Babies and Toddlers

Questions to ask the Pediatrician

You probably have a ton of questions on how to care for your new child. Below are some example questions to print out and ask your child's doctor at your next visit.

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

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

Health/Safety
• How long should I wait before I let visitors hold my 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?

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