And, since so much goes into your decision you will need plenty of time to make a decision you and your partner are comfortable with.

The first step in choosing a pediatrician is to ask around for referrals. Friends, family and neighbors are a great place to start. Find out what they like about their child’s pediatrician. Other great sources include your obstetrician, nurse mid-wife or local hospitals. There are also several websites that can help you locate a pediatrician in your area:

• American Board of Pediatrics - www.abp.org
• American Academy of Pediatrics - www.aap.org
• American Medical Association - www.ama-assn.org

Once you have compiled a list of at least 3 to 4 pediatricians, check to make sure they accept your insurance plan and that they are taking new patients. Next, call to schedule a pre-natal consultation where you can get to know the pediatrician, check out her office, and meet her staff. Be sure to ask in advance whether there is a charge for the visit. Most insurance companies will not pay for this type of a visit. So, if there is a charge, find out if it can be applied to your first doctor’s visit.

Come to your consultation prepared with a list of questions for the pediatrician, including:  

• Philosophies -How do you feel about breast feeding, antibiotics, circumcision, immunizations?
• Credentials - How long have you been in practice? Are you board-certified? Where did you attend medical school? Do you have any medical specialties?
• Office Hours -What time is your first appointment, last appointment? Do you see patients over the lunch hour, early mornings, evenings, weekends?
• Appointments -Do you schedule same day or next day sick appointments? How long is the wait for well child visits?
• Lab Facilities -Is lab work done in the office or at an independent laboratory?
• Breast Feeding Specialist -Is there a lactation specialist in the office?
• Questions -Is there a nurse available to speak with about my child’s health during office hours? Do you have an after-hours nurse on duty for questions throughout the night and on weekends?
• Call Backs -If you do need to speak with a nurse or the doctor, how long should you expect to wait for a return call?
• Hospital Privileges -What hospital do you have privileges with? Will you care for my child during a hospital stay? Who handles your patients while you are away?
• Staff -Who staffs your office (i.e., nurse, nurse practitioner, resident physicians, etc.)?
• Payment Policy -What is your payment policy? Do you file insurance claims or do we? Ask for a list of fees.

Be observant before and during your consultation. Ask yourself:

• Are you comfortable with the pediatrician? Did the pediatrician make time for your visit or was she rushed? Was she attentive to your questions? Did you feel comfortable talking with her? Do you think your child will like her?
• Is the waiting room clean and comfortable? Is the office child-friendly (i.e., safety covers on outlets, age-appropriate furnishings and décor? Are there books and toys to keep your older children occupied while waiting to see the doctor? Is there a separate waiting area for sick and well children?
• Is the staff friendly and courteous? Were they friendly over the phone and during your visit?

During the first year of your newborn’s life, you will visit the pediatrician at least a dozen times. Not to mention all the extra visits for baby’s sniffles and coughs. Be sure to find a pediatrician you are comfortable with. It is among one of the most important decisions you can make for your baby’s health.