How to Choose a pediatrician That Is Right for Your Child?

One of the first things all parents need to do when it comes to their children is to choose the right pediatrician. Parents and children alike typically have long-term relationships with their pediatricians. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to understand how to choose a pediatrician that is right for your child. Furthermore, expecting parents should decide on a pediatrician three months prior to the due date.

Pediatricians are healthcare specialists for children, from infants through teens to young adults. General practitioners simply do not possess the medical expertise that pediatricians do when it comes to children.

To become pediatricians, these medical experts pass comprehensive examinations on children's behavioural, physical and mental health. The medical experts conduct a variety of physical immunisations and tests, diagnose and medicate ailments, and monitor the development of children.

The majority of local medical organisations offer referrals to established pediatricians who are accepting new patients in the locality. Parents residing near renowned teaching or community hospitals, medical centres, etc., should contact their respective paediatrics departments to get the contact information and other details of established pediatricians in the region.

With an abundance of options, parents need clarification on how to select a pediatrician who is right for their child. Therefore, here are five things to consider while choosing a pediatrician:

1. Paediatric Clinic Location

The location of the pediatrician's chamber is the first and foremost parents must consider. Babies need to be taken for numerous paediatric visits every 2-3 months during their life's first few years. Therefore, choosing a pediatrician whose chamber is located in a convenient spot near your home or your child's daycare is vital.

2. First Check-up In the Hospital

Inquire pediatricians whether they will perform your baby's first check-up at the hospital. Affiliated pediatricians are permitted to visit children at the hospital after delivery. If that does not happen, a medical professional from the hospital will conduct the baby's first check-up. Parents need to bring their children to their respective pediatricians for another check-up about a week post-delivery.

3. Recommendation of Family and Friends

Whenever possible, get recommendations from friends and family on how to pick a pediatrician for your child. In all likelihood, if your kith and kin have a good bond with their pediatrician, your experience should be somewhat alike.

4. Qualification and Experience

Every pediatrician needs to graduate from a medical university to receive practising licenses. However, it is best to choose one who possesses a health and medical board certification as well. Board certifications are sure-fire ways to know that the pediatrician is competent in:

• Medical knowledge
• Communication skills
• Professionalism
• Patient care

5. Your Gut Feeling

The first few visits to a pediatrician should provide you with enough experience to decide whether they are suitable for the infant. Look for the following factors:

• Both infant and parent are comfortable with the healthcare expert.
• Parents can communicate with the pediatrician openly and clearly.
• Observe if the pediatrician genuinely cares for your child's health and well-being.

Most of all, heed your gut feeling. If you feel uncomfortable or are unsure about the pediatrician, then they are not the one.

Here are seven questions to ask your pediatrician while deciding on one:

• What are the visiting hours? Do they align with your work schedule?
• Can you get last-minute or same-day appointments in case of emergencies?
• Is the clinic open during weekends and evenings?
• Does the clinic have a group practice policy? If so, will your infant see different pediatricians each time?
• Is there someone like a nurse to answer routine phone calls or questions? 
• Who takes phone calls during weekends, holidays, or vacations?
• What are the doctor's fees for routine visits and check-ups?

The infant will have to be taken for multiple routine paediatric visits during the first few years after childbirth. The medical expert performs several mental and physical check-ups to monitor the child's wellness and development.

pediatricians perform health check-ups on the child at least once a month until they are half a year old. After completing six months, the visits will become less frequent, once every yearly quarter. This continues till the child is 1.5 years old, then it changes to 1 visit in half a year, which continues till the child is 2.5 years old. Once this stage is done, the visits become even less frequent, perhaps once each year.

pediatricians do the following during each visit:

• Administer necessary shots like vaccines and immunisations
• Take bodily measurements to monitor growth
• Assess mental and physical development
• A complete and thorough physical examination
• Clarify parents' doubts and educate them about the child's safety and health

By the time a child ages about five, parents have likely found a pediatrician of their liking. However, situations can arise where parents may feel the need to change their go-to pediatrician due to reasons like the pediatrician retiring or moving to a new location.

In such circumstances, get referrals to new pediatricians from your current one. They may refer you to the replacing pediatrician who will take over the retiree or a colleague/acquaintance in the area you are shifting to. Family and friends can also recommend a pediatrician of their choosing to you.

Children have ample doctor visits throughout their infancy and adolescence. Now you should make informed decisions considering you know how to choose a pediatrician suitable for your child.