How To Pick A Pediatrician For Newborn

What To Look For

How to Select a Pediatrician (Lurie Children’s Primary Care – Town & Country Pediatrics)

Board Certification

Its a good idea to make sure the pediatrician you would like to meet is board-certified.

Board-certified pediatricians have completed not only medical school and residency programs in pediatrics, but they’ve also passed a rigorous exam given by the American Board of Pediatrics.

To remain board-certified, pediatricians must continue their education through classes and workshops, demonstrate quality patient care and maintain a valid medical license to demonstrate they are up-to-date on the most current medical practices, knowledge and skills for health care for children of all ages.

Location

Determine what is important to you from a practical perspective. For example, does the pediatricians office need to be convenient to your home, workplace, day care or other locations?

Payment and Insurance

Before scheduling to meet a pediatrician, check with his or her office staff to ensure the office accepts your current insurance. If you do not carry insurance or the office doesnt accept your plan, ask about what expenses you should expect. You may also want to confirm your co-payment, laboratory and other possible expenses with your insurance company.

Each Texas Childrens Pediatrics practice has a list of insurance plans it accepts, so its easy to see if a given practice takes your insurance.

When To Begin Looking For A Pediatrician

Some parents choose a pediatrician before they become pregnant. Others do not think about this choice until after they have conceived. It is recommended that if you have not chosen a doctor before youve become pregnant, you should have one to care for your child before they are born.

Dont wait until the eighth month of pregnancy to begin looking for a pediatrician. It is best to start your search before your fourth month. Pediatricians have busy schedules, and you want to ensure the one you choose can schedule your childs visits. Giving yourself enough time to make a sound decision will get rid of the anxiety of last minute choices.

Wants To Suck Fingers

Many babies like to suck their fingers or hands for comfort while theyre sleeping, and that can sometimes mean that you go to your babys crib when you wake up only to find that theyve broken their arm out! While its good that your baby is able to self soothe with this technique, it isnt ideal when it comes to swaddling safety.

If this happens, you can use swaddling techniques that allow your baby to have a few fingers out when sleeping to suck on, or even an entire arm the detachable arms on our Zen One are perfect for when you want to do this!

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Tip #: Interview Pediatricians

Pediatric practices commonly offer get to know the pediatrician meet and greet events. This is your chance to ask questions about credentials, procedures and policies, logistics, accessibility essentially, all the things on your wish list.

But its also a chance to simply have a conversation and notice how you feel. Does it feel like the doctor gets you? You want to feel more confident when you leave the room than you felt when you walked in.

Its also okay to switch doctors inside of a pediatric practice. Its very common for parents to start with one doctor and gravitate toward another. Dont worry about doctors being offended: They wont be. Pediatric practices expect this shuffling around. In fact, some practices encourage parents to see different doctors for this very reason.

Where Can I Get Names Of Doctors To Consider

How To Choose A Pediatrician For Unborn Baby

You can ask your obstetrician or midwife for recommendations, for starters. Hospitals, insurance companies, and medical schools also provide referrals to doctors.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers referrals to certified practitioners on its HealthyChildren.org website. Certification by the AAP means that the doctor has graduated from an accredited medical school, completed an accredited residency program, and passed the board exam in pediatrics.

And be sure to ask your local experts friends, relatives, neighbors, and co-workers with kids who share your parenting philosophies and general outlook on life.

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Count On Reliable Resources

A natural place to start is by asking trusted family members, friends or work colleagues which pediatrician theyd recommend and why. Next, read more about Levine Childrens pediatric services and search for a pediatrician near you. Its helpful to see which providers are accepting new patients and what credentials they hold, and you can also read the pediatricians online biography, which introduces you to their background and bedside manner.

Md Or Do: What’s The Difference

Pediatricians can graduate from medical school with either an MD or a DO degree. Both degrees train doctors to diagnose and treat diseases and to try to prevent them when possible.

Programs for DOs usually focus on a holistic approach to medicine. MDs study medicine in the traditional way. All MDs and DOs must complete a residency supervised hands-on training before they are licensed to practice medicine.

Choosing a DO or MD is up to you. Both are equally qualified. But you do want to make sure that your child’s pediatrician is board certified.

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What Other Services Are Offered

Some practices differentiate by offering special services to their patients. Many teams consist of clinicians with differing areas of expertise. Ask what services are offered through their practice. Do they offer behavioral health coaching? Is there an onsite lab? And virtual visits have become popular as a safe and convenient way to meet with your pediatrician online. Ask about telehealth services if thats a priority for your family.

