If it’s your first time to have a baby, it is essential that you find a pediatrician who can help and guide you in taking care of your newborn. But, how do you select the right pediatrician? There are actually a myriad of choices you can see online. However, not all of them are created equal. This is the reason why you need to be very careful with your final choice. After all, this is for the good of your precious baby’s development.
As your baby approaches to his first year, you will have to visit your doctor several times for checkups. There might also be unplanned visits such as when your child suffers from a cold or fever.
It can be very traumatic for first time parents to deal with their sick babies. However, knowing that you have a good pediatrician to call and visit gives you relief. Choosing the right pediatrician is very essential. So, below are some tips for you to use when selecting a pediatrician for your baby.
1. Conduct Your Research. Don’t go to a pediatrician without basic knowledge. Before visiting a certain pediatrician, ask whether he or she accepts your health insurance. You can ask your relatives or friends who had their pediatricians too. They can be an excellent choice of information. Consider the doctor’s clinic hours and location. It is recommended to choose a pediatrician that is just near your house, especially for newborns. In this way, you will not have to travel so far to bring your child for checkups.
2. Check Experience and Credentials. You need a pediatrician who has all the knowledge in caring and treating any illnesses in babies. So, you need to check if the doctor you are considering is specializing in pediatric health care. Find out where they graduated. The school where they studied and practiced allows you to determine if they are fitted for your child. Make sure that you get a pediatrician who has been in the field for several years already. This gives you a peace of mind that he has more knowledge and skills in helping you with your child through their vast experience.
3. Identify the Accessibility. A pediatrician that is easy to access is very beneficial. You should choose a doctor who has an online patient portal. This is where you can send email, set a schedule for visits, review lab results, and many more. You should also check if the doctor offers after-hours care, especially for infants. Can you call them through phone or reach them online? These are essential factors as you don’t want to wait long when your infant is suffering from any illness.
4. Find a Doctor that is Friendly. The last thing that you need to consider is the friendliness of the pediatrician. There are many babies who gets traumatized going to clinics because of their bad previous clinic visits. The way the pediatrician handles your infant is a huge factor. To make sure that this isn’t going to be a problem to your child, be sure to find a friendly doctor. Make sure that he can communicate to your child well and makes him feel comfortable.