Expecting & New Parents

Whether you’re welcoming your first child or adding another baby to the family, our team is here to guide you through this exciting time. Get to know our pediatricians, explore what’s ahead, and find a care team you feel comfortable with before your little one arrives.

Why Palmetto FAQs

WE'RE HERE FOR YOU

Trusted Pediatric Care from the Very Beginning

Congratulations as you prepare to welcome your little one! A new baby brings joy, change, and plenty of questions, and Palmetto Pediatrics is here to help you find your footing. Beginning with your baby’s first appointment, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care that supports healthy growth and development. We make room for conversations about feeding, sleep, and everyday concerns, so you feel heard, supported, and more confident as you get to know your newborn and adjust to life together at home.

Our team is dedicated to offering:

  • Practical advice for those first days at home with your baby
  • Newborn checkups and well visits to follow development
  • Personalized care for your child’s changing needs
  • Welcoming conversations with time for your questions
  • A lasting relationship through every stage of childhood

OUR PARTNER HOSPITALS

Newborn Support Close to Home

Our doctors make newborn rounds at Manatee Memorial Hospital and Lakewood Ranch Medical Center. During your baby’s hospital stay, Palmetto Pediatrics providers will visit your newborn, offer attentive care, and answer your questions. We’re here to support your family from your baby’s first days through the transition to care in our office.

WHY CHOOSE PALMETTO

Choosing a pediatrician for your baby's care

Finding the right pediatrician is an important part of preparing for your baby. At Palmetto Pediatrics, we build lasting connections with families through caring, personalized support as children grow. We’re here to help you feel comfortable and confident in your decision.

More About Us

Compassionate, Experienced Pediatricians

Our providers are experienced in infant health, offering guidance on feeding, sleep, development, and more. We take time to listen, answer your questions, and support you through your baby’s first months with reassuring, evidence-based care.

Quality Care Within Your Reach

At Palmetto Pediatrics, we believe quality care should be within reach for every child. We accept most major insurance plans and Florida Medicaid, working with families to make getting the care their children need easier.

24/7 Support & Flexible Access

Newborn questions don’t always come during office hours. With on-call providers available 24/7, same-day sick visits, and extended hours at many locations, you’ll have access to care and guidance whenever you need it most.

Care That Grows With Your Child

As your child grows, our care grows with them. From behavioral health support to specialty services, we provide a connected, whole-child approach designed to support your family for eighteen years to come.

HOW TO GET STARTED

Getting started with Palmetto is simple.

A little preparation helps your baby’s first visit go smoothly. Our team walks you through a few easy steps to have their care in place from the start.

Get Started First Visit Details
  • 1.

    Call to Schedule Baby's First Appointment

    Once your baby arrives, call your nearest Palmetto Pediatrics office to schedule their first visit. Newborns are typically seen within 48–72 hours after hospital discharge, so our team will help arrange a timely appointment and answer your questions.

  • 2.

    Plan Your First Pediatric Visit

    Once your baby’s first visit is booked, set aside their hospital discharge papers, insurance details, newborn screening results, and immunization records in preparation. Include notes about feeding and diaper changes, along with questions for your provider. These details help our team understand your newborn’s needs and prepare for a smooth start to their care.

  • 3.

    Meet Your Baby's Pediatrician

    Your baby’s first appointment is a chance to get to know your provider and begin a lasting partnership in your child’s care. We’ll complete a thorough evaluation, review hospital records, talk about feeding and early development, and take time to answer your questions.

BEFORE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Be prepared and confident for your baby’s first visit.

Your baby’s first visit is an important step in establishing care and ensuring a healthy start. During this appointment, your provider will check your baby’s weight, feeding, and overall well-being, as well as answer any initial questions you may have. Taking a few moments to prepare ahead of time can help make the visit smooth, comfortable, and focused on what matters most—your baby!

Newborn FAQs

What to Bring to Your Newborn Visit

To help your baby’s first appointment go as smoothly as possible, we recommend bringing:

  • Any paperwork from the hospital, including hearing screen results and immunization records
  • Any available insurance information
  • Feeding details or notes from your time in the hospital
  • Plenty of diapers and an extra set of clothes
  • Complete Phreesia check-in forms prior to your appointment
  • Take a moment to review our patient policies prior to the visit

Ready to book your first appointment?

We can’t wait to meet your baby! Call your nearest Palmetto Pediatrics location to establish care and schedule your newborn’s first appointment.

Find a Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Beginning your parenthood journey can be intimidating. Our team is here to help answer your questions and guide you in making informed decisions regarding your child.

  • When should I schedule my baby’s first pediatric appointment?

    Plan to schedule your baby’s first appointment shortly after birth. Newborn visits usually take place within 48–72 hours of hospital discharge or a home or birthing center delivery. Call your nearest Palmetto Pediatrics office, and our team will guide you through scheduling your little one’s first visit.

  • Can I meet the pediatrician before my baby is born?

    Although we don’t hold formal meet-and-greet visits, we welcome questions from expectant families and enjoy helping you get to know our team. Read our providers’ bios online, reach out to our office, or visit one of our locations to become familiar with the practice. We want you to feel comfortable with your decision and confident in your baby’s care team before your little one arrives.

  • How can I best prepare for my baby’s first visit?

    A little planning can help you feel ready for your baby’s first appointment. Complete the check-in forms sent through Phreesia before your visit, and bring hospital discharge papers, details about feeding, and your insurance information. Jotting down questions beforehand can also help you remember what you’d like to discuss with your baby’s provider.

  • How do I know if my insurance is accepted?

    Palmetto Pediatrics accepts most major commercial insurance plans and state Medicaid. Review our accepted insurance plans online to see whether yours is included. If your plan isn’t listed, please call our office—it may still be accepted. Our team can help check your benefits ahead of your child’s first appointment and answer coverage questions. Self-pay options are also available for families paying out of pocket.

  • How should I choose the right pediatrician for my baby?

    Finding a pediatrician starts with choosing someone who feels right for your family. Office location, appointment availability, and how a provider communicates can all help guide your decision. At Palmetto Pediatrics, our providers offer quality, evidence-based care and receive high ratings from families we serve. Whichever provider you select, you can feel comfortable knowing your child has a caring, knowledgeable partner in their health.