Patient guide, Paediatrics

Paediatrician or specialist? Choosing the right children's doctor in Lagos

The short answer

For most problems, start with a consultant paediatrician, who examines the whole child, tests before treating, and refers to a specialist when it helps. Go straight to a paediatric specialist when there is already a diagnosis that needs one: sickle cell disease to a haematologist, a heart murmur or hole in the heart to a cardiologist, seizures without fever or delayed development to a neurologist, growth or puberty concerns or diabetes to an endocrinologist. A child who is seriously unwell right now needs an emergency department first.

See a paediatrician, from ₦50,000

Medically reviewed by , Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.

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What a good first visit looks like

Whoever you see, expect:

  • A full examination, not only of the part that hurts
  • Weight and height measured and plotted
  • Tests before treatment where they change the plan, such as a malaria test before antimalarials
  • A clear explanation and the specific signs that mean come back sooner

Which specialist, for what

  • Paediatric haematologist: sickle cell disease, anaemia that does not improve, easy bruising or bleeding
  • Paediatric cardiologist: heart murmur, breathlessness or sweating with feeds, fainting
  • Paediatric neurologist: seizures without fever, delayed sitting, walking or speech, weakness
  • Paediatric endocrinologist: short stature, early or late puberty, diabetes, thyroid problems
  • Paediatric rheumatologist: a joint swollen for weeks, morning stiffness, recurrent fever with rash
  • Paediatric surgeon: hernias, undescended testis, hypospadias and other operations

What to bring

Your child's health card and vaccination record, previous results and scans, a list of medicines, and, for seizures or odd episodes, a short phone video. Write down your questions before you go.

What it costs on Mezo

One fixed price, paid online.

Common questions

How much is a paediatrician in Lagos?

A first consultation with a consultant paediatrician at Haven Paediatrics, Ikeja is from ₦50,000, confirmed when you book.

Do I need a referral to see a specialist?

No, you can book directly through Mezo. A letter from your child's doctor helps the specialist.

Can I book for my child from abroad?

Yes. You book and pay online, and a coordinator arranges the appointment with the family in Lagos.

The procedures

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Sources and further reading

The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.

  1. Fever in under 5s: assessment and initial management (NG143). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.

Links last checked 22 October 2026.

Medical disclaimer: This guide is general information and does not replace advice from your own doctor. Where your centre's instructions differ from this guide, follow theirs.

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