Choosing a doctor to care for your baby is one of the most important decisions parents make. You and your child will see this physician regularly for up to 18 years. A child's pediatrician does more than just treat illness. He or she will help you develop a comfortable style of parenting which will allow you and your partner to gain confidence in yourselves as parents.

The best time to select your baby's doctor is before the baby is born. You can start by making a "prenatal visit" to interview and get acquainted with a physician. This is usually arranged during the last trimester, although it can be scheduled at anytime during the pregnancy. Many new parents interview three or four doctors before making their decision. Some physicians charge for the "prenatal visit" and others do not. Expect to spend approximately 15 to 20 minutes with the doctor.

We have done many prenatal interviews over our pediatric careers. Many parents come into the office with long lists of questions, usually taken from various parenting books. Others, especially first time parents, are uncertain about what to ask. In the latter situation, the pediatrician will usually ask the parents questions "to get the ball rolling."

Most new parents usually begin the interview by asking practical questions such as how the doctor can be reached? How often are the visits? What are the office hours? Is it office policy to have certain "telephone" hours or can you call with non-emergency questions anytime? How are after-hour problems handled? What insurance does the doctor accept? Who covers for the doctor when he or she is not available?

You can also ask the doctor where he or she went to medical school, did his or her training, is he or she board certified, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and what hospitals is he or she affiliated. Parents have frequently ask us what we like most about being a pediatrician and if we have any children of our own.

Concerning medical issues, it is best to be general in your questioning. How do you feel about breast feeding? What formula do you recommend if we cannot breast feed? If we have a boy, how do you feel about circumcision? How do you feel about antibiotics? Alternative medicine? Immunizations? How soon after the baby is born will he or she be examined? When is my first visit in the office with my new baby?

The prenatal visit is not one-sided. It gives the physician a chance to introduce himself or herself, the practice and staff. In addition, the physician may ask the parents-to-be specific questions: How is the pregnancy going? Is mom on any medication? Any problems? Are there any family medical problems or genetic diseases? Any smokers in the house? Who will be home to help mom take care of the baby once they are discharged? Any other children? Have you prepared the other children for the new arrival? Have the parents purchased an approved car seat for the baby?

Expectant parents have a lot on their minds and often the last thing they think about is finding a pediatrician. While there are a number of ways to decide on a doctor for your baby - referrals from your obstetrician, friends, area hospitals and county medical societies - there is nothing like using the prenatal interview to search out the best physician to care for your child.