Being a parent can be both exciting and challenging. An abrupt lifestyle change occurs when a baby is born, especially for new parents. You’ll experience different and new emotions and the need to care for the little one cautiously.
You’ll have to tackle various minor and major choices when expecting a baby, including choosing a beautiful name for the newborn and selecting the ideal baby swing, crib, car seat, diaper, and other items. The “to-do list” during pregnancy might occasionally appear overwhelming. It’s simple to put off doing a lot of things. However, finding the right pediatrician is one task you shouldn’t put off until the last minute. Experts recommend that parents seek a pediatrician weeks before the baby arrives.
Pediatricians are healthcare providers specially trained in dealing with children’s health issues from infancy through adolescence and into early adulthood.
Significance of pediatrician
Pediatricians are crucial to children’s physical development and behavioral and mental health problems. These health providers offer preventive health treatments for healthy children from infancy through puberty and treat acute or chronically unwell children. Some of the most recurring and significant tasks of a pediatrician include annual checkups, routine vaccinations, treatment of a minor illness or injury, and, if necessary, referrals to experts.
When taking your baby to a pediatrician, you must have a lot of faith in the medical staff that they will follow the correct procedures and make the best decisions. Sadly, though, that’s not always the case. And while we wish no child or their family to experience an unfortunate incident, medical malpractice is widespread in today’s time. Nonetheless, if your child has become a victim of medical malpractice for birth injury, you must file a lawsuit. This way, you can get the financial compensation you need to pay for the high treatment costs.
Of course, you’d want to avoid such mishaps altogether. For that, choosing the best pediatrician is a must. Deciding on the perfect pediatrician ideal for you and your family is crucial because they will play a significant role in your child’s health for years to come. However, before making your final decision, here are a few critical factors to bear in mind, such as:
- Pay attention to the credentials
Firstly, it’s crucial to determine the pediatric credentials before making your decision. Determine whether the pediatrician has board certification and how long the doctor has been practicing. Pediatricians who hold board certification may be Fellows of the AAP (FAAP) or the American Academy of Family Practice (FAAFP).
You can attain reliable information on whether the doctor is qualified to care for your child by paying attention to these requirements because they reflect their education, experience, and training.
- Ask people you trust
Collect the names of pediatricians from friends, relatives, or coworkers who have children and whose judgment you value. Your obstetrician may also offer advice if you’re expecting. Or, ask your previous pediatrician for a recommendation if you are new to the region.
However, remember that every person has a distinct definition of what makes a good pediatrician. Your best friend could have different priorities from you. So, once you get the names, narrow your list and research the pediatricians’ credentials and experience.
- Location matters
Children and newborns get sick easily, and that’s normal.
Even when they are healthy, babies still have to visit the doctor more often than not. You will go for well-baby checkups at least six times in the first year of your baby’s life. So, choose a doctor near your home or place of employment. Besides, you don’t want to skip work and drive more than 30 minutes to get your baby checked.
In addition, getting to the doctor’s office should be simple. For instance, consider whether you can drive or use the train, bus, or subway to get there.
- Do you and the pediatrician share the same views
Another vital factor to consider before choosing the pediatrician for your baby is sharing the same views. When it comes to well-being, every individual has varying opinions. It would be best to look for a doctor who shares your views on matters that are significant to you.
What does the doctor think, for instance, regarding breastfeeding or circumcision? Alternative or complementary therapies or treatments? The utilization of drugs, including antibiotics? Remember that the doctor will likely continue to see your child for years. In simpler words, before choosing the doctor, inquire about the provider’s work philosophy.
- Set up a meeting
Now it’s time to set a meeting date. Make appointments to visit some doctors in person after you’ve narrowed down your choice. When you interact with the pediatrician, you get a sense of their personality, manner, and whether you click with them. You probably won’t find these things on a site or in anonymous online reviews.
Make a list of questions for the doctor before the meeting. For instance, what time slots is the doctor available? Who would be on call if your baby developed a sudden, high fever at midnight—your doctor or a nurse? Since you’re entrusting this doctor with your precious baby, you should inquire about anything you need to feel at ease.
Final thoughts
It’s not simple to choose a pediatrician for your child. After all, this doctor will assist your child medically, from childhood vaccines to severe colds. Yet, you will feel more confident about your infant’s care if you choose a doctor before your baby is born. Put this way; you’ll feel more at ease and in control once you realize you made the appropriate choice.
Which pediatrician is most suited for you and your baby is a decision only you can make. Choose the one that feels most appropriate after evaluating all the factors that are important to you.
However, if you don’t click, you can switch your baby doctor anytime.