Choosing a Paediatrician: What to Ask Before Baby Arrives

By Ambuj Shrivastava
Updated: 8 Oct 2025, 3:30 pm

Finding the right paediatrician sets the foundation for your baby’s health in those crucial early years. A good paediatrician monitors growth, vaccinations, and overall development while guiding you through common newborn concerns. Before your baby arrives, it helps to know what to ask and what to look for in a clinic.

Pregatips
Choosing a paediatrician is one of the first big decisions you’ll make as a parent. It might feel a bit confusing with so many names, reviews, and advice coming your way, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. The goal is to find a doctor you trust, who makes you feel comfortable, and who can guide you through the early months of your baby’s life.
In this article:
Before your little one arrives, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what matters most to you in a doctor. You might care about their experience, their approach to newborn care, or how easy it is to reach them when you have questions. Meeting potential paediatricians before your baby is born gives you a chance to ask these questions, check out the clinic, and get a sense of their work.

When to Start Looking for a Paediatrician

You might find it helpful to start searching for a paediatrician during your second trimester. This gives you enough time to explore options, visit clinics, and make a decision without feeling rushed. By the time you reach your third trimester, it’s good to have someone in mind so you can meet them and feel more at ease.
That said, you can absolutely choose a doctor after your baby is born if needed. Many parents make that decision afterwards and manage just fine. Still, having a paediatrician lined up beforehand takes a load off your shoulders. It means you can spend those first few days simply enjoying time with your newborn instead of stressing about finding care.
Typically, your baby will need their first check-up within 2 to 3 days after leaving the hospital. This is to make sure feeding, weight, and early health checks are on track. If the paediatrician you choose is affiliated with your hospital, they might even examine your baby before discharge.

Key Questions to Ask During a Prenatal Visit

A prenatal meet-and-greet is a great way to see if a paediatrician is the right fit for you and your baby. It’s not a formal interview, more like a relaxed conversation where you can get to know each other.
To make it simple, you can group your questions by topic:

After Your Baby Arrives

  • Which hospitals are you affiliated with?
  • How soon will you examine my newborn?
  • When’s the first office visit?
  • How often will my baby need check-ups?

About the Clinic and Appointments

  • How can I reach you? Is it by phone, app, or online portal?
  • What are your office hours? Look for early mornings, evenings, or weekends if you’re working parents.
  • How quickly can I get a routine appointment? Check if same-day slots are available for sick visits.
  • How long is a typical visit?
  • Who covers if you’re unavailable? It might be another paediatrician or a nurse practitioner.

About the Paediatrician

  • How long have you been practising? Experience with newborns is a plus.
  • Why did you choose paediatrics? Their answer can reveal their passion and approach.
  • How do you handle newborn care? Ask about their experience with common infant issues.

Handling Urgent Needs and Illness

  • Can I get a same-day appointment if my child is sick?
  • Are there set telephone hours, or can I call anytime with concerns?
  • How do you manage after-hours emergencies? Is a paediatrician on call 24/7?
  • Do you offer teleconsultations? This can be a lifesaver in busy Indian cities.

About Fees

  • What are your consultation charges?
  • Are emergency visits or after-hours calls billed separately?
  • Do you accept insurance or only self-pay?

Things to Observe at the Clinic

When you visit, keep an eye out for more than just the doctor. The clinic’s environment matters too.
These are a few things worth noticing:
  • Staff: Are they warm and welcoming? A friendly team makes tough days easier.
  • Cleanliness: Do the rooms and hallways look spotless? Modern and well-kept equipment is always reassuring.
  • Child-friendly setup: Look for colourful walls, toys, or kid-sized tools that help create a cheerful atmosphere for kids.
  • Location and access: Is the clinic close to your home or workplace? Is parking easy, or is public transport nearby?

Paediatrician Vs Family Doctor

You might be thinking whether you really need a paediatrician or if your family doctor can handle your baby’s care.
Here’s the difference:
  • Paediatricians specialise in kids from birth to teens. They focus on newborn care, vaccinations, and tracking growth milestones.
  • Family doctors see patients of all ages. Their knowledge is wider but not as detailed when it comes to babies. But if your family doctor has a paediatrics qualification, such as an MD (Paediatrics) or DNB (Paediatrics), along with good experience in caring for infants, they can be a good choice too.
Choosing a paediatrician is really about finding someone who gives you peace of mind. Take your time, ask the questions that matter, and trust your instincts. You’ll feel more confident stepping into parenthood with the right doctor by your side!
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Choosing a Paediatrician: What to Ask Before Baby Arrives

  1. Can a paediatrician prescribe medication for children?
    Yes, paediatricians can prescribe medications for a wide range of conditions, including infections, chronic illnesses, and behavioural issues.
  2. Can paediatricians treat sleep problems in kids?
    Yes, they can help with sleep issues like insomnia, bedtime resistance, or night terrors.