Key takeaways: Pediatricians specialize in children; family physicians care for all ages, including newborns; nurse practitioners, especially pediatric nurse practitioners, provide well and sick care. All can provide high-quality care for healthy babies. Consider training, availability, after-hours access, and fit with your family.
You’ll see your baby’s clinician often in the first year. Here’s how to choose.
Pediatricians
- Training: medical school plus a 3-year pediatric residency.
- Board certification through the American Board of Pediatrics.
- Focus: only infants, children, and teens.
- Good fit for: any family, and especially babies with medical complexity.
Family Physicians
- Training: medical school plus a 3-year family medicine residency, including pediatrics.
- Board certification through the American Board of Family Medicine.
- Focus: all ages.
- Good fit for: families who want one clinician for everyone, and rural areas where pediatricians are less available.
Nurse Practitioners
- Pediatric nurse practitioners (PNPs) and family nurse practitioners (FNPs) are advanced practice registered nurses with graduate degrees.
- Certification: PNPs are certified through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board; FNPs through other national boards.
- Scope: NPs can provide well-child care, sick visits, and prescriptions. Scope of practice varies by state.
- Often work in practices with physicians.
Physician Assistants
PAs also see children in many practices, working with physicians.
What to Consider
- Office hours and after-hours advice.
- Same-day sick visits.
- Hospital affiliation.
- Approach to vaccines, breastfeeding support, and communication.
- Insurance coverage.
- Location.
The Bottom Line
Pediatricians, family physicians, and NPs can all care for your baby well. Choose a clinician and practice that fit your family’s needs.
Want more support for your baby’s first year? My book, From First Breath to First Birthday, is available on Amazon.
Sources
- American Board of Pediatrics. https://www.abp.org
- American Board of Family Medicine. https://www.theabfm.org
- Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. https://www.pncb.org
- American Academy of Pediatrics. How to choose a pediatrician. HealthyChildren.org. https://www.healthychildren.org
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Always talk with your baby’s health care provider or your own provider about your specific situation. If you think your baby or you may have a medical emergency, call 911.
