When you are expecting a baby, it is a very exciting time. So many new things are happening as you begin to prepare for the arrival of your little one. However, it can also be a stressful time because there is so much you must prepare for and think about, especially when it comes to newborn care. Of course, you want to absolute best for your baby, and you want to make sure you have everything you and your baby need.
One of the first considerations you must make is finding a pediatrician for your baby. Newborn care and the years of early development are incredibly important. Therefore, you want to find the right fit for you and your baby. In the first few months, you’ll be learning about your new baby and their temperament and specific needs. For example, according to the March of Dimes, babies are more prone to jaundice when born before 38 weeks of gestation. Your pediatrician should be prepared to address this potential issue, among others.
When to Start Looking For a Pediatrician
The best time to begin looking for a pediatrician is early in your third trimester. This gives you enough time before the baby is born to really research and find the right doctor for all your newborn care needs. This way, you will not feel like it’s a rush to the finish line if you have started early enough. It also allows you to focus on your health during the first two trimesters.
What to Look For in a Pediatrician
When looking for the best fit for you and your baby, there are various things to keep in mind. First, you want your baby’s doctor to be relatively close to you location-wise. The office should be easy to get to, especially when your baby is sick and you are worried about their wellbeing. You’ll also want to understand the availability of the doctor. Is the office open on the weekends and evenings? How easy is it to get an appointment? When your baby is sick, you want your concerns to be addressed immediately. It’s also important to know how easy it is to communicate with the doctor via phone, email, or even text.
Looking for the right pediatrician is essential for newborn care as well as your wellbeing. If you are in your third trimester, start looking soon so that you can be prepared when your sweet bundle of joy comes.
