Paediatricians diagnose and treat the diseases, injuries and medical conditions of children whereas Neonatology is a subspecialty of paediatrics which is specialized care and treatment of newborns, primarily those who are underweight, premature or in need of acute care. Neonatologists differ from other paediatricians mainly in their degree of specialization.
General paediatricians are responsible for routine care and treatment for children. This is similar to what an internist is responsible for adult treatment. A neonatologist is responsible for the health of newborns, which requires specific knowledge of the factors that affect their chances of survival and growth.