Discuss violence and injury prevention (driving, guns, dating violence, bullying)
  • Discuss emotional well-being, safety and risky behavior (tobacco, alcohol, drugs, sexual activity).
  • Reinforce healthy choices and risk behavior avoidance including distracted driving and vaping.
  • Complete college physical forms and any required college screening labs/tests.

Immunizations: None 

 Bright Futures Patient Info 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Q: What is the best way to schedule an appointment with your office?

A: You can schedule an appointment by calling our office during regular business hours, or by requesting an appointment online.

Q: Is your office accepting new patients?

A: Yes, we always welcome new patients. Contact our office for additional information or request an appointment.

Q: Why does my child need to receive vaccinations?

A: Immunizations are a series of shots given to children at different ages to help ward off serious, and potentially fatal, childhood diseases. Making sure your child receives immunizations when scheduled is the best way to help protect your child from potentially fatal diseases. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, vaccinations have reduced the number of infections from vaccine-preventable diseases by more than 90%. If you're apprehensive about vaccinations, please do not hesitate to contact our office.

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BETHANY PEDIATRICS

Address
10300 A, Baltimore National Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042
Phone
(410) 465-7337
Fax
(410) 465-1620
Email
[email protected]

  OFFICE HOURS

   Monday:
   Tuesday:
   Wednesday:
   Thursday:
   Friday:
   Saturday:
   Sunday:
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
10:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Closed
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Closed
Closed

Bethany Pediatrics

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Monday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday

10:00 am - 6:00 pm

Thursday

Closed

Friday

9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Saturday

Closed

Sunday

Closed

Monday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday
Closed
Friday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed