Parents and guardians should take their newborns to a pediatrician within the first week or two of their lives. Familiarizing yourself with a trusted doctor at an early age will be important for your peace of mind as your child receives necessary immunizations and preventive care. Here’s what to keep in mind when searching for the right professional for your baby.

What Should You Look for in a Pediatrician?

1. Practice Focus

Many parents choose a family physician to look after the entire clan. While these professionals have gone through many years of schooling to understand and treat childhood health conditions, their education and experience involves a wider focus.

Pediatricians, however, specialize in children from babies to teenagers. This makes them more aware of physical, mental, and behavioral issues that may affect your little one at every stage of development. They will also engage in constant training to stay abreast of all the latest updates to treatment involving children.

2. Specialized Experience

Some newborns have health conditions or genetic predispositions that require specialized care. Look for a pediatrician who has experience in these fields, such as CANDLE syndrome or Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

While all doctors should have limited information about these rare cases, pediatricians who have studied the condition in depth will have a better understanding of all the nuances of symptoms, treatment, and long-term management in children. 

3. Same-Day Appointments

Avoid a costly trip to the emergency room by choosing an office that offers immediate appointments. You’ll have peace of mind knowing that the child’s regular doctor can make time to address your concerns without waiting days for an appointment.

4. In-Network With Insurance

People pay monthly health insurance dues to gain access to a network of skilled physicians. Check your choices to see which ones are in your insurance network by using the plan website or contacting the customer service number on the back of your policy card. While you can see out-of-network providers, it’s less expensive to set up appointments with offices that accept policyholders from your insurance company.

As a new parent, you only want the best for your little one. To meet a friendly, trusted doctor for your newborn, set up an appointment with Mante Pediatrics in Chester County, SC. Dr. Mante is a board-certified pediatrician with the American Board of Pediatrics. Call the practice at (803) 385-2075 or visit the website for information on their same-day appointments, wellness visits, immunizations, and more.