Raising Healthy Kids: A Guide to Children’s Health Resources in Champaign-Urbana and Beyond
Whether you are a parent of babies, toddlers, school age kids or teens, we know their health is important to you. Find pediatricians and excellent pediatric care doctors for kids in our community.
Have kids? Looking for a doctor to help you through the different ages and stages? Let’s be real: raising kids is hard work. Whether it’s your newborn baby, tantrum-throwing toddler, typically developing elementary schooler or hormonal teens — this is the guide for you.
We’re here to help families of all shapes and sizes in the greater Champaign-Urbana area as they navigate pediatric care for children of all ages and needs. Find a doctor, get the resources you need and take care of your family’s health.
Thanks to our partners at Carle Foundation Hospital for presenting Pediatric Care and Services in Champaign-Urbana.
We are proud to partner with Carle to provide a well-rounded view of the ins and outs of children’s health resources in and around Champaign-Urbana. This guide includes information from multiple providers.
From choosing baby’s name to helping a teenager choose a path after high school, parents will make thousands of choices along their journey as a child grows. Parents can play a key role in their children’s health. Some of the most important choices we make as parents start right in the beginning, making sure we provide our children with a healthy foundation.
Jump to information based on your child’s age
This post is sorted by relevant information for each age
Birth – 2 years old | 3 – 5 years old | 6 – 11 years old | 12-18 years old | Specialty Services
How to use this resource
Whether you’re new to Champaign-Urbana or you’ve lived here your whole life, figuring out how to navigate the many aspects of our children’s health can be somewhat daunting. Children need health care designed for their unique needs—involving families from start to finish.
This resource is to help parents to find quality, regionally specific pediatric information about health resources, options, and providers – all in one place. From safety and prevention tips, to information about healthy nutrition, to child development, to managing food allergies or chronic illness, we’ve covered a wide range of resources – with a local twist.
Each of the anchors below contains a bevy of information about each stage of development families encounter, from the earliest stages of infancy, through the toddler times, right into school-age children and adolescence. We also cover mental health and a variety of other services that are critical to the health and well being of our children.
Our region covers not only Champaign-Urbana, but also all of Champaign County and a good majority of East Central Illinois. You’ll find providers from Mahomet to Monticello, Rantoul to Tuscola, Paxton and beyond.
Ages Birth- 2 Years Old
Find the information you’re looking for when it comes to your baby and toddler
So many changes occur between the time that your child is born and they turn 2 years old. Well baby visits are an important component of your child’s development, and your child’s pediatrician will be there beside you each step of the way. Whether you have questions about immunizations, growth and nutrition, common illnesses, or more complex developmental needs, your child’s healthcare team is available to support you and your family.
Constipation can be a fairly common condition in children. Find out more about this condition and what you can do to help your child.
Find out more about medical care and evaluation of symptoms for children with chronic vomiting.
Learn more about earaches and how they can affect people of any age; however, they are typically the most common in babies and children.
Read more about this common viral illness that starts in a child’s throat and typically affects children younger than the age of ten.
Jaundice is a very common condition that can affect newborns. Learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for jaundice.
Learn more about the services offered through the Carle Nutrition Service Department including dietary education and support services for patients and their families.
Carle’s pediatric department offers weekend clinics for scheduled newborn follow-up appointments and a sick child walk-in clinic at Carle Champaign on Curtis.
Carle’s emergency department recertified as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) because of their strength in caring for and meeting the unique needs of their youngest patients in need of advanced medical care.
Carle features a 22-bed inpatient pediatric unit with private rooms and a dedicated Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
Establishing a relationship with a pediatrician or Family Medicine provider is key to your child’s health, from infancy through young adulthood. Find out more about this important link to your child’s medical history here.
Champaign-Urbana Area Pediatricians: Readers Recommend
Be sure to check out a list of area pediatricians recommended from the chambanamoms Facebook community.
Finding Childcare in Champaign-Urbana
Finding the right childcare for your family can be a daunting task. There are so many scenarios in which you might find yourself needing childcare. From traditional daycare (center-based or in-home?) to drop-in care to parent’s night out to in-home babysitters to afterschool care, we have information for all kinds of childcare needs for the families of Champaign-Urbana.
