Balance childproofing with watchfulness and teaching your child
about safety. Don't trust even a thorough childproofing job to keep your
child completely safe without your supervision. Keep an eye on him as he
explores your house, and teach him to stay away from potential hazards, such as
climbing or putting things from the floor in his mouth. Approach childproofing
as a never-ending process, as you strive to keep up with your child's increasing
mobility and developing skills.
Your baby's fascination with small objects, coupled with his
ability to move toward them and put them in his mouth, makes choking a prime
safety concern. Prepare for the worst. Learn how to perform the Heimlich
maneuver on an infant or child. Be especially vigilant about what you leave
around for curious little fingers to find. Any object smaller than an inch and a
half in diameter can lodge in your baby's airway. If a toy passes easily through
a toilet paper roll tube, it's small enough to pose a choking hazard.
When supervising your child near any source of water, give him
your full attention. Do not talk on the phone, read, or engage in any other
distracting activity. A drowning child makes no noise. Monitoring a child from
another room or within hearing distance does not ensure that you will be able to
save or protect your child. If for any reason you discover that your child is
missing, check your bath, pool, or hot tub first, as every second counts.
Talk through your child's fears of real disasters, and reassure
him of steps you have taken to protect him. Discuss what each of you would
do in case of his specific fear, whether of a fire, a hurricane, a burglar, or
of getting picked up by a stranger. Not only will you help him prepare for the
unlikely event, you'll also make him feel more empowered and reassured that
you've taken steps to prevent this from happening
PEDIATRIC CARE
Selecting a Pediatrician
- Though this chapter refers to finding a pediatrician, your choices also
include a family physician, doctor and nurse practitioner team, or a pediatric
nurse practitioner to take care of your child.
- Make a list of possible pediatricians, based on recommendations by:
- Friends with young children
- Family members
- Obstetrician
- Colleagues at work
- Lactation consultant
- Health plan
To shorten your list, call the office of each recommended provider and
ask basic make-or-break questions, such as:
- Is the pediatrician accepting new patients?
- Does the practice have convenient office hours, such as Saturdays,
evenings, or first thing in the morning?
- Is the office located somewhere convenient for you?
- What are the fees, and how much is covered by your insurance?
- Ask about each pediatrician's educational background, training, board
certifications, and experience.
- Check out both large and small practices. Though a small practice may
feel more hands-on, a large practice with plenty of staff may afford your doctor
and her co-workers more time to attend to you and your child.
- Meet with your top two choices. Some pediatricians will charge for this
introductory visit, and insurance rarely pays for it, but it's worth it to find
the right person.
Check out the Facility
- Is the doctor part of a larger practice? If so, under what circumstances
would other doctors in the practice see your child?
- What is the role of the nursing staff?
- How far in advance do you have to schedule a well-child visit?
- How does the practice manage calls outside of office hours? Will you talk
to a doctor or a nurse first? Who returns calls and answers follow-up questions?
- How many people are in the waiting room when you arrive?
- Are there toys for the kids?
- How do the receptionist and staff treat you?
Interview the Doctor
- How long has she been practicing?
- Where did she attend medical school and do her residency?
- Does she have any specialized training?
- Does she teach pediatric medicine? (Pediatricians who teach have to stay
current with the latest research and treatments.)
- Is she a parent herself?
- How are sick visits scheduled?
- What is the typical length of time before a parent's after-hours call is
returned?
- Who responds to telephone calls during the day?
- How does she handle referrals to pediatric specialists?
- In an emergency will she meet you at the hospital?
- With which hospital is the practice affiliated?
- How does the doctor conduct exams? Can your baby or toddler stay in your
lap for the duration?
- Will the doctor come to see your baby in the hospital in which you will
be giving birth? When should she be contacted after the birth?
- Will she be present for the birth at your request?
- Who will examine the baby after the delivery?
Reflect on Your Meeting
- Is she attentive, respectful, and helpful?
- Do you feel comfortable talking with her?
- Does she take plenty of time to answer your questions? Do you feel
rushed?
- Does her philosophy of treating your child match your needs? Would you
prefer someone who gives you options and asks your opinion when choosing
treatment for your child, or would you rather have a more decisive,
authoritative doctor?
- Does the doctor's child-rearing philosophy match yours? How does she feel
about issues important to you, such as breastfeeding, toilet training,
vegetarianism, the use of antibiotics, or alternative medicine? How supportive
is she of working moms, if you are one?
- Does the pediatrician have the kind of temperament to which you respond
best?
- Does the pediatrician have in-depth knowledge of the local medical
community and the ability to recommend excellent pediatric specialists?
Ongoing Care
- Schedule well-child visits far in advance so you can pick the times most
convenient for you and your child.
- Ask for the first appointment of the morning or the first one after lunch,
as at these times your doctor will most likely run on time.
- Don't bring your child to the doctor during his normal nap times.
- A pediatrician's busiest stretch generally falls after school, which
makes this the worst time for you to call with routine questions or to
schedule an appointment.
Copyright © 2002 by Mom Central, Inc.
