You've read all the baby books. You've picked a name. You've decorated the nursery. You've registered for all the baby must-haves. You've baby proofed your home.  Check, check, check, check, and check. There's just one minor thing left on your baby to-do list: You have to pick the perfect pediatrician. Sounds simple enough - wrong. Only a person NOT having a baby would think that. It's one of those important decisions that weighs heavily on you. Finding someone you truly trust with the care and health of your baby can seem daunting. There's a lot to consider, and you definitely have need to make a choice. Before you have a mini meltdown, check out these helpful little tips:

1. Family Health Insurance
   You may want to begin your search by reviewing some of the basics. The process of picking a pediatrician can begin with health insurance, so you'll need to review your plan to see which doctors are available to you. Depending on your health care plan, you may have to stick with a list of physicians within your plan's network.
2. Pediatrics 101
   Some people assume that all doctors are alike - they're not. Just because they wear the same white coat, it doesn't mean they have the same skills or qualifications. Find out if your potential pediatrician is board certified in pediatrics.
3. Location Is Key
   Your pediatrician's location is a lot like real estate - location is key. Ideally, it would be convenient for your pediatrician's office to be located close to your home. This will be a convenient and helpful for those stressful moments when you're worried about your baby. It's natural for new parents to have worries, and only the pediatrician can put those to rest.
4. Getting To Know You
   The best way to know whether you like a pediatrician is to visit them. Visit their office, and come with a list of questions you may have. You may also want to meet the other doctors in their practice. In short, you want to feel comfortable. You can only feel that way if you interview the potential candidate. Remember, there are no dumb questions. Ask anything and everything. It is important that you feel completely comfortable with your baby's pediatrician. Know whether your candidate is available on a 24-hour basis, and ask what their regular office hours.
5. Referrals Are The Best
   Sometimes finding the perfect pediatrician is as simple as asking family and friends. Word of mouth is the best referral system. We ask people for their input all the time. Was that movie good? Where did you get that cute dress? Who does your hair? Is that restaurant good? Do you like so-and-so? Getting information from the people you know, trust, and love is the best.  Ask new and older parents what pediatrician they use(d). Their feedback could help you narrow down your list.