As you prepare to welcome your little one, from self-care to baby-proofing your home, the to-do list can feel never-ending! But now it's time to find pediatricians in St. Louis who will be there for your newborn. While you are browsing the top medical experts in the area, you also want to consider warm, approachable, and caring individuals. The best pediatrician for your baby will depend on a combination of where you build the foundation for their health and with whom you create that supportive and trusting partnership.
Choosing the Best Pediatrician for Your Children
Choosing the best pediatrician is vital because babies and children can't express what's wrong when they're unwell. So, a skilled pediatrician assesses their health with the patience and kindness your little one deserves. This will boost your confidence that they’re in safe hands!
This sense of security extends to emergencies too. You'll have a plan on what to do and a trusted doctor who aligns with your practical needs, from convenient location to appointment availability, insurance coverage, and an attentive staff who will listen to your concerns.
When to Start Searching and What to Look For
The best time to start looking for the best pediatrician is during your 2nd trimester. This gives you ample opportunity to find what will work best for your family! But building a relationship with your child’s future pediatrician is tough when you’re unsure how to pinpoint the best choice. As a mom who was in your shoes a few years ago, here’s what I recommend you prioritize when searching for pediatricians.
Referrals
Online reviews can be overwhelming, making personal referrals a more reliable source. If you have family or friends in town, seek their recommendations based on their experiences. For newcomers, though, I suggest participating in online parenting groups to ask for recommendations and then conduct your own research to find the right fit. Remember that what works for other families won’t necessarily work for yours, and vice versa!
Location, Accessibility and Availability
Do you prefer a nearby clinic or traveling across town? Taking your transportation options and convenience into account is important! Additionally, explore their availability, including office hours, same-day appointments, and even walk-ins for unexpected medical needs. Don't overlook confirming if they're accepting new patients, as it streamlines the process of securing care for your little one.
Insurance Compatibility
You got a pediatrician you love, and then you find that your insurance doesn’t cover them...It’s not fun! Make sure they’re within your insurance network first and make notes of logistics like copay fees and deductibles to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket expenses.
Credentials and Affiliations with Hospitals
After compiling a list, read up on their credentials and experience, noting if they have subspecialties that might help with handling complex medical issues. Also consider their hospital affiliations since that’s where your child would be admitted if necessary.
Emergency Services Protocol
Inquire about your chosen pediatrician's emergency services protocol to understand how your child's well-being will be handled during unexpected medical situations during after-hours and on weekends.
Meet Some Of The Best Pediatricians in St. Louis
Having lived in St. Louis and raised my children here, I’ve worked with a few pediatricians I believe are among the best in the greater St. Louis and St. Charles area. I’m sharing the list below to help you get started on your search!
Dr. Randy Agolia, MD | St. Louis Children's Hospital
One Children’s Place St. Louis, MO 63110
I’ve visited Dr. Agolia with my own children and highly recommend his practice! He’s kind and attentive, and I especially love that he was born and raised in St. Louis. He received his B.A. and M.D. at St. Louis University and completed his residency at Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Lorena Buffa, MD | Cloverleaf Pediatrics
5301 Veterans Memorial Parkway, St. Peters, MO 63376
Dr. Buffa is another pediatrician I personally recommend! Her practice philosophy on creating a healthy parent-pediatrician partnership speaks volumes and makes you feel like your children are in the best care! She received her B.A. and M.D. at the University of Missouri and completed her residency at Cardinal Clennon Children’s Hospital too!
Dr. Jennifer Horst, MD | Children’s Clinic
8888 Ladue Road Suite 100, St. Louis, MO 63124
Dr. Horst is a highly recommended pediatrician from mom friends I know. I also personally worked alongside her at St. Louis Children’s Hospital in the emergency department. She is a truly caring individual! She is board certified in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency Medicine. She completed her undergraduate and M.D. from the University of Missouri and did her residency at Washington University in St. Louis.
Dr. Kora Felsch, MD | St. Louis Pediatric Associates
Dr. Felsch completed her B.S. at Boston College but then came to our home state to complete her M.D. at the University of Missouri! Later, she completed her residency in Pediatrics at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Dr. Joel Koenig, MD | Town & Country Pediatrics
3009 N Ballas Rd, Town and Country, MO, United States, 63131
Dr. Koenig founded his practice, which has been serving families since 1990. He completed his undergraduate degree at Yale University and then his M.D. from Vanderbilt Medical School. He also completed a fellowship in Neonatology (a subspecialty that consists of medical care for newborn infants, especially ill and premature newborns) and is board-certified in it too!
Dr. David Hartenbach | Ease Health
Dr. Hartenbach completed his M.D. at the University of Missouri and his residency in Pediatrics at the St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Final Tips for Choosing a Pediatrician In St. Louis
When making the final decision on your child's future pediatrician, consider these 3 tips:
Meet with potential candidates: Ask questions about their childcare approach, ensuring it aligns with your values and preferences
Reflect on your compatibility: Think about the potential for a long-term, trusting relationship with them
Trust your instincts: This will lead you to the perfect fit for your family's healthcare needs
Taking your time to select the right pediatrician is crucial for your child's well-being. And even if you felt you chose right the first time, it's okay to revisit your choice if something feels off! For additional resources, consider checking websites for pediatric associations and directories to further support your search for pediatricians in St. Louis!
I would love to help you with maternity, newborn, children, and family portrait sessions at my home studio in Winghaven, MO or for outdoor portraits in the greater St. Charles and St. Louis County areas.
Get in touch today to customize your dream session!
Sargent Photography is a custom portrait maternity, newborn, and family photographer in O’Fallon, Missouri serving the greater St. Charles and St. Louis area.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed
to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites
