#11 - Month 6 - Find your future pediatrician (yes, it helps to start early!)

A pediatrician is a doctor who specializes in the physical, behavioral, and mental care of children. Choosing a pediatrician is one of the most important decisions you’ll make regarding your child’s health, and it can be a difficult one. Your family will have a long-term relationship with your pediatrician, so it’s important to pick the right one. It’s a good idea to choose one about 3 months before the due date.

I used this list to narrow down the perfect pediatrician for our family:

Is the office location convenient?

Is the pediatrician recommended by your OB-GYN?

Will the pediatrician do the first checkup at the hospital?

Is the pediatrician recommended by friends and family?

What are the pediatrician’s credentials and experience?

How does their practice operate? Some questions may include:

• Does the office allow same-day or last-minute appointments?

• Are the office hours convenient for your schedule?

• Does the pediatrician offer evening and weekend hours?

• If it’s a group practice, will your baby see different doctors or the same pediatrician each time?

And last, but certainly not least, how was the introductory visit?

Helpful Resources:

• Find a Pediatrician in Your Area

• Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician

*The information and reference materials contained are intended solely for the general information of the reader. The information presented here is not intended to diagnose health problems or to take the place of professional medical care. The information contained is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue. If you have specific questions, please consult your health care provider.