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Choosing a pediatrician for your baby

When to choose, what to check, questions to ask at a meet and greet, well-child visits and vaccines, and help without insurance.

Quick answer

Choose a pediatrician in the last few months of pregnancy, since the first checkup often comes a few days after you leave the hospital. Check that they’re in your insurance network, close by, with workable hours, an after-hours line, and accepting new patients. Meet them if you can and ask how nights and sick visits work. Plan for regular well-child visits and vaccines. Community health centers and the Vaccines for Children program help families without insurance.

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Your checklist

  • Choose before the baby arrives
  • Check the insurance network
  • Check location, hours and after-hours line
  • Meet them if you can
  • Plan well-child visits and vaccines
  • Ask about free vaccine programs

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When to choose

Ideally in the last few months of pregnancy. Your baby’s first checkup usually happens within a few days of leaving the hospital.

What to check

  • In your insurance network (or accepts Medicaid/CHIP if you have it).
  • Location and office hours that fit your life.
  • An after-hours phone line or nurse line.
  • Accepting new patients.
  • Pediatrician, family doctor, or nurse practitioner: all can care for babies.

Meet and greet

Many practices offer a short visit. Ask:

  • Who answers calls at night and on weekends?
  • How quickly can I get a sick visit?
  • How do you communicate (portal, phone)?
  • What’s your approach to vaccines and feeding support?

Well-child visits

Babies have many checkups in the first two years for growth, development and vaccines. Keep a record and bring questions.

Without insurance

Community health centers see children regardless of insurance. The Vaccines for Children program provides free vaccines for eligible kids. Check Medicaid and CHIP too.

Official sources, and where to look

To find your local office, search for:

  • pediatrician accepting new patients [your insurance]
  • Vaccines for Children provider near me

Pick sites that end in .gov. Official forms are almost always free.

Common questions

Can a family doctor see my baby instead of a pediatrician?

Yes. Family medicine doctors and nurse practitioners also care for babies. Choose someone you trust and can reach. More ›

Can I switch pediatricians later?

Yes. Ask for your child’s records to be sent to the new office. More ›

When should I choose a pediatrician?

Ideally in the last few months of pregnancy, so you’re ready for the first checkup a few days after birth. More ›

What questions should I ask a pediatrician?

Who answers after-hours calls, how fast you can get sick visits, how they communicate, and their approach to vaccines and feeding support. More ›

How often does a baby see the doctor in the first year?

Many times: usually within days of birth, then at about 1, 2, 4, 6, 9 and 12 months, depending on your doctor’s schedule. More ›

What is the Vaccines for Children program?

A federal program that provides free vaccines to eligible children, such as those on Medicaid, uninsured or underinsured. More ›

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Not yet reviewed by an expert. Last checked 2026-10-29. This is general help, not legal, medical or professional advice. Rules are different in every state.