Boston Childrens Primary Care Alliance practices health care teams may consist of lactation specialists, social workers, behavioral health specialists, nutritionists and more.

What Are The Doctors Credentials And Experience

Choosing a Pediatrician – Boys Town Pediatrics

All pediatricians graduate from medical school, complete a residency program, and receive state licensing. But not all pediatricians are board certified.

Board certification is a voluntary process that requires additional training in pediatrics. Upon completion, doctors take an examination to become certified by The American Board of Pediatrics.

Board certification is a valuable tool because these pediatricians have demonstrated competency in:

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How Do I Choose A Sleep Sack

Wearable blankets come in a variety of sizes and can be adjusted to meet your growing babys needs. According to Dr. Robert Savoie, you should make sure your baby is snug inside the sleep sack so that she is not too squishy inside, but not too loose so that she can kick it off or be smothered.

Newborns Need The Halo Sleepsack Swaddle

The HALO SleepSack Swaddle is an excellent choice for newborns because it is made of 100% cotton and tightly wrapped around the baby to provide warmth and comfort. It is thought that newborns will sleep better in a swaddle because it reminds them of their mothers womb. In most baby registries, it is recommended that you have three to six sleep sacks in your newborns wardrobe.

Questions To Ask The Pediatrician:

  • What is your educational background and training?
  • What hospital would you admit my child to in an emergency?
  • What is your philosophy about breastfeeding?For example, do you make referrals to lactation consultants?
  • Do you have separate waiting areas for sick and healthy children?
  • What is your philosophy about circumcision and the use of antibiotics?
  • If you are unavailable when I call, will your nurse be available?
  • Does your office accept my insurance plan or make other payment arrangements?

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Pediatrician Or Family Physician: What’s The Difference

Most pediatricians and the nurses and physician assistants in their practices see children and teens up to age 21. Pediatric training focuses on treating children from birth until adulthood. Family physicians take care of patients of all ages, from kids to seniors.

Both have the same years of training, but pediatricians specialize in children. This give them in-depth understanding of children’s health needs, like behavioral issues and how to care for a child’s growing, developing body.

Choosing A Doctor For Your Baby

Choosing a Pediatrician

Choosing the right doctor for your baby is an important decision: You’ll be visiting the doctor’s office six times in the first year for routine well-baby visits alone. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choice, but with a little homework and legwork, you should be able to find one you like and trust.

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Make Your Choice & Set It Up

Now that youve gotten the scoop on the pediatricians offices in your area, you are now ready to choose the lucky practice that will partner with you in your babys health! Let them know that you would like to have them as your provider as soon as your little one arrives and ask them if there is any paperwork you need to fill out prior to that. Find out their protocol once your baby is born nowhow soon they will want to see your baby after birth and when you should call to make your first appointment.

Congratulations! You can now check off one more thing on your must do list for welcoming your sweet bundle and get back to choosing diapers, bottles and other baby essentials. Stay tuned for our second article on important questions to ask during your first pediatrician appointment.

Sarah Blight

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When Will Your Pediatrician First See Your Baby

Your pediatrician will first see your baby for your first well-baby visit most likely within 24 to 48 hours after you leave the hospital. Youll want to bring your hospital discharge summary with you so the pediatrician’s office can keep a record of it.

From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.

  • What to Expect When Youre Expecting, 5th edition, Heidi Murkoff.
  • What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.

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Plan To See Pediatrician Several Times During Babys First Year

Choosing a pediatrician to care for your newborn is an important decision that you will want to make before you give birth. The pediatrician you select will come to know your family well and provide you with medical advice during the various stages of your childs development.

During your babys first year alone, you will be visiting the doctor at least seven times for well-baby checkups. There could also be unplanned visits for a fever or a first cold.

Parents need to feel they can trust their pediatrician and that the doctor will consider how they want to care for their child, says Gurinder Dabhia, MD, a pediatrician at Scripps Clinic Rancho Bernardo.

Dont skip any appointments for your child, especially newborns. You do not want your children to fall behind on their vaccinations, physical exams and screenings during their early development, Dr. Dabhia says.

Well-child care visits

The American Academy of Pediatrics says routine baby and child checkups are essential. Especially important are in-person visits and vaccines for children age 24 months and younger. A video visit may be appropriate or available for some health concerns and conditions.

The following five tips can help you in your search for a pediatrician as you prepare for the arrival of your child.

