Pediatrician For Newborns: When Should You Schedule The First Visit?

When a baby is born, it is important to start taking them to see a primary care provider for their health care. This can be a paediatrician, family doctor, nurse or midwife. A paediatrician is a doctor who specializes in child and youth health, while a family doctor can treat patients of all ages. Both are qualified to take care of children, so how do you decide which type of doctor is right for you?

Pediatrician or family doctor?

When it comes to choosing a doctor for your newborn, you are also choosing a partner to help keep your baby's health, well-being and development on track. During the early days, you'll rely on their support as you get to grips with newborn care. And, with the number of check-ups and wellness visits scheduled in your baby's first year, you'll be seeing them a lot.

But what kind of doctor makes the most sense for your child? Should all babies see a pediatrician until a certain age, or can a family doctor provide care from the beginning?

Pediatrician vs. family medicine doctor: Similarities

Both pediatricians and family doctors have significant training in the care of children and are qualified to take care of them. They can both provide routine preventive care, treat a variety of conditions and care for illnesses and injuries. They will also make sure children are reaching developmental milestones and provide guidance on recommended childhood immunisations.

Pediatrician vs. family doctor: Differences

While both doctors care for children, there are reasons why you may choose one over the other. Pediatricians solely specialize in the treatment of children, while family medicine doctors specialize in treating patients of all ages.

Family physicians

Family medicine doctors treat patients of all ages and stages of life. They have extensive general medical knowledge and can treat a wide range of health concerns. They can help children with issues like asthma, pink eye and bedwetting, as well as provide specialized adolescent care and birth control. They can also help adults manage chronic health conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

Pediatricians

Pediatricians are passionate about children's medicine and have specialized training in this area. They are particularly good at providing care for preemies and children with all manner of special needs – physical, mental and social. They can offer tips on breastfeeding, including pumping for premature babies, and help reassure children who are diagnosed with conditions like asthma. They can also help children and their parents through behavioural issues such as ADHD.

How to choose

When deciding between a family doctor and a pediatrician, consider your child's age and health needs, as well as the health needs of other family members. Your finances, location, and plans for the future could also be factors. Most importantly, you want to feel comfortable with your child's doctor and trust them to help you make decisions about your child's well-being.

Reasons to choose a family medicine doctor

• If you already have a long-standing relationship with a family doctor, it can be an easy transition to ask them to care for your new baby.
• One doctor can treat your whole family, which may save time and mean fewer trips to the doctor's office.
• A family doctor that sees everyone in your family may be more aware of issues that could affect you all and will be familiar with your family's medical history.
• Your child will never outgrow a family physician, so they can continue to see the same doctor into adulthood.

Reasons to choose a pediatrician

• Pediatricians specialize in the care of children and have more in-depth knowledge about their growth, development, and behaviour.
• Pediatricians often do rounds in hospitals, so your doctor could see your baby after delivery and know their history from day one.
• If your child needs special care for physical, mental or social health, a pediatrician may be the best choice.
• If your child was born prematurely, has special needs or was born with a congenital disorder, consider a pediatrician.
• If your child still needs certain childhood immunizations, such as for MMR or chickenpox, stick with a pediatrician.

When to switch to a family doctor

There is no magic age for switching from a pediatrician to a family doctor. Pediatricians are trained to treat kids up to around 18 years of age, but some stop seeing patients earlier, while others continue beyond this age. The right time to switch depends on what makes sense for your child and what they want. When your child is in middle school, it may be worth discussing how they feel about their current doctor and if they'd like to change.

Tips for transitioning to a family doctor

• Start the process early, even before your child ages out of pediatric care.
• Discuss the transition with your child's pediatrician at their next checkup to learn about next steps.
• This can be a great time to encourage your child to start self-managing some parts of their health, such as carrying their own asthma rescue inhaler.

When to start looking for a pediatrician

It is recommended that you start looking for a pediatrician for your newborn around three months before your baby is due. This will give you enough time to meet with your selected pediatrician before the baby arrives.

Finding a pediatrician before your baby is born is important because whoever you choose will want to know more about you, your due date, the kind of delivery you expect to have, and any pregnancy issues they should be aware of. They will also meet your newborn within a few days of their birth, running through a standard checkup protocol to assess your baby's health.

