Your baby’s first checkup often happens within days of coming home. Choosing a pediatrician before your baby’s delivery means you already know who to call when that day arrives. At Touchpoint Pediatrics in Chatham, NJ, our board-certified pediatricians care for patients from birth to 24 years old. Our complimentary “Meet You” visit lets expectant parents get to know us before their baby arrives. If you’re searching for a pediatrician, here’s how to make that conversation count.
Key Takeaways
- Start your pediatrician search during pregnancy so you have time to compare practices and ask questions before delivery.
- Use a meet-and-greet to learn about the pediatrician’s approach, office policies, newborn care, and communication options.
- You should ask questions about sick visits, after-hours help, vaccines, insurance, location, and hospital affiliations.
- At Touchpoint Pediatrics, our meet-you visit is free, and we proudly serve families in Morristown, Summit, Berkeley Heights, Hoboken, and beyond.
When Should You Start Looking (and Why Does It Help)?
Most families begin their search for a pediatrician early in the third trimester. That leaves time to schedule a visit and confirm insurance coverage before your baby is born. Choosing early also means you can ask what happens after delivery, find out when the pediatrician expects to see your baby, and learn how to schedule the first appointment. You can also learn who to contact if you have concerns about your newborn’s feeding or sleep, which can give you peace of mind as you navigate the transition home.
The Meet-and-Greet: What It Is and What to Bring
A meet-and-greet is a short, relaxed visit with a pediatrician before birth. At Touchpoint Pediatrics, it’s a one-on-one session with Dr. Jennifer Shaw, our founder. We talk through our practice philosophy along with your family’s preferences and goals for your child’s health.
To get the most from your visit, bring:
- Your insurance card and plan details
- Your due date and planned delivery hospital
- A written list of questions
- Your partner or another caregiver, if possible
If you have specific concerns about feeding or newborn care, add those to your list as well.
Questions to Ask a Pediatrician Before Delivery
Your questions should cover both medical care and the day-to-day experience of visiting the office. The following topics can help you understand what support will look like after your baby is born.
Questions About Care and Communication
Babies don’t always get sick during office hours, which is why you should ask how the office handles urgent questions and unexpected illness:
- Are same-day sick visits available?
- Will a board certified doctor be seeing our children at office visits?
- Who answers calls after hours, on weekends, and on holidays?
- Is there a nurse line or clinical staff line I can call with questions?
- Can I message the office or book online?
- Do you offer telehealth?
At Touchpoint Pediatrics, our pediatricians are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When you call after hours, you speak directly with one of our physicians. You can also use our Patient Portal to request appointments, schedule a telehealth visit, or view your child’s records.
Questions to Ask About Newborn Care
Ask when your baby should have their first office visit and how follow-up appointments are scheduled. You may also want to discuss feeding support, expected weight checks, and when to call about concerns such as reflux, sleep, or skin changes. We provide resources for new moms, including information about breastfeeding and common infant concerns.
Questions to Ask About Vaccines and Preventive Care
A meet-and-greet is a great time to get to know the pediatrician’s approach to immunizations and well-child care. You should ask:
- Which vaccine schedule do you follow?
- Is there flexibility?
- What screenings happen at well visits?
- How do you track growth and milestones between visits?
At Touchpoint Pediatrics, we follow immunization guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). We require new patients to receive recommended immunizations, while allowing flexible scheduling.
Questions to Ask About Logistics
When you’re driving a fussy newborn to a new doctor, the last thing you want to worry about is the small details. You should ask about:
- Office location and parking
- Hours, including weekends
- Accepted insurance plans
- Hospital affiliations
We’re located at 17 Watchung Avenue in Chatham and are affiliated with Morristown Medical Center, Overlook Medical Center, and Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. We accept most major insurance plans and see patients Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday mornings. Our doctors are on call 24/7.
Meet Your Future Pediatrician at Touchpoint Pediatrics
If you’re expecting, choosing a pediatrician before your baby arrives gives you a place to turn when you need it. At Touchpoint Pediatrics, we treat our patients like family. Our physicians get to know your child’s health history and are there when you need us around the clock. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary meet and greet.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Choose a Pediatrician
How far along should I be when I choose a pediatrician?
Early in the third trimester works well for most families. It leaves time to meet possible pediatricians, learn care philosophies, and confirm insurance coverage.
What happens if I don’t choose a pediatrician before delivery?
A hospital pediatrician may examine your baby after birth. You’ll still need to choose a pediatrician for follow-up visits after you go home.
Can I switch pediatricians later?
If you’re transferring to Touchpoint Pediatrics, complete our Transfer of Records form and send it to your previous pediatrician to begin the records-transfer process.
