If you’re expecting your first baby, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by what seems like a never-ending to-do list. But between getting the nursery ready and packing your hospital bag, there’s another big decision to make: choosing a pediatrician.

It’s common to think of a pediatrician as the doctor you call when your child is sick. But they play a key role in your child’s wellness at every phase from birth through young adulthood. They track growth, celebrate milestones, and help you sort through the questions that come with being a new parent.

“Pediatrics is a team effort,” says Karen Agnew, MD, a pediatrician at Cincinnati Children’s Loveland Primary Care. “We work alongside families to make sure children grow up healthy, safe and developmentally on track.”

Here are the five things to look for to find the right fit for your family.

1. Start looking during pregancy.
2. Go beyond credentials.
3. Consider convenience.
4. Think about built-in support.
5. Trust your instincts.

1. Start Looking During Pregnancy

Dr. Agnew recommends choosing a pediatrician about three months before your due date. Many hospitals will ask who your baby’s doctor will be when you deliver. Your newborn’s first visit is usually a few days after you return home.

Meeting your pediatrician ahead of time can ease anxiety before your baby arrives. A prenatal consultation often includes an open conversation and office tour. You’ll have the chance to learn about the practice, ask questions and see if it’s a good match.

“Families should feel comfortable with their pediatrician,” says Dr. Agnew. “It’s the start of a long-term relationship.”

2. Go Beyond Credentials

Board certification and medical training matter, but so do communication style and care approach. Dr. Agnew encourages parents to look for someone who is:

• Encouraging and respectful
• Open to questions
• Trustworthy and patient
• Willing to explain things clearly

“There’s so much information out there, and not all of it is accurate,” she says. “Parents deserve evidence-based guidance and a space where they feel heard and supported.”

3. Consider Convenience

As a first-time parent, your schedule may feel unpredictable. In your baby’s first year, you’ll have at least seven well-child visits, along with any sick visits. Convenient location, office hours, online resources and insurance coverage can make appointments easier to manage.

Dr. Agnew recommends asking about:

• Accepted insurance plans
• After-hours support
• Evening or weekend availability
• Online messaging through tools like MyChart
• Same-day sick visits

4. Think About Built-In Support

Another factor families may overlook is the range of services available within the practice. At Cincinnati Children’s primary care offices, you have access to integrated behavioral health specialists, lactation support and more. If your child needs advanced care, pediatricians collaborate across teams to quickly connect you with the right specialists.

Dr. Agnew also emphasizes the benefits of having the same pediatrician over time.

“When we know your child’s medical and family history, it prevents information gaps that can sometimes happen when visiting multiple clinics,” she says. “That continuity helps us provide more seamless, effective care.”

5. Trust Your Instincts

Picking a pediatrician is one of the first big decisions you’ll make for your newborn. Word of mouth, online reviews and provider bios can help narrow your search. But when you find the right fit, you’ll know.

Welcoming your first baby comes with plenty of new decisions. The right pediatrician will shape your child’s care for years to come. “Take your time. Ask questions,” Dr. Agnew says.