Newborn Care Made Easy: Picking the Right Pediatrician in Charlottesville & Crozet

Why It’s Important to Have a Pediatrician You Are Comfortable With

When I think about the early days with my kids, one thing that brought me peace of mind was having a pediatrician I completely trusted. With my second child, I remember how our pediatrician came to the hospital the day after he was born. She looked him over right there in the hospital room, answered all my questions (even the ones I felt silly asking), and reassured me that he was doing perfectly fine. That experience reminded me how invaluable it is to have a doctor who genuinely cares, listens, and puts you at ease.

A pediatrician isn’t just someone you see for checkups; they’re a partner in your parenting journey. Feeling comfortable with them means you can have honest conversations about everything from newborn sleep struggles to what to do when your baby catches their first cold.

How to Find and Meet a Pediatrician Before Your Baby Arrives

If you’re expecting, I can’t stress enough how important it is to find a pediatrician before your little one arrives. When you’re sleep-deprived and adjusting to life with a newborn, you’ll be so grateful to have this already checked off your list.

Start your search in your second trimester, giving yourself time to do some research and meet a few pediatricians in person. Many offer prenatal consultations (yes, it’s a thing!), which is a great opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for their personality and approach to care.

Here are some things to consider:

• Ask friends, family, or your OB for recommendations. Word of mouth is gold!
• Look up their credentials to ensure they’re board-certified.
• Find out their office hours, after-hours care options, and whether they’re accepting new patients.
• Think about the office location and how easy it will be to get there with a baby in tow.

Local Pediatricians in Crozet and Charlottesville, Virginia

We’re fortunate to have some fantastic pediatricians in the area!

Piedmont Pediatrics

located at 1503 Rugby Road

in Charlottesville & Jarmans Gap in Crozet, it has a wonderful reputation for providing personalized care for children from birth through college.

Pediatric Associates

Another great option with their main office at 1011 East Jefferson Street and additional locations in North Charlottesville, West Charlottesville, and Zion Crossroads.

Crozet Family Medicine

If you’re in Crozet at 1646 Park Ridge Drive. They offer family care, including pediatric services, and are welcoming new patients.

Key Considerations When Choosing a Pediatrician

When I was searching for our pediatrician, a few things were non-negotiable for me. Office hours were a big one—I needed to know I could reach them if something came up. I also wanted to know they were available for same-day sick visits (because babies always seem to get sick at the most inconvenient times). And, most importantly, I wanted someone who listened without judgment and truly cared about my family. One thing I loved about Piedmont Peds is their weekend hours. Children get sick 7 days a week and not every visit is a emergency room visit.

It’s also helpful to ask about their stance on things like vaccinations, breastfeeding support, and how they handle common childhood illnesses. These are all things you’ll want to align on to feel confident in your choice.

Finding the right pediatrician is about more than just convenience—it’s about finding someone who feels like a partner in your child’s health. Meeting them before your baby is born gives you the chance to start building that relationship early, so you feel prepared and supported from day one.

As you prepare for your little one’s arrival, don’t forget to capture those fleeting newborn moments! I’d love to help you create timeless memories of this special season with a cozy, artistic newborn photography session in my studio. You focus on finding the perfect pediatrician, and I’ll take care of preserving your baby’s first days in photos you’ll treasure forever.

Ready to chat about booking your newborn session? Contact me today to learn more about my process and availability!