How to Find the Right Pediatrician for Your Newborn

Welcoming a new baby into your life is one of the most joyful and transformative experiences you’ll ever have. Alongside the excitement comes a long list of decisions to make, and one of the most important is choosing the right pediatrician. This doctor will become a trusted partner in your child’s health and development, from those first well-baby checkups through early childhood and beyond.

But with so many options available, how do you find the right pediatrician for your baby? Here's a practical, step-by-step playbook to help you make a confident and informed choice – and transition from the care your newborn receives in the hospital to the first visit with their new pediatrician.

When Should You Find a Pediatrician? Start Early—Preferably Before Birth

Many parents start looking for a pediatrician in the third trimester of pregnancy. This gives you time to research, ask questions, and even schedule a prenatal visit with a few providers before your baby arrives. Starting early also ensures you’re not scrambling to make a decision when you’re already sleep-deprived and adjusting to new parenthood.

How to Choose a Pediatrician: What to Look for and Ask About

If you don’t already have a pediatrician in mind, ask those you trust for recommendations. Word of mouth is powerful. Ask friends, family, neighbors, or even your OB-GYN. Parents who share similar values or lifestyles can offer insights into what they love (or don’t love) about their pediatrician. Some parents prefer pediatricians with years of experience, while others may like someone newer who brings a fresh perspective and current training. Whoever they recommend, ask questions, and do your research – to gather as much pertinent information on them as possible.

• Are they approachable and easy to talk to? Do they listen carefully and explain things clearly? Do they show patience?

• How long have they been treating newborns, including those with specific needs or health conditions your child might have (e.g., allergies, developmental delays).

• Do they have any specializations related to your baby’s potential health concerns (e.g., lactation consultants, newborn care specialists).

• Availability: How easy is it to schedule appointments? Can sick visits be scheduled the same day?

• Office Hours: Can you get in touch with them in case of emergencies? Do they offer evening or weekend hours for working parents?

• After-Hours Care: Is there a 24-hour nurse line or on-call doctor available after hours?

• Which hospitals are they affiliated with in case of emergency or specialized care?

• Insurance: Do they accept your insurance or offer reasonable payment plans if you’re paying out-of-pocket?

• Is their office close to your home or work?

• Telehealth Options: Especially useful for quick consultations or when you're unable to visit in person.

• Are they board certified?

Board certification is a key credential. It means the pediatrician has completed training in pediatrics and passed rigorous exams. You can usually find this information on their clinic’s website. And while online, perhaps check local review sites like Yelp, Healthgrades or local parent forums for patient experiences and feedback on pediatricians you are considering—but take extreme opinions with a grain of salt.

If your baby has any specific health concerns, understanding your family medical history can give you a head start when choosing the right fit. Creating a family medical history may also help you anticipate questions pediatricians are likely to ask at your first visit.

Scheduling a Pediatrician Meet and Greet Before Your Baby is Born

Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a few options, try to set up ‘meet and greet’ visits with each to get a better feel for the accessibility and environment of the clinic — along with the pediatrician’s communication style and bedside manner to see who feels like the best fit.

Your in-person impressions are just as important as the doctor’s credentials. When you visit the clinic, look for signs that it’s a well-run and welcoming environment. Here are a few things to pay attention to:

• Is the waiting area clean and kid-safe?

• Are the staff kind, patient, and respectful?

• Do they seem organized and attentive?

• How long is the average wait time and how are emergencies or walk-ins handled?

• Cleanliness and Kid-Friendliness: Are the waiting areas and exam rooms clean, safe, and welcoming for children?

• Do they have a separate waiting area for sick and healthy kids?

• Staff Courtesy: Are the nurses and front desk staff helpful and respectful?

Meeting with pediatricians before your baby arrives is a smart way to ensure your child will receive the best possible care. Every doctor has their own philosophy when it comes to topics like vaccines, breastfeeding, sleep training, and antibiotics. This conversation can help you determine whether you and the pediatrician are on the same page. Here are some questions to bring up, grouped by category:

• General Background & Philosophy
  • How long have you been practicing pediatrics?
  • What is your approach to newborn care?
  • Who will we interact with most during visits — doctors, nurse practitioners, or PAs?
  • Are you part of a group practice or solo? Will we see you consistently or rotate providers?
  • Do you have children of your own? (Optional, but sometimes helpful for rapport)

• Newborn & Infant Care
  • Do you visit newborns in the hospital after birth?
  • How often will we come in for well-baby visits in the first year?
  • What is your vaccination policy/schedule? Do you follow the CDC/AAP guidelines?
  • How do you support breastfeeding parents vs formula feeding?
  • What’s your approach to sleep training and safe sleep recommendations?

