You may not know where to turn first as a parent, and you might not even know where to start when it comes to finding a pediatrician. For this, after all, is who will look out for your child’s health from the moment they walk on the planet until they are 18, shepherding you through milestones and nipping your concerns in the bud. But when do you know you picked the right pediatrician for your child? 

I know it’s an enormous thing (because it is! ), but don’t get too worked up. You’re not alone, and a pediatrician who works for your family is not as hard to come by. Let’s keep it easy, fun, and not so scary. And don’t think you’re just picking a doctor; you’re selecting someone who will be around your child for years. 

 

 Why It Is Crucial to Find A Pediatrician 

I know what you’re thinking, “Why should I care which pediatrician I go to?”. They all seem qualified, right?”  Yeah, you’re right — they’re all doctors, and pediatricians are all doctors — but the one that aligns with your family’s personality is the best. 

But here’s the thing: As the *American Academy of Pediatrics* (AAP) says, a pediatrician is not only needed to diagnose and treat disease but also to be a provider of preventive medicine, advice for parents, and encouragement for milestones.

 Your pediatrician is usually the one you consult when it comes to putting your child down to sleep or dealing with emotional development. And when you don’t work out, with a late-night rash or a fever, you need someone to put you at ease. 

But how do you select one when there are so many to choose from? Let’s break it down.  

 

 Step 1: Decide What You Want in a Pediatrician. 

The first is to ask yourself: *What are you looking for in a pediatrician? * This isn’t about medical knowledge; it’s comfort, trust, and tone of voice. 

Some things to consider:  

Approachability: Do you want a child doctor who’s sympathetic and gentle or one who’s cold and cold? The doctor should be able to make you feel at ease and heard, especially if they are asking about your child’s wellbeing. 

Experience: Are you interested in a long-time veteran, or are you willing to interview a younger, perhaps more creative doctor in their early years? 

Title style: Do you need someone who talks easily or is an expert in medical lingo? And please, you must understand and be empowered by what you receive. 

Think of these attributes while considering your family’s needs as well. For example, if your kid has some special medical condition, perhaps you’d need a pediatrician with a background in that field. *Pediatrics is everywhere*- Physicians may be trained in immunology, cardiology, neurology, etc. This could influence your decision.  

 

 Step 2: Get Your Research (and Do Not Miss This Part!) 

Next comes the data collection. Nowadays, word of mouth is not your only referral source. Your personal recommendations are good, but internet information and professional medical websites are also beneficial. 

Begin by consulting friends, family, or even your own doctor for suggestions. Next, Google around for pediatricians in your city. Sites such as [Healthgrades](https://www.healthgrades.com/) or the *American Academy of Pediatrics* (AAP) can give you a map of trained practitioners near you.

 There are patient reviews on these websites, too, and it is always a good way to gauge how a physician communicates and if parents feel at ease with them. 

Don’t forget to double-check the pediatrician’s license! You’ll find out if they are board-certified by the *American Board of Pediatrics* (ABP). The ABP says board certification reflects that the physician has passed exams in his/her field and stays on top of the latest developments in pediatrics. 

 

 Step 3: Compare Office and Hospital Locations 

Location, location, location. It does in the case of your child’s pediatrician. Imagine taking your child to a last-minute appointment on a rainy day or to the hospital for an unexpected fever. Choose a pediatrician whose office is near you. 

 

Consider these factors  

Closeness: Is the pediatrician’s office near you or at work? This is especially critical if you’re a busy parent or your child has health issues that must be addressed regularly. 

Affiliations: Does the pediatrician have a hospital/clinic affiliation you can turn to if things go wrong or your child has to be hospitalized? We like to know where to turn if your child needs more help. 

 

Step 4: Make a Meet-and-Greet 

If you’ve identified a pediatrician you like, you know it after seeing them in person. Most pediatricians will let you make an appointment only after a meeting or consultation. It is a great way to ask questions and get an idea of their office. 

 

Voici les questions to ask at your meeting: 

– *So, what is your stand on child care? * Are they preventative? Are they for vaccines and sick days? 

– *What about after-hours emergencies? * Learn how to call the pediatrician outside normal office hours in an emergency. 

– *How do I get a prescription or refer me to specialists? * Does your doctor have a process to say, let’s take your child off the medication or refer your child to a different specialist? 

– *Are you welcoming parents’ questions? * You don’t want a pediatrician who won’t talk to you about your child’s health. 

 

 Step 5: Go With Your Opinion. Trust your Senses 

And the biggest one of all: trust your gut. If it doesn’t work, keep searching. A pediatrician should trust you enough to take care of your child. If you are not in love with them, let it go and look for someone around whom you feel confident. 

 

Remember that it’s not about selecting a physician; it’s about a partnership in your child’s health. You’ll need a pediatrician who shares your parenting philosophy, is sensitive to your concerns, and has your child feel at ease. 

 

 Step 6: Take Into Account Insurance Benefits 

Don’t get so attached to a pediatrician without knowing if they’re on your health insurance. Often, pediatricians will also have a list of approved insurance companies, so be sure to check before you schedule an appointment. (If you don’t have insurance, you can also ask them about their payment plans or sliding scale charges for fees out of pocket.) 

 

 Step 7: Check for Reviews and Customer Reviews & Get Review 

You have your picks, but do you know if you’ve chosen correctly? And that’s where parent testimonials can come in handy. Look on *Healthgrades*, Google reviews, or even your local parenting groups on Facebook. 

Ask them what they’ve been like — especially anything you care about (like wait times, communication, and overall pediatric office experience). 

 

 Conclusion: Decide For You! 

After you weigh all of the above, you have to decide. Remember that your child’s health journey is not finished yet. If you decide you want to change pediatricians in the future, great. It’s to have someone to trust and reassure you about how you should raise your kids. 

Choosing a Pediatrician is a lifetime relationship, so take the time and work to find the right one for you and your baby.   

Parents: If you’re new to pediatric care or want professional insight, an awesome website (the American Academy of Pediatrics) can be found here: *American Academy of Pediatrics* (AAP). Their website contains info on pediatric health, from immunizations to sleep hygiene. 

 

Until next time, parents— and the perfect pediatrician for your family!