What age group does a neonatologist primarily care for?

A neonatologist is a pediatrician who specializes in the care of newborns, particularly premature infants and those with various medical conditions. This specialty focuses specifically on infants during the neonatal period, which is typically defined as the first 28 days of life, but can extend up to approximately 6 weeks of age when referring to certain contexts of care.

The primary responsibilities of a neonatologist include diagnosing and treating health issues in newborns, providing care in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and supporting families with the challenges associated with caring for critically ill or premature infants. This distinct focus on such a narrow and vulnerable age group underlines the importance of their specialized training and expertise.

In contrast, other options refer to populations that fall outside the neonatologist's area of expertise, such as toddlers, teenagers, or adults, none of whom would typically require the specialized care provided by a neonatologist. Thus, the correct answer reflects the true scope of a neonatologist's practice in caring for newborns up to around 6 weeks of age.