Choosing the right pediatrician for your baby is a big job. There are many factors to consider before making an appointment with one. With so many pediatricians available today, sometimes choosing which one can be confusing. The following are tips on selecting the best pediatrician for your infant or toddler:
Ask Family & Friends
It would be helpful to ask people who know your children well when choosing a new pediatrician for your child. This may include family members or friends who have had experience with good pediatricians in the past. Once you have names, you can go online to check out each one and see which fits all of your requirements.
Research Doctors
Go through a website with a list of doctors in the area you live. Read reviews from other families who had babies around the same age as yours to ensure they were satisfied with their doctor's service. It will be helpful if you ask these families what they think is important when choosing a pediatrician for their baby. You can also call each physician's office on your list and chat them up over the phone regarding some generic questions such as how long the wait time is and if they accept your insurance.
Online Reviews
You can find out what other people have said about a particular doctor online. This will give you an idea of whether or not they are reliable in their practice. Knowing what others think will help you figure out if the pediatrician is right for your baby or not.
Make Sure That The Doctor Listens To What You Have To Say
By being open and receptive, pediatricians will pinpoint any problems during development. They should ask questions regarding how long it takes for your child to crawl or walk independently, speak certain words, follow directions, etc. There are different milestones that all children achieve at certain ages, so if there are concerns about these types of things, it would be best to seek medical attention from a professional who is trained in working with children.
The Doctor Should Be Knowledgeable About Current Studies Surrounding Vaccines And Other Medications
Even though most vaccines are standard procedure, pediatricians should be up-to-date on any new ones that are released and be able to discuss the pros and cons of each vaccine with you. They should also know about common childhood illnesses such as asthma, allergies, and diarrhea treatments.
A good pediatrician will track milestones in your baby's growth, listen carefully to what you have to say about your child's health and behavior, answer all of your questions, keep up with immunizations, run diagnostic tests when necessary, and be able to converse well on your child's developmental delays or unusual behaviors.
Cardinal Pediatrics partners with parents to promote children's overall health and wellness. We have a knowledgeable team that adheres to professional standards and guidelines. For more information, call us today at +1-978-452-1666 for the pediatric services on 275 Varnum Ave., Suite 204, Lowell, MA 01854.
