It can be difficult to find the right pediatrician for your baby! Where do you begin? What do you look for? How do you know when you’ve found the right doctor for your child and family?

Where to Begin

First, referrals can be a very helpful start! Talk with friends and family to find out what pediatricians they have been impressed with, or even what clinics they feel good about. Make sure to check with your insurance to see if the desired doctor is on your plan! If you are not able to find a referral, you may want to try a pediatrician near your home, or a clinic that is tied to a particular hospital.

What to Look For

When you get to the office, what is the overall feeling? Is it a child-friendly clinic? Is it clean and inviting? How long do you have to wait? Is the nurse friendly and thorough? These are a few things to take note of that can affect your overall opinion of the appointment.

One of the most important things you can do upon meeting the doctor is to determine whether he addresses all of your concerns in a thoughtful and knowledgable manner. You should never feel embarrassed to ask questions, no matter how basic they might be (after all, we’re just learning!). You do not want to feel rushed through an appointment, or feel as though the doctor does not have time to answer questions.

Another factor in choosing a doctor might be how quickly he responds (and in what way he responds) if there IS reason to worry. You will not learn this at the first appointment, of course, but if you ever do have a serious problem, this will become important!  A doctor should feel that it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our children!  If there COULD be something seriously wrong with our child, a doctor should do what is neccessary to rule illness out.

Some doctors are quick to prescribe medication for most any problem, and some are more inclined to let a sickness take it’s course without medications. You need to decide what you are comfortable with, and find a doctor that is on the same page as you. A happy medium might be ideal in this case!

Make sure the doctor is able to talk to both child and adult easily. A friendly and happy disposition can quickly put a frightened child at ease- and help a parent be more open and honest. A good bedside manner is extremely important! You want your child to grow comfortable with their doctor and have a positive experience at each appointment. Personality has a lot to do with this!!

Making a Decision

So how do you know if you’ve found the right pediatrician? Use your instinct. Keep searching until you have somebody with the qualities that are important to you! Don’t settle for someone with whom you don’t feel comfortable. Both child and parent should develop a good relationship with their pediatrician over the years…find someone who you would feel good about recommending to your closest friends and family members!

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• Part Three - A Good Night’s Rest
• Leaving Daddy Home…
• BabyQuestions101, a baby website for parents, by parents
• Communication Blues = Terrible Two’s
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• Playtime- Eliminate Negative Behavior
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It can be difficult to find the right pediatrician for your baby! Where do you begin? What do you look for? How do you know when you’ve found the right doctor for your child and family?

Where to Begin

First, referrals can be a very helpful start! Talk with friends and family to find out what pediatricians they have been impressed with, or even what clinics they feel good about. Make sure to check with your insurance to see if the desired doctor is on your plan! If you are not able to find a referral, you may want to try a pediatrician near your home, or a clinic that is tied to a particular hospital.

What to Look For

When you get to the office, what is the overall feeling? Is it a child-friendly clinic? Is it clean and inviting? How long do you have to wait? Is the nurse friendly and thorough? These are a few things to take note of that can affect your overall opinion of the appointment.

One of the most important things you can do upon meeting the doctor is to determine whether he addresses all of your concerns in a thoughtful and knowledgable manner. You should never feel embarrassed to ask questions, no matter how basic they might be (after all, we’re just learning!). You do not want to feel rushed through an appointment, or feel as though the doctor does not have time to answer questions.

Another factor in choosing a doctor might be how quickly he responds (and in what way he responds) if there IS reason to worry. You will not learn this at the first appointment, of course, but if you ever do have a serious problem, this will become important!  A doctor should feel that it is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to our children!  If there COULD be something seriously wrong with our child, a doctor should do what is neccessary to rule illness out.

Some doctors are quick to prescribe medication for most any problem, and some are more inclined to let a sickness take it’s course without medications. You need to decide what you are comfortable with, and find a doctor that is on the same page as you. A happy medium might be ideal in this case!

Make sure the doctor is able to talk to both child and adult easily. A friendly and happy disposition can quickly put a frightened child at ease- and help a parent be more open and honest. A good bedside manner is extremely important! You want your child to grow comfortable with their doctor and have a positive experience at each appointment. Personality has a lot to do with this!!

Making a Decision

So how do you know if you’ve found the right pediatrician? Use your instinct. Keep searching until you have somebody with the qualities that are important to you! Don’t settle for someone with whom you don’t feel comfortable. Both child and parent should develop a good relationship with their pediatrician over the years…find someone who you would feel good about recommending to your closest friends and family members!

Similar Articles:

• Part Three - A Good Night’s Rest
• Leaving Daddy Home…
• BabyQuestions101, a baby website for parents, by parents
• Communication Blues = Terrible Two’s
• Fifteen Fabulous Internet Sites
• Playtime- Eliminate Negative Behavior
• Take Time to Sign
• Tips for Bathing a Newborn
• Consequences: Following Through
• Part One - Baby Day Planner?