Your baby’s pediatrician is more than their doctor—pediatricians are your support system for life. But learning what to look for from a pediatrician can be challenging and confusing, especially if you’re new to parenthood. To give your newborn the healthiest start possible, you’ll want to find a pediatrician that can care for your child for years to come.
What To Look For In Your Newborn’s Pediatrician
Parents-to-be should start selecting their pediatricians by the beginning of the third trimester, as this will allow you the time to meet with them, see how their office works, and gain peace of mind with your selection. When searching for a pediatrician, you should take into consideration all aspects of your newborns’ care, including:
- Location: In ideal situations, you’ll want to have your baby’s doctor close to where you live, and traveling to and from the doctor’s office should be easy and convenient. This also includes their hospital affiliations, travel time to get to the office, and other factors that involve getting to and from their practice.
- Availability: For stay-at-home parents, scheduling appointments can be challenging. Your pediatrician should be available when you need them most, and that includes how their practice operates on a weekday schedule, when your primary pediatrician’s available, and how far in advance you need to schedule appointments for your newborn.
- Credentials: Your pediatrician’s credentials are essential for your newborn as they dictate what areas they focus on for your baby’s health concerns. Do they offer special needs care? Where did they go to medical school? Are they board-certified? Learning about them and why they became pediatricians can be an excellent way for you to learn about them and see if they’re the right fit for your family.
- Office Equipment: Their office equipment determines how your pediatrician will care for your child, no matter their health. Taking the time to learn about their diagnostic equipment, treatment options, practice cleanliness, and even telehealth services can all factor into your experience with them as your child grows.
- Bedside Manner: Pediatricians should always have an excellent bedside manner with their patients, but how your pediatrician interacts with you is a huge determining factor in your choice of your baby’s doctor. Do they have time for questions? How well do they communicate with you? How does their staff respond to patients? Every part of your doctor’s practice matters for you and your baby, so taking the time to see how you feel can give you a clear idea of whether they’re a good fit for you.
- Costs: Lastly, what insurance plans do they accept? How much do wellness visits costs? What are their costs for emergency care? Health topics such as infant nutrition, circumcision, immunizations, and other medications should all be discussed with your potential new doctor, as your costs can also determine the type of care you and your baby receive.
Visit Aeris Pediatrics For Quality Newborn Care
If you’re searching for a doctor for your newborn, Dr. Jared Hansen takes pride in providing you with a valuable experience for families. With 15 years of experience as a pediatrician and ten years of NICU experience, Dr. Hansen will happily meet with you to discuss what you need most from your newborn’s care and address any concerns to give you peace of mind.