While pregnancy and parenting look different to everyone, there’s one experience that every parent and parent-to-be is familiar with: doctor’s visits, and lots of them.
They don’t end when the baby is born either, as you’ll visit her pediatrician at least eight times for the first year of her life (and probably more).
In many ways, your baby’s pediatrician is more than her doctor — he or she will guide you through runny noses and unexpected coughs, yes, but will also be there to answer your questions about postpartum depression or anxiety and assure you on the bad days that you’re actually doing a good job at this whole parenting-a-new-human-being-thing.
When you were dating, you probably thought a lot about your priorities when you were trying to find Mr. or Mrs. Right — whether you wanted kids, what values were important to you, where you hoped to live.
The hunt for Dr. Right is similar. This is a good opportunity to think about what you want in a doctor for your child, especially because he or she will likely be in your life for years. Here are a few tips on finding that special someone.
What should you look for in a pediatrician?
There are a few key things you should take into consideration when you're trying to find the best pediatrician for your baby, including:
Proximity. Ideally, you want your baby’s doctor to be close to where you live. Not only that, but it should be easy to get there. Can you walk, drive or take the train, subway or bus, and is it a quick trip?
Availability. If you’re a stay-at-home parent, this may not be an issue, but if you and your partner work and your doctor is only available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, you may find yourself in a bind when it comes to scheduling appointments. Are there other doctors or nurses at the practice who can help if your pediatrician isn’t available? How far in advance do you need to make appointments? Do they take day-of appointments and have evening and weekend hours?
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Cost. This is one of the most important. You don’t want to fall in love with Dr. Right only to realize that he or she doesn’t take your insurance, or is simply unaffordable. It’s also helpful to know exactly what you’re responsible for: Co-pays? Deductibles? An out-of-pocket maximum?
Bedside manner and demeanor. Is the doctor friendly? Does he or she listen to you when you’re talking or do you get the sense that you're being rushed? Does he or she dismiss your concerns or speak to you condescendingly? Your baby’s health is important, so trust your gut on this one and don’t be afraid to shop around until you find someone you click with.
What questions should you ask a potential pediatrician?
Remember, you’re looking for a doctor who’s a good fit for you and your family, so don’t be afraid to see this as a job interview, one where you’re on the search for the perfect candidate.
Do you take my insurance?
Which hospital are you affiliated with?
Where did you go to medical school?
How long have you been practicing?
Are you board-certified?
Do you have a specific philosophy on breastfeeding, formula-feeding, circumcision, sleep training, vaccines, potty training, antibiotics and alternative medicine, and if so, do you follow specific practices?
Will you visit my newborn at the hospital after birth or are you only outpatient?
What’s the protocol if my baby needs to see a specialist for any reason?
- Do you have evening and weekend hours, and do you accept day-of appointments if my child is sick?
Who should I call when you’re on vacation or the office is closed?
What kinds of tests or blood work can be done in-house?
When should you start looking for a pediatrician?
You should start looking for a pediatrician early in the third trimester if possible.
This gives you time in the first and second trimesters to simply enjoy being pregnant (and it also means you can focus on yourself and your health). You’ll also have time to shop around and get recommendations without feeling rushed.
How to find the best pediatrician for your baby
Start by talking to parent friends who live in your area to see which doctors in the neighborhood they love and recommend. They might also be able to tell you about any negative experiences they may have had. Or just do a Google search of pediatricians close to home.
You can schedule visits ahead of your baby's birth where you and your potential pediatrician meet, get to know each other, ask questions and evaluate whether it's a good fit.
You might want to start by calling the pediatricians' office staff to get some basic information before scheduling a virtual, phone or in-person meeting with the doctor. Just note that some doctors charge for these visits, while others offer free initial consultations, so you’ll want to double-check before you book.
These first meetings are a great opportunity to be honest about things that are important to you. If for any reason it doesn't seem like a good match, it’s better to find out early on in the process.
Other ways to find the best pediatrician for your baby? Get a list of in-network providers from your insurance company. Or check the American Board of Pediatrics' directory of board-certified practitioners.
If you see "F.A.A.P." after the name, that means the doctor belongs to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). (Although pediatricians can be board-certified and not belong to the AAP.)
Because F.A.A.P.-designated doctors commit to continuing education in order to maintain their membership, you can rest easy knowing that your pediatrician is up-to-date on the most recent research and treatments when it comes to your baby.
When should you decide on the best pediatrician for your family?
Try to choose your pediatrician at least three to four weeks before your due date. This way, you don’t have to worry about it before you go into labor. It also means that your doctor has enough notice to schedule your baby’s first appointment, which will be soon after you deliver.
When will your pediatrician first see your baby?
Your pediatrician will first see your baby for your first well-baby visit most likely within 24 to 48 hours after you leave the hospital. You’ll want to bring your hospital discharge summary with you so the pediatrician's office can keep a record of it.
Searching for a pediatrician may seem daunting, but with a little preparation, you’ll find the best pediatrician for your baby and your family. And whoever you choose will be right there with you to watch your little one grow up.
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