It is a good idea for parents-to-be to choose a pediatrician 2-3 months before the baby is due. This is an important decision to make, so make sure you allow yourself plenty of time to meet with pediatricians in your area, check out their offices, and feel secure with your choice well in advance of the birth of your baby. When you are new to an area, start by searching for Pediatricians on your insurance company's website or try the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Find a Pediatrician tool. Look at online reviews and ratings, but proceed with caution if you are unsure.

Soon after your baby is born, they will be seen for their first visit by a pediatrician or family doctor. As part of that visit, a physician will take a physical examination to check your baby's general health, check their newborn reflexes, and give you guidance on how to adjust to any weight or feeding issues that may be occurring. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that parents should bring their children with wellness visits with their pediatrician at least 7 times between the ages of 1 and 4. However, every child is different, so you may need to take your child to the doctor more frequently. 

It is common for many families to go to the doctor for the first time at the age of 2 weeks for their babies' well-baby visit. As part of your well-baby check-up, your doctor will examine your baby, and it is also a chance for you and your doctor to become closer. In the course of your baby's journey, you may have questions about how he or she appears, behaves, eats, and sleeps.

Here are some questions you should ask your pediatrician during the first visit:

• Does my baby need to be fed on a schedule?
• What is the best way to tell if my baby ate enough?
• What is the best way to store breast milk?
• Can I give my baby more breast milk if he or she isn't drinking enough?
• Can I tell if my baby gets enough vitamin D and iron?
• Is it a good idea to give my baby supplements?

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A child's next scheduled visit is usually between the ages of 2 and 4 weeks, once the baby has been feeding well and gaining weight. Different pediatric offices handle their schedule for the first 1-2 months in a little different way. To learn more about your newborn's health and the check-up schedule, please refer to Your Newborn's Health. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that children get a check-up at birth, 3 to 5 days after birth, and then again at 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and 24 months, depending on the specific pediatrician's schedule.

Getting a well-child visit is essential for many reasons, including Tracking growth and development milestones and discussing any concerns you may have concerning the health of your child. Getting the required vaccinations to prevent diseases like measles, whooping cough, and other serious ones.

When Choosing a Pediatrician, do your research. Verify credentials and experience. Check if your pediatrician accepts your health insurance and if he or she is accepting new patients. Find out if the pediatrician is available and easy to get to. Find out how the doctor interacts with your baby.

Read these interesting articles about babies:

30 Fun Facts About Babies

The First 1,000 Days Of A Baby's Life

Understanding Your Baby's Brain

Top 10 Baby Cues And What They Actually Mean