1. Do your research

2. Verify credentials and experience

Learn as much as possible about the pediatrician you are considering for your child.

3. Is the pediatrician available and easy to reach?

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Gather Info And Go With Your Gut

Belly to Baby: Picking a Pediatrician

Only you can decide which pediatrician is best for you and your child. After weighing all the issues that matter to you, choose the one that feels like the right fit.

Finding someone you can connect with and trust are probably the biggest factors to consider when choosing your pediatrician, says Dr. Giuliano. A good relationship with your childs doctor is essential now and as they grow.

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Tips For Selecting A Pediatrician

A pediatrician is a doctor who has undergone special additional training to work with infants, children and adolescents. Pediatricians have the knowledge and experience about the physical, emotional and social development of children to give your child care thats just right for his or her age and stage of life.

Pediatricians understand the importance of listening carefully to you and your child. They can help you with questions about your childs development, pediatric health and parenting, and will guide you in anticipating your childs needs.

Making The Decision: What Factors Should You Consider

Some parents simply have a gut feeling about the best pediatrician others weigh the pros and cons of each person. The following factors should also rank high on your list of priorities.

Does the doctor share your views? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for 6 months, then be given breast milk along with solids until at least his first year. Doctors vary on how much they press the issue likewise, there are opposing sides to the circumcision debate. If you have strong feelings either way, make sure your doctor agrees with your viewor at least respects it.

Does the doctor match your other criteria? Other factors may seem superficial but can still affect your rapport. For instance, some people prefer a young female pediatrician, but others want a grandfatherly type. Some parents will only select a doctor with parenting experience, since they appreciate the extra empathy and hands-on experience that comes from being a mom or dad. The most important thing: Do you and this doctor click?

Does the office run smoothly? From this initial prenatal visit, you can evaluate how the office works. In the waiting room, chat up other parents and ask what they like and dislike about the practice. Also check out the area: Are there books, toys, or a TV to distract children? Do the receptionists seem on top of internal and external communications?

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How To Choose The Right Pediatrician

Take the time to select the right clinician for your family. Trust us, its more important than picking the perfect stroller. Here are some tips to help you get started.

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The final months of pregnancy are marked by a flurry of preparation: setting up a nursery, packing a hospital bag and deciding on baby names. Its also the perfect time to choose your childs pediatrician.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents take their baby in for at least seven well-child visits during their first year of life, but ear infections, fevers, rashes and other unexpected baby maladies could make visits to the doctor more frequent. After that first year, pediatricians guide parents on topics ranging from potty training to tantrums to school performance and more. All of this face-time makes choosing the right doctor among the most important decisions new parents make, especially during a global pandemic when parents often turn to primary care providers with their questions. But with almost 60,000 practicing general pediatricians in the United States alone, finding the best doctor for your family can be a stressful process.

Dont Hesitate To Switch Doctors

How to Select a Pediatrician

Maybe your child gets sick and sees a different doctor in the same office and you just click better with them.

Or maybe your needs have changed and you think a new doctor would be a better fit for your family.

Dont be afraid to switch if its not the right fit, Dr. Phillips says.

We want it to be the best experience for you and your family. Were not insulted if you switch to one of our colleagues.

Dr. Phillips assures they understand that everyone is a little different.

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Advantages And Disadvantages Of Swaddling Your Baby

Swaddling can help a baby sleep but has both pros and cons. The advantages of swaddling your baby include:

  • Better sleep. For babies, being swaddled is like being back in the womb. One study of 16 babies aged 10 to 16 weeks found that swaddling increases the amount of time they stay asleep and decreases the number of times they startle and wake by themselves.
  • Less crying. A study on 368 babies who cried excessively found that babies under seven weeks old cried slightly less after being swaddled.
  • Premature babies. Swaddling has been found to help premature babies with improved development of nerves and muscles, better organization of motor movement.
  • Calming and pain relief. Premature babies who are swaddled during a weighing were less distressed compared to babies who arenât swaddled. In a study, it was found that swaddling can help relieve pain in premature infants after a heelstick blood test.
  • Sleep position. Parents who swaddle their babies are more likely to place them flat on their back when swaddled, which is the recommended sleep position for babies.â

Disadvantages include:

Swaddling is a technique that involves wrapping a baby snugly and securely in a blanket. To swaddle a baby safely, the blanket must support the babys body comfortably, but not too tightly, leaving the head showing so they can breathe.

However, swaddling has some potential risks if a person does it incorrectly or at the wrong age for the baby.

To swaddle a baby safely:

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