You will develop a long-term relationship with your pediatrician, as they will perform regular well-checks throughout your child's adolescence. By the time your child is five, they will have had at least 14 well-checks and numerous other appointments with their pediatrician to diagnose and treat illnesses and injuries, as well as follow-up visits. Therefore, the selection process is critical.

When looking for a pediatrician, it is a good idea to start by asking friends and family for referrals. You can also ask your primary care physician or ob-gyn for recommendations. Additionally, you should check the credentials of the pediatricians you are considering, which can usually be found on their website or displayed in their office. It is also important to consider the location of the pediatrician's office and the availability of appointments, especially if you work during the week.

Once you have narrowed down your list to around two to three candidates, it is a good idea to meet with each one before your child is born. Most providers will set aside specific times to meet with expectant parents. During these meetings, you can experience their personality and bedside manner, and ask them specific questions about their background, experience, and perspective on things that are important to you.

By starting your search for a pediatrician early, you will have plenty of time to research and meet with several providers. This will allow you to make an informed decision and feel confident about your baby's care.

What to expect at your baby's first visit

It's natural to feel nervous about your baby's first visit to the pediatrician, but it's important to remember that this visit is often empowering and informative for new parents. Here's what you can expect at your baby's first appointment:

Paperwork

Before your appointment, you may be asked to fill out some forms online or by mail about your baby's health, development, and your own feelings and adjustments to life with a newborn. When you arrive at the clinic, be prepared to fill out more paperwork, including providing your ID and health insurance card, information about your newborn's discharge weight, any complications during pregnancy or birth, and your family's medical history.

Examinations by a Nurse

A nurse will likely handle the initial part of your baby's examination. They will weigh your naked baby on a scale, measure their height and width by extending their limbs, and use a tape measure to determine their head circumference. It is normal for babies to lose weight after birth (up to 10% of their body weight), but they typically regain it within a couple of weeks.

Meeting the Pediatrician

The pediatrician will examine your baby, educate you about their health, and answer any questions you may have. Developing a good relationship with your child's doctor is one of the most important aspects of this first visit. They will be a source of information, support, and troubleshooting for many years to come. The pediatrician will check your baby's:

• Neck and collarbone: They will feel along your baby's neckline to check for a broken collarbone, as some babies fracture their clavicle during birth.
• Head: They will check for a still-soft fontanel, which is normal for the first one to two years. They will also ensure that the soft spots on your baby's skull are closing at a healthy rate to accommodate brain development.
• Hips: The doctor will roll your baby's hips to check for signs of developmental hip dysplasia, a congenital malformation affecting 1 in 1,000 babies.
• Reflexes: They will check for the Moro reflex by startling your baby. A healthy infant will fling their arms out as if falling during the first 3-4 months.
• Pulse: By pressing the skin along your baby's groin, they will check for a pulse in the femoral artery.
• Genitalia: They will ensure everything looks normal and check for signs of infection if your baby has been circumcised.

Questions and Scheduling

The doctor will ask about your baby's feeding and sleeping patterns, including how often they eat, how long they feed, and how often they poop and pee each day. They will also review the childhood vaccination schedule and ensure you are following safe sleep practices to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). There will be plenty of time for you to ask questions, so come prepared with a written list of talking points. Finally, you will schedule your next appointment, which is typically recommended to occur within a few weeks.

Tips for the First Visit

• Plan your time: Schedule the appointment during a quiet part of the day, and expect the visit to take around 20-30 minutes, plus waiting time.
• Bring a support person: Consider bringing your partner or another caregiver to help care for the baby and remember the doctor's advice and questions.
• Dress your baby appropriately: Choose easy-on, easy-off clothing, or just a diaper and a comfortable blanket if the weather permits.
• Be prepared but pack light: Bring a change of clothes, extra diapers, wipes, pacifiers, feeding supplies, and other essentials, but try not to overpack.
• Wait in the car: If possible, send your partner or caregiver inside to fill out paperwork while you wait in the car with the baby to limit their exposure to germs.
• Keep your distance from others: If you must wait in the waiting room, maintain a 3-foot radius from other people to reduce the chances of catching sickness.

