New and Expectant Parents
Call today to schedule an appointment with one of our pediatricians.
As a new or expectant parent, we know you face many decisions, including choosing a pediatrician for your baby. At CHOC Primary Care, we’re here to make that decision as easy as possible. We welcome parents to tour our offices, meet our staff and ask any questions, as you choose a partner for your family during this exciting time.
Our pediatricians offer comprehensive and personalized care so you can feel assured that your baby is in great hands, even before they’re born. With CHOC Primary Care, you’re also choosing more than a great pediatrician—you’re opening the door to one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals and pediatric healthcare networks.
Choosing the Best Pediatrician for Your New Baby
When you’re ready to establish care for your baby, follow these easy steps:
- Choose a CHOC Primary Care office near you, and call to schedule a meet-and-greet with our pediatricians. We suggest calling 3-4 months before your due date, but we welcome your visit at any point in your pregnancy or after your baby is born.
- At the meet-and-greet, you can meet our care team, including pediatricians, nurses and other staff members. You may also tour an office and ask any questions.
- At your delivery hospital or birthing center, you’ll be asked who your baby’s doctor is. Let them know the office you’ve chosen and the name of your preferred pediatrician. You may choose any physician in your insurance network, regardless of the hospital where you deliver.
After Your Baby is Born
You might see your baby’s pediatrician during your hospital stay. Many of our pediatricians have privileges at labor and delivery hospitals in Orange County and beyond, which means they can come visit you when your baby is born.
Your baby’s first exam will be in the hospital. Within a few days after delivery, call our office to schedule your baby’s first office visit.
Frequently Asked Questions for Expectant Parents
When should I get a pediatrician for my newborn?
It can be helpful to start looking for a pediatrician before your due date, though we welcome your call any time after your baby is born. This gives you plenty of time to gather recommendations, check your insurance coverage, compare practices and tour our offices for doctor meet-and-greets before your newborn’s arrival.
When is the first newborn doctor visit?
Newborns will get their first examination in the hospital or within a few days of arriving home. Depending on the baby’s growth, the next appointment can be days, weeks or about a month after that first visit.
How many doctor visits will I have for a newborn in the first year?
Babies will have at least six visits to the doctor within their first year of life to make sure they are growing and developing at a healthy rate. It is normal for some babies to have more visits to the pediatrician.
What happens if my newborn gets sick?
It’s very normal for newborns to get sick. Call your pediatrician’s office or our free, 24/7 nurse advice line at 1-844-GET-CHOC to find out what steps you can take at home or to make an appointment for a sick visit.
Does CHOC Primary Care have a vaccine policy?
Please learn more about our Immunization Policy here.
Take the first step in your baby’s health journey. Get to know our team, and find the perfect doctor for your new arrival. We can’t wait to watch your child grow and thrive.
What to Ask When Picking a Pediatrician for Your Newborn
Is the doctor covered under my insurance or Medi-Cal coverage?
How often should I expect to bring my baby into the clinic?
What are the office hours?
Should I call the office if there is a medical emergency for my baby?
How close to home is the clinic? Is it easy to get there with a newborn?
How will the clinic communicate with me?
Does the office offer telehealth appointments?
Will the pediatrician visit my baby in the hospital? Or after we are discharged?
Is the clinic’s healthcare philosophy well-aligned with my family values?
Remember, no question should feel off-limits. We’re here to listen and answer anything on your mind with care and compassion.
What Should New Parents Expect in the First Few Months
The first few months of your baby’s life—often called the “fourth trimester”—can be exciting and challenging. It’s normal for new parents to have questions and concerns, and a pediatrician can be a great resource. By starting your pediatrician search before your due date, you’ll have a trusted support team ready before your baby comes, once they’re born and through their first milestones.
Here are some common things expectant and new parents often ask us about:
Feeding
Bonding with your baby
Sleep routines
Swaddling
Safe sleep methods
Soothing techniques
Diapering
Bathing
Umbilical cord care
Fevers
Illnesses
Whatever you need, we’re here to help you and your baby feel prepared, confident and supported. Read CHOC’s Guide for First-Time Parents for more on caring for your newborn.
Understanding Baby Growth and Development Milestones
Expectant parents often want to know what pediatricians look for when their baby arrives for a check-up. During those first visits—which can begin soon after arriving home—your doctor will watch how your baby grows to make sure they are on the right path. Here are the key areas of your baby’s development they will track:
Physical Growth
Your baby’s growth is a major sign of healthy development. This includes weight, length and the size of their head. At every check-up, your doctor will measure these things to make sure your baby is growing at a healthy pace.
Emotional and Behavioral Development
This is how your baby connects with other people. By around two months, they may start to show simple emotions, like happiness when you’re with them or fussiness when they’re tired or hungry.
Brain Development
A baby’s brain grows very quickly. This helps them learn about the world around them. During this time, your baby will start to use their senses—sight, sound, touch, taste and smell—to explore their surroundings.
Speech and Language
In the first few months, babies make many sounds, like cooing and gurgling. Pediatricians will listen for these sounds and may ask you questions about how your baby responds to your voice and other noises.
Motor Skills
Motor skills—or how a baby uses their body and muscles—are a big part of your baby’s development. As your baby grows, doctors will track how they hold up their head, grasp objects and use their hands.
Hearing and Visual
Pediatricians will regularly assess your baby’s hearing and vision and ask you questions to find out if your baby’s ears and eyesight work well.
Growth and Weight
Growth is a crucial indicator of your baby’s health. Your pediatrician will closely monitor your baby’s weight gain to make sure that your baby is eating well and thriving.
Eating and Nutrition
In the first few months, your baby’s diet is mostly breast milk, formula or a mix of both. Your doctor will help ensure your baby is getting the nutrition they need to grow strong and healthy.
Check out our Ages and Stages Guide to learn more about development milestones for babies.