105 Questions to Ask a Pediatrician

Understanding your child’s health, growth, and development is an ongoing journey, filled with a multitude of questions. A trusted pediatrician is not just there to treat your child when they are ill, but also to guide you through the various stages of child development.

I have prepared a list of questions to aid you in ensuring your child’s well-being. Each question is designed to be straightforward and relevant, providing a helpful guide during your pediatric appointments. Let’s get started.

General Health and Well-Being

1. What can I do to boost my child’s immune system?
2. Are there any specific signs of illness I should watch out for at this age?
3. Is my child’s weight and height within the normal range for their age and gender?
4. When should we schedule the next wellness visit?
5. How much physical activity does my child need every day?
6. What can I do to help prevent common childhood illnesses?
7. Does my child need any additional health supplements?
8. Are my child’s vitals within the normal range?
9. How can I make sure my child is hydrated enough?
10. What are the best ways to handle common pediatric emergencies?
11. Should I be concerned about my child’s skin rashes?

Growth and Development

1. Is my child meeting their developmental milestones on time?
2. How much should my child be sleeping at this age?
3. What toys or activities can help promote their development at this stage?
4. At what age can we expect my child to start walking/talking/become potty trained?
5. How often should we have developmental check-ups?
6. How can I better help my child in their language acquisition?
7. Can you explain my child’s growth chart to me?
8. Is my child’s vision and hearing in line with their age group’s norm?
9. Should I worry about my child’s late teething?
10. How do I handle my child’s separation anxiety?
11. Does my child show signs of any developmental disorders?

Nutrition and Diet

1. How can I ensure a balanced diet for my child?
2. Does my child need any vitamin or mineral supplements?
3. How do I handle my child’s food refusal or picky eating habits?
4. How much milk should my child be drinking per day?
5. Are there any food allergens I should avoid introducing at this age?
6. What can I do if my child has a food allergy?
7. How should I introduce solids or new foods to my child?
8. What is the recommended daily calorie intake for my child?
9. Are there any specific eating habits to cultivate at this age?
10. How much water should my child be drinking in a day?

Vaccinations

1. What vaccinations does my child need at this age?
2. What are the immunization schedules that we should follow?
3. Are there any side effects to these vaccinations?
4. What should I do if my child has a reaction to a vaccine?
5. How important are booster shots?
6. Are there any optional vaccines?
7. Can vaccinations be delayed or skipped altogether?
8. How can I alleviate my child’s pain or fear during vaccinations?
9. Can my child be vaccinated if they currently have a cold or minor illness?
10. Are there any diet restrictions post-vaccination?

Child Behavior and Mental Health

1. How can I help my child deal with tantrums?
2. What can I do to help my child develop a routine?
3. How can I foster healthy social interactions for my child?
4. Are there any signs of mental or psychological issues I should look out for?
5. How can I best support my child’s emotional well-being?
6. How do I prepare my child for stressful situations like starting school?
7. How can I help my child in improving their concentration?
8. Should I be concerned about my child’s excessive shyness?
9. What could be the cause behind my child’s sudden change in behavior?
10. Can bullying affect my child’s mental health and what signs should I look out for?
11. What are some ways I can teach my child about emotional literacy and empathy?

Allergies and Reactions

1. How do we identify if my child has an allergy?
2. What is the difference between an allergy and a cold in terms of symptoms?
3. Are there any particular foods to avoid introducing due to the risk of allergies?
4. How should I manage my child’s allergies?
5. When should allergy symptoms be considered an emergency?
6. Are food intolerances the same as allergies?
7. How do you test a child for allergies?
8. Are allergies hereditary?
9. Can my child outgrow allergies?
10. What is the treatment for common allergies, like to peanuts or eggs?
11. How can I prevent my child from developing allergies?

Sleep and Rest Habits

1. How much sleep should my child be getting at this age?
2. What are some strategies for establishing a healthy sleeping routine?
3. Is it normal for my child to have nightmares?
4. How should I handle my child’s frequent waking in the night?
5. Do all children need a daytime nap?
6. Is my child’s snoring a matter of concern?
7. How do I transition my child from two naps to one?
8. Should I sleep-train my child? If so, how do I go about it?
9. Can I do anything to prevent my child from grinding their teeth at night?
10. Why doesn’t my child want to sleep in their own bed?

Screen Time and Activities

1. How much screen time should be allowed for my child?
2. What kind of activities should my child be engaged in?
3. How can I enforce screen time limitations without a tantrum?
4. What age-appropriate apps or online sites would you recommend for my child?
5. Are e-books suitable for young children?
6. Can too much screen time affect my child’s eyesight?
7. How can I balance screen time and physical activity?
8. What are the risks of early and continued exposure to gadgets?
9. Should I be concerned about my child’s social media use?
10. Can lack of outdoor play affect my child’s development?
11. What are the signs of digital addiction and how to handle it?

Dental Health

1. When should I start brushing my child’s teeth?
2. When should my child have their first dentist appointment?
3. How can I make brushing teeth a fun activity for my child?
4. How often should my child replace their toothbrush?
5. Any tips to help my child who’s afraid of visiting the dentist?
6. Is it necessary to use mouthwash for kids?
7. What to do if my child’s tooth is chipped or knocked out?
8. How can I get my child to stop thumb-sucking?
9. How often should my child floss?

Safety Measures and Precautions

1. What are some common safety hazards to be aware of for toddlers or children?
2. How can I make my home safe for my crawling baby or adventurous toddler?
3. How safe are over-the-counter medicines for children?
4. How do I teach my child about personal safety without scaring them?
5. What are the safety measures for a child going to school alone?
6. When should I start using a car seat for my child and what are the guidelines?
7. How effective are child-proofing tools and gadgets?
8. Are there any specific water safety instructions for kids?
9. How do I create a safe sleep environment for my child?
10. Do children need a different kind of sunscreen than adults?
11. What is the safest way to introduce my child to new pets?

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Journeying through the world of parenthood can be a challenging and sometimes confusing adventure. However, armed with the right questions to ask your pediatrician, you can have meaningful discussions about your child’s health and well-being.

Remember, no question is too small or trivial when it comes to your child’s health. An engaged and informed parent is a child’s best advocate—so don’t hesitate to take this list along for your next visit to the pediatrician!