How to make the most of your visit

• Be prepared for paperwork: You will need to fill out paperwork at your first visit, so bring your ID, health insurance card, information about your newborn's discharge weight, any complications during pregnancy or birth, and your family's medical history.
• Ask other caregivers about your child: Before your visit, talk to other caregivers, such as grandparents, daycare providers, or babysitters, as they may be able to help you think of questions to ask the doctor or nurse.
• Gather important information: Take any medical records, including vaccine records and newborn screening results, to the appointment. Make a list of any important changes in your baby's life since the last doctor's visit, such as starting daycare or getting a new caregiver.
• Make a list of questions: Write down any questions you have for the doctor or nurse in advance. This can include questions about your baby's growth, development, sleep, feeding, and safety.
• Be prepared for exams: The nurse or doctor will perform physical exams on your baby, including weighing them, measuring their height and head circumference, and checking their neck, collarbone, hips, reflexes, pulse, and genitalia.
• Bring a support person: Consider bringing your partner or another caregiver to the appointment to help with the baby and remember the doctor's advice and your questions.
• Dress your baby for the exam: Dress your baby in easy-on, easy-off clothing, or just a diaper and a comfortable blanket if the weather permits.
• Pack the essentials: Bring extra diapers and wipes, extra milk or feeding supplies, extra baby clothes and burp cloths, a blanket, a pacifier if your baby uses one, and any notes or paperwork from the hospital.
• Arrive early: Give yourself plenty of time to arrive at the appointment, especially if it is your first time visiting the office.
• Ask about after-hours care: Make sure you know how to get in touch with a doctor or nurse if you need care after hours or when the office is closed.

Questions to ask when choosing a pediatrician

When choosing a pediatrician, it's important to ask questions that will help you determine if they are a good fit for your family's needs and values. Here are some essential questions to consider asking when interviewing potential pediatricians:

Questions about their experience and qualifications:

• How long have you been in practice?
• Where did you attend medical school?
• Are you board-certified in pediatrics?
• Do you have any subspecialties or additional training in areas such as cardiology or gastroenterology?
• Are you a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)?
• Do you have children of your own?

Questions about their childcare philosophies and practices:

• What are your views on vaccines, and do you follow the recommended schedules for childhood vaccines?
• What are your views on antibiotic use, alternative medicine, and complementary medicine?
• What are your thoughts on breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, and the use of formula?
• What are your views on circumcision and sleep training?
• Do you perform circumcisions?
• Do you offer breastfeeding support?
• Do you advocate for any specific alternative therapies?
• Will you discuss issues related to parenting styles, strategies, and my child's emotional and social development?

Questions about their office policies and logistics:

• What is your schedule for well-baby checkups, and how far in advance do appointments need to be scheduled?
• Do you offer same-day sick appointments or walk-in visits?
• What are your office hours? Are you available during evenings and weekends?
• What are your after-hour policies and emergency procedures?
• Is this a solo or group practice? If it's a group practice, how often will we see the other providers?
• Do you offer telemedicine or virtual appointments?
• How do you handle routine, non-emergency questions? Do you have specific call-in hours?
• Do you respond to emails or phone calls for non-urgent matters? How quickly do you typically respond?
• Will your initial meeting with my baby be at the hospital or during the first checkup?
• Do you have separate waiting rooms for sick and well-child visits?
• What tests and procedures are handled in the office, and which ones are done elsewhere?
• Do you accept my insurance plan?
• What are your billing and payment policies?
• Are there any additional fees or charges, such as for filling out forms or annual fees?
• Which hospital are you affiliated with?
• What specialists are on staff or do you refer to?
• Is there a dedicated phone line for parents to call with urgent questions or concerns?
• What is the average wait time for sick and well-child visits?
• Are there any restrictions on which provider my child can see?

Questions about your comfort and impression of the practice:

• Did I feel comfortable and respected in the presence of this provider?
• Did the provider seem compassionate, patient, and willing to answer my questions?
• Was the office clean, and did it have a kid-friendly waiting area with toys and books?
• Was the office conveniently located, easily accessible, and offer adequate parking?
• Was the office staff helpful and friendly?
• How long did I have to wait to schedule the interview and to see the doctor?

Remember, there are no "right" or "wrong" answers to these questions. The goal is to find a pediatrician whose experience, qualifications, philosophies, and practices align with your family's needs and values. Trust your instincts and choose a provider with whom you feel comfortable and confident in their care.

Frequently asked questions