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You have many decisions to make when you’re expecting a baby. You must choose a name, decorate the nursery, and consider your birth plan.

However, one of the critical choices is your baby’s doctor, also called a pediatrician. There are many things to consider when finding the best pediatrician to serve your needs.

Choosing a Pediatrician

Your child’s doctor will be a source of support and information for you for many years. Especially when your baby is little, you’ll see your pediatrician often. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends seven well-check visits in your baby’s first year alone.

Then there are school sports physicals, annual checkups, flu shots and visits when they get sick. It’s vital to ensure you get along with your child’s doctor, communicate well, and have a similar approach to care for your little ones.

Many factors go into finding the right doctor for your baby. Here are some things to think about when choosing a pediatrician.

Location and office environment

Look for an office that’s convenient for your home or daycare. You don’t want to be stuck in traffic or have a long car ride if your baby is sick.

Also, consider the office environment and atmosphere. Is the staff friendly? Do they make the space welcoming to kids? A comfortable environment can make all the difference, especially for a young child who may be nervous about visiting the doctor.

Fees and insurance

When picking a pediatrician, starting with your insurance provider can be helpful. They can provide a list of doctors and clinics covered by your plan.

Confirm with the practice that they take your health insurance before falling in love with them. You’ll also want to check with your insurance and the practice about their fees for well-child and sick visits. You may be on the hook for part of the fee if you have a co-pay or co-insurance.

Hours

Think about when you may need to schedule appointments. Are your daytime hours flexible, or do you need weekend or evening appointments? Ask the staff how you can ask questions or get care after hours. Do they have a nurse line with a physician on call?

Practice size

Think about what you want from your doctor. Do you want to see the same person every time or have more flexibility to schedule with different providers for different types of visits?

If you go with a single-doctor practice, forming a personal relationship with the pediatrician may be easier. In a group practice, getting on the schedule for a visit may be easier. Ask if you see a different pediatrician at every visit or get assigned to one doctor.

Personality

Think about the type of relationship you like with a doctor. How vital is bedside manner to you? Would you prefer someone warm and fuzzy or with a more matter-of-fact personality who sticks to health advice? Would you better relate to a doctor closer to your age or someone older and more experienced?

Telehealth services

Telehealth, also known as telemedicine, is becoming more common in healthcare. Ask if the office offers telehealth visits for non-urgent concerns. Virtual visits can be an easier option for minor issues or follow-up visits, saving you a trip to the office.

Are they board-certified?

Look for a board-certified Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP) to ensure your child gets the most up-to-date care possible.

Being an FAAP means they passed a rigorous exam to become board-certified. They have gone above and beyond state licensing requirements.

Does their parenting philosophy jibe with yours?

An older doctor may adopt more traditional or authoritarian parenting philosophies. Someone younger may embrace a gentler or feelings-focused parenting approach.

You may have strong opinions about breastfeeding, circumcision, or sleep training. If so, look for a pediatrician who will support you.

How To Find the Best Pediatrician For You

The best place to start when looking for a new doctor for your child is to ask around. Reach out to family, friends, and co-workers for their suggestions. Other parents can be a great resource, as they have firsthand experience.

If you have a relationship with your primary care doctor, they may also be able to suggest pediatricians they trust.

You can also use the UPMC Find a Doctor tool to locate pediatricians near you. These tools allow you to filter doctors by location, specialty, and accepted insurance, making finding a good match for your family easier.

How Far in Advance Should I Find a Pediatrician?

You should find a pediatrician before your baby is born — ideally in the last trimester of pregnancy. Deciding early is better than picking someone in a rush at the last minute.

Sometimes, you can schedule a visit to chat with the doctor to ensure it’s a good fit. If that’s not possible, you may be able to schedule a virtual visit or phone call to get your questions answered.

When Should I Notify the Pediatrician of a New Baby?

When you get to the hospital for delivery, the intake forms will ask for the name of your pediatrician. You should also get in touch with the pediatrician to let them know you’re going in for delivery.

Once the baby is born, they may be able to visit the baby in the hospital. If they can’t do a hospital visit, the on-call pediatrician will examine the baby.

When Should I Schedule the First Pediatrician Appointment?

Call and schedule your baby’s first pediatric appointment soon after you give birth. You’ll need to visit the pediatrician for a few days after you and the baby go home.

Once you’re home, your pediatrician will want to see the baby within a week. They will examine and weigh your baby to make sure they are getting enough to eat. They’ll also start administering vaccines in those first few appointments. Checkups will continue to happen regularly throughout the first year.

Is DO or MD Better for Pediatrics?

When choosing a pediatrician, you may come across two titles — MD (Doctor of Medicine) and DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine). Both MDs and DOs are fully qualified physicians who can provide comprehensive care for your child, but there are some differences in their training and approach to healthcare.

MDs receive training in allopathic medicine. They focus on diagnosing and treating medical conditions with drugs, surgery, and other standard practices. They often emphasize disease-specific treatments.

DOs, on the other hand, tend to take a more holistic approach. They receive additional training in the musculoskeletal system. They often focus on preventive care and how lifestyle factors contribute to a patient’s health.

What Questions Should I Ask the Pediatrician?

Before you meet with the pediatrician, write down a list of questions. Here are some questions to get you started.

• Are you board-certified?
• Do you have a separate waiting area for healthy babies and those who are sick?
• What is your philosophy about circumcision, breastfeeding, and sleep training?
• Are you open to alternative medicine?
• Do you ensure all your patients follow the CDC-recommended vaccine schedule?
• How many doctors are in the practice?
• Do you have evening or weekend hours?
• What insurance do you take?
• Can I get a same-day sick appointment for my child?
• What hospitals are you affiliated with?
• Can you visit my baby in the labor and delivery ward after they are born?
• Do you do telehealth/telemedicine visits?

Doing your homework before your baby is born will pay off in the long run. But also listen to your gut when choosing a pediatrician. You’ll need to feel comfortable and be able to trust them. After all, it’s a relationship that could last until your baby goes to college.

But keep in mind that as you experience life as a new parent, you may realize how much you didn’t know about your parenting approach or preferences. Know that it’s always OK to switch doctors if you’re not feeling comfortable with the care your child is getting.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on December 30, 2021, and was last reviewed on December 5, 2024.