How to Find Backup Childcare in Champaign-Urbana
If you’re a working parent, you know what a hardship it can be when schools and daycares are closed, whether for snow, cold, heat, a water main breakage, illness …. the possibilities are endless. Find out information about backup childcare options here.
NICU grads say going back as important as ‘breaking out’
Find out one family’s story of their time in the neonatal intensive care unit and why they felt that leaving the NICU was everything they hoped, but going back and reconnecting with staff is also meaningful and important, too.
Top 10 Places to Take Baby in Champaign-Urbana
Leaving the house with a baby or toddler can feel impossible, awful, necessary, freeing, and empowering — often all at the same time. But where to take them? At the stage when kiddos’ mobility ranges from none at all to dangerous at any speed, it’s hard to find just the right fit.
Under the weather, parents ask: go to doctor or no?
Curious if you should visit the doctor or if you should wait it out? Find out more about one mom’s healthcare journey with her son.
Check out our chat with Carle employees Amy Jessup, advanced nurse practitioner, and LaDonna Aebischer, registered dietitian, as we talk about nutritious eating and food allergies in children. Please note that there were some technical difficulties during this chat; therefore, there are two separate videos.
Ages 3-5
Find the information you’re looking for when it comes to your preschooler
As your child enters a new stage in their development, many families look towards preschool or other learning and socialization opportunities for their children. Keeping your child’s medical records and guidance up to date is very important as many area preschools require a physical in order to start their programs. Your physician may require that you fill out developmental questionnaires and assessments in order to track their progress towards meeting developmental milestones.
While bedwetting is fairly common, find out when you should seek medical attention for your child here.
The Carle Mobile Health Clinic brings non-urgent medical support to various locations around Champaign-Urbana. This wheelchair-friendly mobile medical clinic offers care for infants, children and adults.
Learn more about child life specialists at Carle and how they work with children in the hospital. Their services are provided to pediatric patients, their siblings, and children of adult patients.
Wondering why your child seems cranky and upset? A common cold or upper respiratory tract infection (URI) is fairly common in babies and children. Find out more regarding the treatment for the common cold here.
Constipation can be a fairly common condition in children. Find out more about this condition and what you can do to help your child.
Learn more about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of pediatric headaches and migraines.
Find out more information about pediatric conditions that onset during the early childhood years.
Establishing a relationship with a pediatrician or Family Medicine provider is key to your child’s health, from infancy through young adulthood. Find out more about this important link to your child’s medical history here.
Sinusitis can be very common. It can occur suddenly or be persistent. Learn more about symptoms of sinus infections and possible treatment for the condition here.
Be Bite Smart: Illnesses Caused by Mosquito, Tick and Flea Bites Triple
Find out more about the American Academy of Pediatrics’ recommendations for protecting you and your children from mosquito, flea and tick bites.
Are you wondering if you need to take your child to the eye doctor or if they might benefit from glasses? Read tips from an area optometrist to determine if your child needs an eye exam.
Facebook Live Chat with Carle and Christie Clinic on Healthy Eating
Learn more about nutrition for your children as we chat with Dr. Mahmoud Hamdan of Carle, pediatric endocrinologist and Dr. Louisa Maranon, pediatrician from Christie Clinic.
Facebook Live Chat: Ear, Nose, & Throat Q&A with Dr. Ryan Porter; Video 2
View our chat with Dr. Ryan Porter of Carle and hear questions that parents typically ask with regards to the ears, nose, and throat (ENT). Learn more about keeping your kids healthy during cold and flu season. Please note that there are two components to this video. Due to technical difficulty the evening of the chat, there are two videos for this chat.
Facebook Text Chat: Spring CheckUp Chat with Carle: Keeping Your Family Healthy
Read more from our chat with Stefanie Schroeder, DO and our friends at Carle where we discussed tips to help keep your kids safe on the playground. We also discussed springtime allergies and sports injuries and ways to make accessing healthcare more convenient for your family.
Free Fruit for Kids Programs Taking Root
Learn more about Champaign-Urbana grocery stores offering free fruit for children while you shop.
Get Moving: Be Active With Your Family in Champaign-Urbana
In Champaign-Urbana and beyond, we are fortunate to have a wide variety of options when it comes to finding ways to be active as a family. Find out where you can go to be active and ideas for fun that the whole family might just enjoy.
