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Choosing a Good Pediatrician

One of the most important aspects of successful parenting is finding a good, professional pediatrician for your child. Obviously, you want to have a pediatrician who is qualified, caring, competent and dependable. And, you want someone you can communicate easily with.

It is therefore, advisable to ask a lot of questions about prospective pediatricians and get recommendations. Take your time, visit several pediatricians and find the one you are most comfortable with first. Then check out if your child is equally comfortable with the doctor. This is an important decision you are making for your family, especially for your child. So don't rush it. Once established, the relationship with the chosen pediatrician will hopefully, be a long one.

Since this is going to be a long-lasting relationship, ensure you conduct a thorough search before choosing the doctor for your child. Your best bet is to interview prospective pediatricians recommended by your obstetrician, friends or relatives who have personally dealt with the pediatrician themselves. Even your insurance company may have some recommendations to make.....take all of them into account before making your selection.

When visiting the prospective doctor check out their office and work space.

• Is the place cheerful and clean?
• Is it designed and maintained to put children at ease?
• Is your baby safe crawling on the floor of the office?
• Are they safety conscious? Do they separate the newborns from other children? The healthy kids from the sick ones?
• Is the staff efficient and pleasant to deal with?

The environment at the pediatrician's office is a reflection of the person your child may be dealing with in the future....so be thorough in your search.

And then, when you are interviewing the doctor, check

• How he or she responds to your questions. Reply in terms you can understand?
• Does he or she really listen to what you are saying?
• How comfortable is your child with the doctor?
• How comfortable are you with the doctor?

Treat the search for the best pediatrician for your child, as a project. Given below are a few suggested questions you may wish to ask when interviewing the doctor.

When will the pediatrician examine your baby? And where? Check if this suits you.

• What is the pediatrician's opinion on breast feeding the baby as opposed to bottle feeding? How does he or she react to your chosen method, whatever their opinion?
• Is the doctor willing to discuss subjects that may not be directly connected to their specialization? Are they willing to discuss the baby's sleeping habits, use of pacifier, nutrition etc?
• Does the doctor have some specific time you can call on the phone and get your queries answered?

If yes, then, is there a fee involved?

These are just a few suggested questions you can ask. Your requirement is unique. Add your particular questions to the list as and when they occur to you and get your baby and yourself the pediatrician best suited for you'll.

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