8 Essential Questions to Ask Your Pediatrician at Your Baby’s First Visit
Your baby’s first doctor’s visit is a milestone moment for new moms. You made it through your pregnancy, through delivery, and your first few nights/weeks as a parent to a newborn. The first visit is your opportunity to check in on your baby’s health, ask questions, and get reassurance from your pediatrician. With so much happening during those first few weeks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and not know where to start but don’t fret.
To help ease your mind, here are eight essential questions to ask your pediatrician at your baby’s first visit. These questions will not only give you valuable insights and will also help you feel more confident as you embark on this new journey of motherhood.
Disclaimer: These questions are not the full scope of questions and may not fit your needs if you and your baby had severe complications during labor and delivery.
You may not have time to pull up this blog post but fill free to download this infographic or screen shot the photo so you can pull it up quickly during your visit.
Below you will find the 8 essential questions to ask at your baby’s first doctor’s visit. It is applicable in the first few days, at the 2 week appointment or the 1 month. If you and your baby are fine for the most part this helps you gain some clarity on what to look out for and what to consider when you are making your mommy choices to do what’s best for you and baby.
1. What should I know about my baby’s weight gain and growth milestones?
One of the key things your pediatrician will monitor is your baby’s weight and growth. Ask them about the typical weight gain expectations for your little one and what percentile they fall in. They can also let you know what milestones to watch for in the coming months, such as when your baby might start smiling, holding their head up, or rolling over. To see a list of the most up to date milestones by the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) click the link. This will give you a break down for what to expect at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and so on. As a parent if also offers suggestions on ways to help your little one achieve those milestones.
2. How often should my baby be feeding, and what is the appropriate amount?
Feeding your newborn is one of the biggest concerns for new moms. Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, it’s important to understand how often your baby should eat and how much they need. Your pediatrician can provide guidelines based on your baby’s weight and overall health in order to best support their growth and development. Online you may find some general guidelines but your child’s provider will be able to give you more detailed and tailored advice based on your child’s medical history and needs.
3. What signs should I look for to ensure my baby is getting enough nutrition?
It’s normal to wonder if your baby is eating enough. If you are breastfeeding you may be concerned if he is over eating. It is easy to confuse your child’s oral fixation with their need to eat. If you are using a pacifier that is also something to take into consideration. Your pediatrician can help you recognize the signs that your baby is well-nourished, such as the number of wet diapers, weight gain, and general behavior. They can also offer tips on how to spot any potential feeding issues early on.
4. What is the recommended sleep schedule for my baby, and how can I encourage healthy sleep habits?
Newborn sleep patterns can feel unpredictable, and you may have questions about how much sleep your baby really needs. Ask your pediatrician about the typical sleep patterns for newborns and how you can gently establish healthy sleep habits over time. Getting this insight may help you to curtail your expectations and may help you to alleviate some concerns. You’ll also want to learn what to expect with naps and night waking during these early weeks. Check out our blog post on postpartum preparation in order to get best prepared on some of those challenges like sleep deprivation that may come up. While everyone is having a similar experience every child is unique. Finding what works best for you little one is the greatest priority.
5. What immunizations are needed for my baby, and what can I expect from the vaccination schedule?
Vaccinations protect your baby from serious illnesses, and your pediatrician will explain the immunization schedule starting from the first visit. Ask about which vaccines will be given and how to care for your baby afterward. If you have older children then you may want to also ask about “cocooning” your baby with immunizing everyone else around the baby for protection. Getting the information and timeline will help you to grapple with expectations and to have a better understanding on how to prepare for each of those upcoming appointments. It’s helpful to understand what to expect in terms of side effects, such as fussiness or a low-grade fever, so you’re prepared. The frontloading of this information can help you prepare your little one to ease those side effects and to provide the best comfort and support in those upcoming appointments.
6. How can I best care for my baby’s umbilical cord and circumcision (if applicable)?
Your pediatrician will check your baby’s healing umbilical cord stump and offer advice on how to care for it until it falls off. If your baby was circumcised, ask about proper post-care to ensure everything heals well. Your doctor can also advise on signs of infection and when to call them with any concerns. Depending upon the circumstances regarding your little ones circumsicion, in some cases it may be delayed to 6 months for more serious procedures. Be sure to ask your pediatrician to direct you to the best urologists in the area if necessary so that all penial needs can be handled appropriately and with a little disruption to your lives as possible.
7. What are the warning signs of common newborn illnesses, and when should I contact you?
It’s important to know what’s normal and what might be a sign of illness in your baby. Your pediatrician can walk you through common symptoms, such as fevers, congestion, or digestive issues, and when you should call their office. This will help you feel prepared to respond if your baby shows signs of illness. Also you can ask for quick tips and what to look out for. Pediatricians tend to have resources and booklets that are quick to grab for you to refer to. Be sure to look through all handouts and materials so you don’t have to search Google and be led down the rabbit hole of self diagnosing.
8. When should I schedule my baby’s next well-child visit, and what can I expect during those visits?
Well-child visits are key to monitoring your baby’s growth and development. Ask your pediatrician when to schedule the next checkup and what typically happens during those visits. Knowing the timeline for regular checkups helps you stay on top of your baby’s health needs in the months ahead.
Your baby’s first pediatrician visit can be both exciting and nerve-wracking, but remember—this is your chance to ask questions, get advice, and feel supported. By bringing these questions to your appointment, you’ll gain the knowledge and confidence you need to care for your baby in the early weeks.
You may not have time to pull up this blog post but fill free to download this infographic or screen shot the photo so you can pull it up quickly during your visit.
Most importantly, don’t hesitate to ask your pediatrician anything else that’s on your mind. Every question is valid, and your doctor is there to help guide you on this incredible new journey of motherhood!