Get the Family Moving this Summer
Summer can be a time of relaxation and a fresh break from the school routine. Learn fun and creative ways to keep your children active during the summer break.
Immunizations Required for Illinois Schoolchildren
Requirements for immunizations vary based on what grade your child is entering. Find out information about vaccinations and school entry here.
Is Your Child Protected Against Measles?
Find out information about protecting your children from the measles and other information about the MMR vaccination.
10 Tips For Preparing Your Child for Kindergarten
Check out handy tips and information in order to make sure that your child is prepared for their first day of kindergarten in Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding communities.
Where to Eat Healthy in Champaign-Urbana
Find out where to locate nutritious meals and snacks for your family at various Champaign-Urbana restaurants.
Listen to our interview with Dr. Ben Johnston, Director of Convenient Care at Christie Clinic as we chat about when you and your family should access convenient care.
Ages 6-11
Find the information you’re looking for when it comes to your school-aged child
As your child embarks on their educational journey, their pediatrician and medical staff play an important role in your family. Many area schools have physical examination requirements as well as immunization, vision, and dental checkups. As your child continues to build up their immunity to various childhood illnesses, parents often find themselves with questions regarding symptoms and treatment of commonly occurring viruses.
Find out important information about the diagnosis and treatment of lice, a common childhood condition.
Tonsillitis is very common in children 6 to 12 years old. Find out more about the symptoms and treatment of this common childhood condition.
Ask Miss Cherie: How Much Screen Time Should My Child Have?
Wondering how much screen time is too much? Join us as we chat with Miss Cherie of Lodgic Kids Camp to address the topic of screen time, socialization for children, and the need for gross motor movement.
Back to School Shopping on a Budget in Champaign-Urbana
Registration fees, school supplies, new shoes and clothes…the cost of back-to-school shopping can really add up. Find out ways to save money on the supplies you need for back to school time here.
Champaign-Urbana Kids Extracurricular and After School Activities
After school activities can help supplement your child’s social emotional learning as well as provide gross motor opportunities. If you are looking for activities to keep your kids active and engaged, stretch your kids brain power, or activities that your children will want to return to, we have the guide for you.
Communication and coping mechanisms reduce effects of bullying
Learn more about bullying and cyberbullying, methods to reduce this behavior, and where to turn for help if you or your children are struggling with the effects of bullying.
Facebook Text Chat: Carle Father’s Day Conversation
Tune in for a special father-daughter Facebook chat about life, love, and the bond that holds us together along life’s journeys with our friends at Carle. Radiologist Dr. Kendall Newsome, and his daughter, pediatrician Dr. Dionne Smith of Carle share a special father-daughter bond. Check out this chat about their relationship and how medicine has shaped and influenced their lives.
Facebook Text Chat: Coordinating Care – Pediatric Services at Carle
Check out our Facebook chat with Carle physicians Dr. David Chan, pediatric cardiologist, and Dr. Erica Wiebe, developmental pediatrician. We explore pediatric services offered at Carle and to approach your primary care physician if you have concerns with your child’s development.
How to Find the Right Behavioral Health Provider for Your Child
Different types of behavioral health providers are available. Finding the right one to fit your child’s needs can depend on several factors. Learn more about finding skilled providers in our community.
My Child Might Be Dealing with Mental Health Symptoms: What Now?
Navigating resources for children’s behavioral health needs can be particularly challenging due to their age and inability to verbalize what he/she is experiencing. Find out how to get your child the help that they need if you feel that they might need the professional help of a skilled provider.
Preparing Your Child for a New School
Learn tips and strategies for helping your child adjust and acclimate to their new school surroundings.
Find out information about lice are becoming resistant to the over-the-counter things that have been used to kill them in the past. We explore tips with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health Department for lice treatment and prevention.
Top 4 Things You Should Know About Kids & Orthodontists
If you have been referred for an orthodontic evaluation by your dentist — or perhaps are just looking to change the look of your child’s smile — braces could be the answer. We can help you locate an orthodontist in the Champaign-Urbana area here.
Vision, Dental and Physical Exams Required for Illinois Schoolchildren
Find out important back to school information for vision, dental, and physical examinations required for various grade level entry, as well as students who are new to the state of Illinois.
