Top 7 Things Parents Should Consider When Choosing a Pediatrician

Few decisions feel more important for new parents than choosing a pediatrician. From those first newborn checkups to school physicals, growth spurts, illnesses, and the teenage years, your pediatrician becomes a trusted guide through every stage of childhood.

As you explore your options, here are seven important factors to consider.

1. Is the pediatrician board-certified?

Your child deserves care from a provider specially trained for the needs of growing children. Board-certified pediatricians have specialized training in children’s physical, emotional, behavioral, and developmental health. This expertise can help ensure your child receives age-appropriate care as they grow.

2. Do you feel comfortable and heard?

Trust your instincts. You’ll talk with your child’s pediatrician about everything from feeding and sleep to fevers, milestones, behavior, and mental health. Look for someone who listens carefully, welcomes your questions, and explains things clearly. Feeling comfortable with your child’s doctor can help you feel more confident advocating for their health.

Related: Eczema in Kids: What Parents Should Know

3. Is communication easy?

Parenting is busy enough without playing phone tag. Look for a practice that offers convenient ways to stay connected, such as online scheduling, secure messaging, access to test results, and prescription refill requests. Easy communication can make it simpler to get answers when questions come up.

4. Can you reach someone after hours?

Kids don’t get sick on a schedule. A fever at bedtime or an unexpected health concern over the weekend can leave you wondering what to do. Ask whether the practice offers after-hours access to medical guidance, so you know where to turn when your child needs care outside regular office hours.

5. Is the pediatrician connected to a larger healthcare network?

A pediatrician who is part of a comprehensive network may be able to coordinate more easily with specialists, urgent care centers, hospitals, and emergency departments. This can help keep important health information connected and make navigating care easier for your family.

6. Does the practice focus on the whole child?

Children’s health is about much more than treating illnesses. Look for a practice that considers your child’s physical, behavioral, emotional, and developmental well-being. A whole-child approach also keeps parents involved in decisions and helps make care responsive to your child’s individual needs.

7. Will they help coordinate specialized care if needed?

If your child faces a chronic condition, developmental concern, or complex diagnosis, navigating multiple providers can feel overwhelming. A pediatrician who coordinates care, communicates with specialists, and guides your family through the system makes an enormous difference.

A Partner for Every Stage of Childhood

The right pediatrician partners with your family from infancy through the teenage years. At Nemours Children’s Health, our board-certified pediatricians combine nationally recognized expertise with whole-child, family-centered care backed by a connected network of pediatric specialists.To find a Nemours Children’s pediatrician near you, visit nemours.org.

Sponsored by Nemours Health. Originally published in the November/December 2026 issue of Orlando Parenting Magazine.