When preparing for your baby’s arrival, you have plenty of decisions to make about how to keep them safe and healthy. You may read ratings or ask friends for recommendations about cribs, car seats and strollers. But selecting a pediatrician is your most important choice because it affects your baby’s well-being for years to come.
There’s a lot to consider when searching for the right pediatrician. David Levine, MD, a board-certified pediatrician with Atlantic Health and chief of general pediatrics at Atlantic Medical Group, offers some pro tips to help you find the provider that’s right for you and your baby.
Why choosing your baby’s pediatrician matters
Babies don’t have the same medical needs as adults. So, it’s important to find a doctor who specializes in newborn care. Pediatricians have special training in recognizing and treating childhood health needs.
“Your child’s pediatrician is the quarterback of their health care team from birth through young adulthood,” Dr. Levine says. “We are experts in children’s health, development and behavior.”
Your baby’s pediatrician becomes a long-term partner in supporting your child’s growth. If you’re a first-time parent, they can offer guidance on how to care for a newborn. As your child grows, they can detect and treat any health problems early, provide timely vaccinations and keep tabs on important developmental milestones.
When should you choose a pediatrician?
Start your pediatrician search while you’re still pregnant. Dr. Levine recommends beginning the process during your third trimester — roughly around week 30.
“By then, you’re usually a bit more settled in your pregnancy and maybe have even started going to parenting classes,” he says. “Starting a few weeks before your due date gives you time to research options and meet with a few pediatricians, virtually or in person.”
Starting your search during the last few weeks of your pregnancy lets you decide if the provider and office are a good fit without feeling rushed.
“Waiting too long, on the other hand, can feel frantic and cause you and your baby unnecessary stress,” Dr. Levine says.
Selecting a pediatrician before your baby arrives also makes it easier to schedule your child’s first visit after birth.
How to find a pediatrician
If you’re a first-time parent, you may not know where to start when searching for a pediatrician that provides high-quality newborn baby care. Referrals are your best bet. Ask other parents — your friends, family members or trusted neighbors — who they chose as their child’s doctor. Other soon-to-be parents in your prenatal classes may also have good suggestions.
If you’re new to town, don’t worry. Your obstetrician or midwife can offer several recommendations. Some insurance companies also offer lists of in-network providers. And, in some cases, social media can help, Dr. Levine says.
“Using your town’s moms’ Facebook page is another place to find recommendations for pediatricians who are local to you,” he says.
What to consider when choosing a pediatrician
Your potential pediatrician’s education, training and board certifications all matter. But there are other points to consider when choosing the pediatrician that’s the best fit for you and your baby. According to Dr. Levin, a pediatrician’s personality is the most important factor.
“If a doctor has all the credentials, but you don’t feel like they’re listening to you or you just don’t get along, that’s a problem,” he says, adding that you should meet with pediatricians and trust your gut instincts.
Dr. Levin also recommends weighing these factors:
- Availability: First, make sure the pediatrician is accepting new patients. Check that their office hours are convenient for you. Find out how easy it is to schedule same-day appointments, how they handle after-hours questions and who will see your baby if your regular pediatrician is on vacation.
- Care philosophy: Trust is the foundation of your relationship with your pediatrician. So, it’s vital that you’re on the same page about important aspects of newborn care like breastfeeding, nutrition, sleep training and vaccinations.
- Insurance and cost: If you have health insurance, try to find a pediatrician who is an in-network provider. Doing so will keep your out-of-pocket expenses lower. Ask about the cost of office visits, co-pays and other fees. Knowing those prices can help you decide if an office is a good match for you.
- Location: In their first year, you will take your baby to the pediatrician at least seven times for well checkups. Tack on any sick visits, and you’re heading to the doctor frequently. So, finding a pediatrician nearby can make it easier and more convenient to get the care your baby needs.
“While some of these [points] can be determined by viewing the doctor’s website, like which insurance policies they take or where the office is located, the ideal way to learn about a pediatrician’s personality and care philosophy is to meet with them before you give birth,” Dr. Levine says. “If you can, schedule a prenatal visit — in person or virtually — so you can ask questions and get a sense of whether you can work together or not. If that feels overwhelming, remember that it’s not a contract. You can always change your mind.”
What questions should you ask a pediatrician?
If you schedule a meet-and-greet with a potential pediatrician, the meeting won’t be long. You may only have 10 or 15 minutes to get a feel for who they are and how they care for patients. So, come to your appointment with a handful of questions that matter most to you.
Dr. Levine suggests asking:
- How long have you been in practice and do you have any subspecialties?
- What hospitals do you work in, and do you see babies there?
- What are your views on breastfeeding versus bottle feeding, circumcision, sleep training and vaccinations?
- In addition to a child’s physical health, how do you support their emotional and social development?
What happens during your baby’s first visit?
There’s a lot to talk about during your baby’s first pediatrician visit. So, this appointment may last around 30 minutes instead of 15 minutes.
During the visit, your pediatrician will:
- Weigh your baby (up to 10% bodyweight loss is normal right after birth)
- Examine your baby from head-to-toe (checking their head, collarbones, hips, spine and reflexes)
- Ask about your baby’s diaper and feeding schedule
- Administer any vaccines your baby didn’t receive in the hospital
- Offer advice on caring for your newborn, including bathing tips, car seat guidance and umbilical cord care
Take the opportunity to ask any new questions you have about caring for your newborn. The early days of parenting are an adventure. Your pediatrician is there to be your guide.
When to call your pediatrician
As much as you try to protect your baby, they will get sick from time to time. Just like you, they can easily catch the common cold and will recover on their own. Other times, they may need medical attention. These are the signs you should call your pediatrician:
- Breathing problems like a bluish tint around the lips, grunting, labored breathing or wheezing
- Diarrhea
- Fever of 100.4°F or greater (taken rectally)
- Lethargy (being floppy, limp or unresponsive)
- No wet diapers for 8 hours or more
- Rash (red or purple flecks that don’t fade with pressure or a rash that looks like bleeding under the skin)
- Vomiting
- Yellow or bluish skin
Trust yourself
Choosing a pediatrician is a very personal decision. It’s about selecting someone you trust who will be as invested in protecting your child’s well-being as you are, Dr. Levine says.
“Without trust, there is no relationship,” he says. “As the parents, you’re in control. Trust your gut.”
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