The last few months of your pregnancy is the time to start researching and choosing a pediatrician. The most common place to get information about a pediatrician is from friends and family. But, regardless of how others feel, it’s important that you feel comfortable with the doctor as well.

First, go to the office and observe the surroundings. Most practices allow you to conduct an interview with the doctors beforehand. Some do this during group sessions, while others charge a small fee to have a private session with a specific physician. During the interview process, here are some things to consider:

About the Practice
1. Does the doctor take your insurance?
2. Is this a solo or group practice?
• If solo, who covers when the doctor isn’t available?
• If group, how often will you see other doctors in the practice?
3. How long has this doctor been in practice?
4. Does the doctor have any subspecialties?
5. What are the doctors regular hours?
Evening hours? Weekend hours?
6. How can you reach the doctor if your child gets sick after hours? Or in case of an emergency?
7. Is the doctor affiliated with a hospital?
8. Does the doctor see newborns in the hospital or at the first office visit?

About the Doctor
1. Does the doctor have children?
2. Will the doctor be able to discuss your child’s behavioral developments (discipline issues, social development, etc.)?
3. What are the doctor’s views on:
• bottle-feeding/breastfeeding
• circumcision
• antibiotics
• immunizations
• parenting methods
• childhood obesity
• getting babies to sleep
3. Do you feel comfortable asking the doctor any questions or asking for additional details?