From questions to ask daycare to how to prepare for the three-year-old checkup, family life seems to involve a never-ending stream of inquiries.One of the big ones you’ll have as your pregnancy nears its end is how to choose a good pediatrician. Choosing pediatricians is a big decision; after all, this is the person who’ll be looking after your child’s health for years to come, so you’ll want to find someone you feel comfortable calling with all your baby-related health questions.Speaking of baby-related health questions, ask a pediatrician what question new parents throw at them the most, and they’d probably take a while to find an answer. In the first years especially, parents understandably want to know everything they can about this amazing but sometimes scary new era in their lives. That’s why we sat down and wrote this article listing the 25 most important things to ask your pediatrician at different stages of your baby’s development.Questions To Ask When Choosing A PediatricianMany doctors now have basic information such as training, AAP membership, board certification, and length of time in practice available online, so here are our top questions to ask potential pediatrician candidates.Which Insurance Do You/Your Affiliated Hospital Accept?Find a pediatrician who accepts a variety of health insurance to make sure you’re still covered if circumstances change, and remember to see about co-pays and deductibles. While we all hope that we’ll never need them, hospital visits do happen, so check that both your child’s doctor and their affiliated hospital accept your insurance.How Do You Handle Emergencies, And Who Will Look After My Child When You’re Away?The first time your baby gets sick is scary enough without suddenly discovering that your pediatrician doesn’t do same-day sick appointments. Medical emergencies aren’t known for respecting office hours either, so find out what happens when the doctor is away or the office is closed. Group practices will likely have one of the other doctors take over your baby’s care, while arrangements for solo practitioners vary.What’s Your Parenting Philosophy?You should feel comfortable talking to your doctor about your baby’s wellbeing without worrying about getting into a heated debate about hot-button topics. After all, your pediatrician will hopefully be looking after your child’s health for a long time.What’s Your Appointment Schedule/Office Hours?Do office hours cover times you or your partner are available? Remember to factor in long travel times as well. The best pediatrics staff in the world aren’t going to be able to help if you can’t get to the office (unless you asked about home visits).Do You Have Sub-Specialisms?This is especially important if you’ve been informed that your child is likely to have special needs or if you have a family history of inherited conditions. We know it’s not a comforting thought, but it does mean you can pick a pediatrician who will be qualified to help.Questions To Ask Pediatrician At Prenatal VisitThe search is over and you’ve got a prenatal visit with your chosen pediatrician. Here are some questions to ask at this all-important visit.How Will Things Work During The Birth Process?Whether you’re planning a hospital or home birth, your pediatrician should be able to talk you through the process so that you feel comfortable.What Do I Do If I Want To Change My Birth Plan?Your pediatrician will be able to help if you choose to change your birth plan, or point you to someone who can.Will You Be At The Hospital?If you’re giving birth in a different health care setting than the one your pediatrician is affiliated with, you may need to make special arrangements if you want them to be there when your baby is born.How Soon After Birth Will The Medical Examination Be?You may prefer your child to be examined right away, or you may want more bonding time with baby first. Either way, it’s important to find out what the procedure will be.How Can I Support My Partner Through The Birth?Medical staff who go into pediatrics know all the common issues new parents face and what you can do to help.Questions To Ask Pediatrician For NewbornNow your pregnancy is over and your baby is here, you might find it’s time to get used to a whole new set of worries and what-ifs. You can get guidance and advice from the right pediatrician.How Do I Know If I’m Feeding My Baby The Right Amount?All your worries about breastfeeding, formula, feeding times, and spitting up go here. If you’re having breastfeeding issues, pediatricians can usually recommend a good lactation consultant as well.How Do I Clean My Baby?Pediatricians can offer plenty of good advice about sponge baths, recommended products, and the first time using a baby bath.Does My Baby’s Diaper Look Right?Worrying that your baby is going too often, not often enough, or that the color or consistency isn’t right is totally normal. Your doctor can lay your worries to rest or recommend tests if needed.How Long Should My Baby Sleep?Pediatrics training includes plenty of information about how many hours of sleep babies should get, what position they should be in, and all those other anxieties that keep new parents up at night.What Do I Do If I Feel Low Post-Pregnancy?Baby’s first weeks can be difficult as well as magical. Lack of sleep, hormones, and that massive life change you just experienced can make it one tough time, so ask your doctor for advice.Questions To Ask Pediatrician At 2 Month VisitPediatricians have many responsibilities, including examining patients, prescribing medicines, treating illnesses or injuries, carrying out diagnostic tests, and answers a parent’s questions. Here are some questions to help you get prepared for the next steps.What Milestones Should I Look For?At two months, children are changing and growing every day. Knowing when to expect milestones like smiling and rolling over can help you spot your child’s new achievements, as well as reassuring you that they’re developing healthily.How Can I Make Jabs Easier?Vaccinations are usually delivered at the two-month visit. Call your doctor beforehand and see what methods they recommend to make things more comfortable for both of you.How Do I Switch From Breastfeeding To Expressing Or Using Formula?If you’re breastfeeding and going back to work, you may need to choose whether to express milk or switch to formula. Your doctor can help you understand the best practice to keep everyone safe and nourished.How Can I Stimulate My Baby?With their development racing along week by week, your doctor will be able to provide you with information about ways to stimulate your baby to keep them developing healthily.What Should I Look For In A Childcare Provider?If you’ll soon be heading back to work, your pediatrician can give you pointers on the search for a childcare provider or group that you’ll feel safe leaving your baby with.Questions To Ask Pediatrician At 6 Month VisitAs well as getting a physical checkup and another round of vaccinations, your six-month visit is a great chance to ask about issues like teething, weaning, and any concerns you have about your baby’s development.How Can I Manage Teething Pain?Six months is a common age to start teething. Ask the doctor about keeping new tiny teeth clean as well as ways to manage your baby’s discomfort.How Do I Introduce Solids?Your doctor will be able to explain what to offer and how much to feed, as well as giving advice if there’s a family history of food allergies.What Should I Do If My Baby Doesn’t (Insert Developmental Milestone)?If your baby isn’t babbling, doesn’t roll over, or otherwise isn’t meeting expected milestones, ask a pediatrician. Doctors in pediatric practice see babies developing at different speeds every day, and will be able to tell you whether it’s cause for concern or just individual difference.How Do I Childproof My Home?Your baby will soon be moving around. This means your baby will shortly start on what may seem like a search for every dangerous item in your house, so get your doctor’s advice on finding them before baby does.What Can I Expect In The Next Few Months?Your next well-baby visit should take place at nine months old, so check with the doctor whether there’s anything you should be looking out for before then….and any other concerns or queries you have. Your child’s doctor has spent years training to be a baby expert, so make the most of their expertise and call them about anything that’s been bothering you, no matter how small.If you found this article helpful, then why not take a look at table manners for kids or our guide to taking care of grandparents?
From questions to ask daycare to how to prepare for the three-year-old checkup, family life seems to involve a never-ending stream of inquiries.