Join us as we chat with Dr. Chan of Carle as he discusses the need and importance for keeping structure, routine, and physical activity in our daily lives.
Ages 12-18
The t(w)een years are often filled with developmental, emotional, and physical changes. Pediatricians, family medicine physicians, and other medical team members are important for guiding families and youth through this time. A child’s medical team can help to ensure that children are developing healthy eating and exercise habits as well as to guide families through resources to support puberty, mental health, and emotional guidance.
Check out our chat with Dr. Erica Wiebe, developmental pediatrician at Carle about ways to talk with your children about missed milestones and transitions in 2020.
Specialty Services
No one plans for unexpected illness, injury, or development; however, Carle offers an extensive support team of pediatric specialists in order to keep families local in their pursuit of medical care. Childhood disease, illness, and other developmental delays can affect children of all ages. Regular checkups from a pediatrician can help to monitor and track a child’s development in order to ensure that a child is meeting milestones at appropriate age intervals. If these milestones are not being met, it might be necessary to refer to one of the many specialists that are available at Carle.
Carle’s Allergy and Immunology department offers testing, evaluation, and treatment of known and suspected allergies for pediatric and adult patients.
Learn more about child life specialists at Carle and how they work with children in the hospital. Their services are provided to pediatric patients, their siblings, and children of adult patients.
Find out more about pediatric nutritional counseling to help improve and maintain your child’s nutrition and health.
Featuring speech language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, as well as many other individualized options, Carle Therapy Services offer pediatric services and support for patients with speech/language, motor, and other sensory needs.
Children Have A New, Local Option For Eye Health
Saba Alniemi, MD, Pediatric Ophthalmology, recently joined the Carle physician’s staff to provide more options for vision services around Champaign-Urbana.
Expanding Children’s Hearing Opportunities (ECHO)
The ear, nose and throat specialists at ECHO along with audiologists, speech language pathologists, early intervention therapists and teachers of the deaf work together to meet the individualized needs of your child.
Learn more about the Carle cardiology team and how they evaluate children and provide diagnostic testing and interpretation.
Find out more information about pediatric conditions that onset during the early childhood years.
Pediatric Developmental and Behavioral Medicine
The Developmental Pediatrics team at Carle works with children and families with developmental, learning or behavioral problems.
Find out more information about the pediatric endocrinology department at Carle and how they treat disorders of the endocrine systems such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, early or delayed puberty, diabetes, and more.
Carle’s pediatric gastroenterology department provides evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care for children and adolescents with gastrointestinal issues.
Find out more about genetic services provided at Carle to children with genetic and congenital disorders.
Learn more about pediatric neurology at Carle including diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and management of neurologic conditions.
The Carle pediatric pulmonology department serves children with asthma as well as other lung disorders. Learn more about their Cystic Fibrosis Care Center which treats both children and adults.
Talk with your child’s primary care provider for a referral to one of Carle’s pediatric specialists.
Find out more about pediatric surgeons and how they treat children, including premature infants, through the teenage years with congenital and acquired conditions.
This holiday season, learn the ABC’s of pediatric diabetes
Learn symptoms of diabetes and helpful information about the management of this condition from two of Carle’s own physicians.
Learn more about specialized pediatric medical conditions including their symptoms, evaluation and/or diagnosis, and treatment. Anxiety Disorders|Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)|Autism|Appendicitis|Cerebral Palsy|Chicken Pox|Child Abuse|Childhood Hypertension|Childhood Obesity|Chronic Vomiting|Down Syndrome|Eosinophilic Esophagitis|Cystic Fibrosis|Gastroesophageal Reflux|Heart Block|Hernia|Hydronephrosis and Vesicoureteral Reflux|Inflammatory Bowel Disease|Kawasaki’s Disease|Marfan’s and Other Connective Tissue Diseases|Measles|Meningitis|Pacemaker and Defibrillator Management|Syncope and Dizziness|Testicular Torsion|Cleft Lip
Check out our chat with Dr. David Chan of pediatric cardiology as he offers words of wisdom and encouragement to the community in 2020.
Don’t see what you’re looking for? We’re constantly adding info, but send us your tips and ideas to editor@chambanamoms.com.