Picking a pediatrician feels like one of those things you’ll “get to later” until you realize you need one before your baby even comes home from the hospital. I remember staring at my insurance portal, seeing a list of twenty pediatricians in my area, and thinking, great, easy. But once I started calling around at 36 weeks pregnant, half of them weren’t accepting new patients. By the fifth “sorry, we’re full,” I realized this was going to take more digging than I expected.

Here’s what helped me narrow it down and what I wish I’d known before those first frantic phone calls.

Start Earlier Than You Think

If you’re pregnant, start looking for a pediatrician by 30 to 34 weeks. I waited until 36 weeks, and it was stressful. Many practices fill up quickly, and some hospitals even require you to have a pediatrician’s name on file before delivery so they can do the first check-up.

Starting earlier gives you time to find someone who’s the right fit, not just whoever happens to have an opening.

Don’t Just Go by the Insurance List

The insurance website was a helpful starting point, but it wasn’t accurate. Just because someone appears “in-network” doesn’t mean they’re taking new patients. I had to call nearly every office to confirm, and that’s when I learned which ones had friendly, organized staff and which ones didn’t. That experience alone told me a lot about how things might go later.

If you’re in the same boat, make a short list of five or six options from your insurance site and call them directly. The tone of the front desk staff says more than you’d think.

What I Prioritized

Once I started getting callbacks and openings, I got more intentional about what mattered to me.

  1. A younger doctor – I wanted someone who could be with us long-term, ideally through my baby’s entire childhood. I also find that younger doctors tend to stay current on new research, evolving guidance, and tech, which gives me peace of mind.

  2. A data-driven approach – I’m someone who likes to see the numbers. I want to review charts, track growth trends, and talk through them so I’m not spiraling later on. I needed a pediatrician who values data too and doesn’t mind explaining it in detail.

  3. MyChart communication – This was non-negotiable. I wanted a doctor who was responsive through MyChart, the kind where you can send a photo of a rash at 2 a.m. and have a response by 8 a.m. I didn’t want to feel like every question needed an appointment or a call.

  4. Hospital affiliation and hours – I checked which hospitals they were connected to, how they handled after-hours calls, and if they offered early-morning or weekend sick visits. Those small details make a big difference once the baby is here.

Ask the Right Questions

When you find a few you’re interested in, schedule a new-parent meet and greet or quick phone consult. Some questions worth asking:

  • How do you handle same-day sick visits?
  • What’s your approach to antibiotics and vaccines?
  • How responsive are you to portal messages or photos?
  • Do you rotate through doctors, or will we have one consistent provider?
  • How do you handle after-hours or weekend issues?

You’ll quickly get a sense of how they communicate and how hands-on they are with parents.

Look Beyond Credentials

I used to think the most important thing was the degrees on the wall, but once you’re actually in the newborn phase, bedside manner and accessibility matter so much more.

Pay attention to how calm they make you feel when you ask “is this normal?” questions. Do they take your concerns seriously? Do they explain things clearly without rushing? Those moments tell you if you’ve found someone who’s the right fit.

My Experience

I ended up choosing a younger pediatrician who felt current, responsive, and thoughtful. She’s quick to answer messages through MyChart, and I love knowing I can send a photo if something pops up overnight. Her office is organized, close to home, and her staff is kind, which goes a long way when you’re exhausted and running late with a baby in tow.

It’s a relief to have a doctor who treats me like a partner, not just a parent who worries too much.

What I Wish I Knew

I wish I’d started earlier. I wish I’d known how many offices weren’t taking new patients. And I wish someone had told me it’s okay to prioritize things like data, tech, and communication.

Finding a pediatrician isn’t about perfection. It’s about trust and accessibility. You’ll know when you’ve found the right one because you leave the visit calmer than when you walked in.

And that peace of mind is worth every call and email.