A pediatrician is not an "essential" part of raising children. That is an indoctrination that has bought, lock-stock-and-barrel. For an otherwise healthy child, a pediatrician is NOT necessary - except as coach and counselor (which most are not). Pediatric visits are at 2-4-6 months for doctor convenience (time to bully a new mom/dad into vaccinating when you're tired and still trying to "figure it out") and for insurance company planning (a way to get your child into the EHR system and tracked for life). Use a naturopath and/or good chiropractor instead.