Choosing a Pediatrician 

Your baby’s doctor isn’t just there for checkups — they’re a trusted guide who can support you with everything from feeding questions to sleep struggles to tracking your child’s growth and development.

Finding the right fit early on can give you peace of mind, knowing you have a partner to lean on as you enter this new chapter.

When to Start Looking

Many parents begin looking for a pediatrician during the second trimester of pregnancy. Starting early gives you plenty of time to think about what matters most to you and to feel confident about your choice before your baby arrives.

One of the best ways to begin is by asking trusted friends, family, or parenting groups for recommendations. You can also use our Find a Provider tool to search Sutter Health pediatricians by name, location, or specialty.

Focus on Location and Hospital Affiliation

In the first year, babies need frequent checkups — sometimes every few weeks. Having a pediatrician close to home or work makes those visits much easier, especially when you’re balancing newborn life, errands, and sleep schedules. Convenience can make a big difference in lowering stress.

It’s also a good idea to choose a pediatric provider who rounds at the hospital or birth center where you are delivering. This means they can meet your baby shortly after birth, check in during your hospital stay, and begin building a relationship from day one.

Pediatricians at Sutter

No matter which Sutter pediatrician you choose, you can feel confident that your baby will be in good hands. Our doctors and care teams are dedicated to providing:

• Expert medical care for babies, children and teens
• Support for parents, from feeding and sleep advice to guidance on developmental milestones
• Convenient services like online messaging, appointment scheduling and prescription refills
• Collaboration with hospitals, so your baby receives seamless care from birth onward

Choosing your baby’s doctor is an important step, but you don’t have to overthink it. The most important thing is knowing you’ll have a caring, knowledgeable partner to walk alongside you as you navigate parenthood. At Sutter, every one of our pediatricians is ready to provide the care and support your family needs.