Questions to Ask Your Child's Pediatrician

If this is your first baby, you're probably bursting at the seams with questions about your little one. Here is a list of common questions to get you started. Print it up and take it to your child's next checkup.

Feeding Baby

I'm breastfeeding my baby; are there any medications, foods or beverages I should avoid?
Are there any foods that will improve my breast milk?
I'm bottle-feeding my baby; what formula do you recommend?
How often should my baby be nursing/bottle-feeding?
How much should I feed my baby at each sitting?

Soothing Baby

What are some ways to soothe my crying baby?
Should I offer my baby a pacifier?
Should I let my baby sleep in the swing?

Body Care Questions

How should I trim my baby's nails?
How often should I bathe my baby?
What kind of soap/shampoo should I use on my baby?
What should I use to treat diaper rash?

Sleeping Questions

What do you recommend as the best or safest sleeping arrangement?
How should I dress my baby to sleep?
How much sleep does my baby need?

Nutrition Questions

When should I start feeding my baby solid foods?
What foods should I abstain from feeding my child before he is one year old?
What are some common signs of a food allergy?
Should I give my child a daily multivitamin?

Health/Safety Questions

How long should I wait before I let visitors hold my newborn baby?
What if my child gets sick on a weekend?
What is the protocol in the case of a medical emergency?
What are some alternative ways to reduce a fever?
How high is too high for a fever?
When can my baby face forward in the car seat?

General Questions

What is your position on routine circumcision?
What is your policy on antibiotics?
Are there any baby or parenting books you recommend?

My Own Questions
Write down your own questions so that you don't forget to ask.

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Member Comments About this Article

	"We are currently expecting our second child and DS is 2 1/2 y/o. We found our pediatrician through our midwife and while I love her, there are a few issues on which our philosophies are diametrically opposed. I trust the doctor's medical advise, but I choose not to consult her on my parenting choices. That being said, I do think that it is important to determine a potential doctor's stance on issues like circumcision, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, etc., so that you know whether or not she will ..." -- SALLYREICHMAN

	"I agree with the previous comment. I also think that just as each pregnancy is different so are the children and the experience with breast feeding. Some babies don't react so sensitively to foods that mom eats and others will. It is important for the mother to get to know her baby and then most times you will know the answer without Dr's help." -- HARMONYEDEN

	"I respectfully disagree that you should ask your pediatrician this question "Are there any foods that will improve my breast milk? " Most doctors learn about breastfeeding in about an hour segment in medical school. Unless you are severely restricting your diet or caloric intake, certain foods will not boost milk supply and most doctors give horrible advice. Putting the baby to the breast, avoiding bottle use and nursing your newborn on demand will all help boost supply naturally as bab..." -- TZGREY

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About The Author

Liza Barnes
Liza received her bachelor's degree in health promotion and education from the University of Cincinnati and is pursuing a master's degree in nurse midwifery. She is the proud mother of one daughter.