Finding a pediatrician who is right for your child and your family is an important process. Looking for pediatric care should begin before your baby is even born, but it’s never too late to go through the process carefully and thoroughly. The first thing you should do is ask for referrals and make a list of pediatricians in your area. Then, you should interview each one to get to know him or her better. Which questions you ask are up to you, but here are three that should definitely be on your list.

1. What are your qualifications?
When you’re finding a pediatrician, ask what the pediatrician’s qualifications are and how long he or she has been practicing. He or she will probably tell you where they attended school and where they did their residency (which is about three years long for a pediatrician.) Board-certified pediatricians are required to pass a specialized exam.

2. How can I get in touch with you?
Another question you need to ask a potential pediatrician is how you would be able to get in touch with them. Ask if they are available by phone outside of the hours that their practice is open, so you know how to get in contact if your child gets sick outside of these hours (every parent knows sicknesses don’t follow a schedule). Also ask what the best method of communication is during office hours — like email, phone, or even text message.

3. How many doctors work in your practice?
After finding out what their qualifications are and how you can get in touch with them, find out how many pediatricians work in the practice. If the doctor you’re interviewing is the only one in the practice, find out who would be available in his or her absence. If there are other doctors in the practice, ask about them and what the likelihood is that your child will see them.

Do you have any tips on how to find a pediatrician? Feel free to share them with us in the comments section below.