How to Choose a Pediatrician?

Answer 1

How to Choose Your Pediatrician

One of most important decisions that parents have to make before the birth of their child is choosing a pediatrician. Ask your obstetrician, family and friends for recommendations. You'll want to find a pediatrician that you respect, trust and with whom you feel comfortable.

Many parents will want to schedule a prenatal visit to ask questions about office hours, waiting room practices and urgent care procedures. With today's busy lifestyles, you'll want a pediatrician that is available in the evening and on Saturdays. The expanded hours will ensure that the pediatrician is available when you can take your baby for office visits.

Inquire how the doctor's office handles well baby visits and appointments for sick children. Do they have separate waiting rooms or do they schedule different times, such as seeing sick children in the morning and others after lunch. Ask about their procedures should you wake up in the morning with a sick baby. Another area to discuss is with which hospitals the pediatrician has admitting privileges to determine if you are comfortable with these medical facilities.

It's important that you have a pediatrician that is available, has the same parenting outlook that you have and is open to your concerns when it comes to the health and well being of your child.