• Medical Philosophy & Decision-Making
  • How do you involve parents in decision-making?
  • Are you open to alternative or integrative medicine approaches?
  • How do you approach antibiotic use and overprescribing concerns?
  • How do you approach developmental delays or behavioral concerns
  • What are your views on circumcision (if applicable)?

The Hospital Handoff: Transitioning to Your Newborn's Pediatrician

You’ve chosen a pediatrician and given birth to your child. Congratulations! Now you can begin the process of transitioning from newborn care in the hospital to your baby’s first pediatrician visits. It’s a big and important step but consider it a comforting handoff —as your pediatrician becomes your go-to for all baby questions and health needs. Here are tips to help you make it smooth and confident:

From Hospital to Home: Before discharge, the hospital team (nurses, pediatricians, lactation consultants) will:

• Confirm who your pediatrician is (you will let the hospital know this at birth)
• Check your baby’s weight, vitals, feeding, and jaundice levels
• Administer the first Hepatitis B vaccine
• Provide newborn screening tests (hearing test, heel prick for metabolic disorders, etc.)
• Give discharge instructions (safe sleep, feeding tips, emergency signs)
• Give you copies of all paperwork — which you will take to your pediatrician

Your newborn’s first pediatrician visit will be scheduled within 24–72 hours of discharge – possibly sooner if your baby had jaundice, weight loss, feeding issues, or was premature. This first visit will signify the completion of ‘the handoff’ - as from this point your pediatrician will take over:

• Well visits: Regular checkups at 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, etc.
• Vaccinations: Follows the CDC immunization schedule
• Growth & development tracking
• Feeding, sleep, and behavior guidance
• Any medical concerns (fever, rashes, reflux, etc.)

How to Prepare for Your Baby's First Pediatrician Appointment

Ensuring a successful ‘first visit’ to the pediatrician for both you and your newborn begins with being prepared and knowing what to expect.

Be sure to bring the following items to your first visit:

• Your baby’s discharge paperwork, newborn screening results, and vaccine record (Hep B from the hospital)
• Insurance card and ID
• Any forms from the pediatrician’s office (filled out if they sent any ahead)
• Feeding log (how often and how much baby eats)
• Diaper log (number of wet and dirty diapers)
• List of questions/concerns you may want to address
• Extra diapers, wipes, clothes, pacifier, blanket, and burp cloths
• Formula or breastmilk, if feeding on the go

Here’s what to expect at your baby’s first pediatrician appointment:

• Weight check — They'll compare to birth weight.
• Measurements — Length and head circumference.
• Full physical exam — Checking baby’s eyes, ears, skin, hips, reflexes, etc.
• Feeding and diapering check-in — They'll ask how things are going.
• Jaundice check — Common in newborns.
• Discuss safe sleep, cord care, bathing, etc.
• Vaccinations — They may give the second dose of Hepatitis B (if not given at hospital).

Questions you might want to ask the pediatrician:

• Is my baby eating/sleeping/pooping enough?
• How do I know if the baby is getting enough milk?
• How do I care for the umbilical cord stump?
• Is this rash/crying/behavior normal?
• What should I expect between now and the next visit?

Bonus tips to make the most of your first pediatrician visit:

• Take notes during the appointment.
• Don’t be shy — ask anything, no matter how small it seems.
• Expect the baby to cry — totally normal.
• Bring a support person if possible (another set of ears and hands helps!).

Choose the Right Pediatrician for Your Family with TrustCare Kids

Your relationship with your child’s pediatrician is likely to span many years. It’s worth taking the time now to find someone who is knowledgeable, compassionate, and aligned with your parenting style. Ultimately, trust your gut. Even if a pediatrician has glowing reviews, they may not feel right for your family. Pay attention to how comfortable you feel asking questions, whether the doctor listens without judgment, and how thoroughly they explain things. If you feel comfortable and confident with the pediatrician, it’s a good sign!

TrustCare Kids is here to help. Our experienced pediatricians and skilled Care Crew offer primary and urgent care to children from birth through college. In addition to caring for your child’s physical health with the utmost of compassion and expertise—they’ll provide reassurance, guidance, and partnership as you navigate the journey of parenthood.

TrustCare Kids pediatric primary and urgent care clinics in Gluckstadt, Madison, and Brandon, MS. They are welcoming and fun environments, open late and on weekends to fit any family’s busy schedule. The clinic experience is unlike any other pediatric facility in the area featuring animal-themed rooms and interactive games, and post-visit treats for patients make it an entirely non-traditional doctor experience. With our urgent care open late and on weekends, families can rely on TrustCare Kids for easy access to the quality care their children deserve. To make an appointment, click here.