This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your child’s health and ideally, it should happen before your baby is born.

As this is longterm relation between you ,your child and doctor ,don’t hesitate to ask information and make sure you feel at comfort with the pediatrician and place.

Here’s some personal advice from a mother and a pediatrician:

🏃🏻‍♀️‍➡️ 1. Start Early, Ideally in the Third Trimester

The best time to start looking for a pediatrician is around last few weeks of pregnancy. This gives you time to meet doctors, ask questions, and feel confident in your decision before baby arrives, discuss approach and what to expect after delivery ,care for your newborn and vaccination schedule.

• Meet doctors

• Discuss their approach to newborn care

• Understand what to expect post-delivery

• Review vaccination schedules

👥 2. Ask for Recommendations

• Talk to other moms you trust - friends, family, or parenting groups.

• Ask your OB-GYN or family doctor for referrals.

📍 3. Consider Location & Access

• Choose a clinic that’s close to home or work as this is especially important during emergencies or frequent newborn visits as this need to be convenient when you are on road with baby or ill child .

🕵 4. Review Credentials & Communication

• Doctor’s certifications & experience 🎓

• Languages spoken 🌍

• Communication style 🗣️

🏨 5. Schedule a Parental Visit (If Pregnant)

Request for visit to know the doctor if you are expecting mom ,which we call parental visit. Here consider the following:

• Do they listen & explain things clearly?

• Are they warm, calm, and reassuring?

• Do they welcome questions & respect your parenting preferences?

🔎 6. Check Clinic Setup, insurance coverage ,or reimbursement set up.

• Will your child always see the same doctor, or rotate among a team?

• Is the waiting area clean, safe, and kid-friendly?

• Is there a nurse line or a portal for questions between visits? Or communication path with your doctor ?

• How are vaccine records and growth charts tracked and shared?

• Are they covered by your insurance or health network?

• Ask if the clinic helps with insurance claims or reimbursements, especially if you’re self-paying.

After all above mentioned it worth to add that Your pediatrician will become a long-term partner in your child’s health journey , ideally someone you trust, feel comfortable with, and can turn to during both everyday questions and unexpected concerns. Go with your instincts as a parent. I am a believer in mother instinct and empowerment so never underestimate that or your judgement .and always ask what ever question you have as your child is very precious .

🩺 Choosing a Pediatrician for Your Child