Questions to Ask the Pediatrician at Baby's First Visit

Your pediatrician will likely have you come in for baby's first visit the first day or two after you're home from the hospital. Consider asking the doctor these important questions at your baby's first visit. We recommend printing the PDF checklist, available at the bottom of this page, and packing it in your diaper bag before you give birth so that you don't have to remember it once you're in survival mode!

1. What is my baby's weight? Percentile?

2. What is my baby's length? Percentile?

3. How does the weight compare to my baby's birth weight?

4. When should we give a bath?

5. How do we clean the umbilical cord?

6. If circumcised, how do we care for the circumcision?

7. Can/should we use lotion? How often?

8. Should we supplement with Vitamin D drops? If so, how often? Which brand do you recommend?

9. Can/should we give gas drops? If so, how often? Which brand do you recommend?

10. Can/should we give probiotic drops? If so, how often? Which brand do you recommend?

11. Should I be tracking feeds/sleep/pee/poo diapers? How many pee/poo diapers are typical? Is there any point where we should be concerned/call?

12. How long should my baby be sleeping at a time? Should I ever wake him/her up to feed?

13. Is there anything we should be doing to promote development (e.g. toys, reading)?

14. Have the newborn screen results come in yet? If so, are there any concerns?

15. What should we do if he/she has a stuffy nose? Nasal aspirator?

16. What would diaper rash look like? Which diaper rash cream do you recommend? (Bring yours along if you've already purchased)

17. Is sneezing normal?

18. Do you have any recommendations on how to prevent a flat head?

19. When should we start tummy time? How often per day?

20. How much spit up is normal?

21. Is a pacifier OK?

22. Can you tell us if he/she is strapped in the carseat correctly? (Pinch Test)

23. When would I need to take my baby's temperature? If necessary, how do I do it? What temperature is a concern?

If Breastfeeding:

1. How often should I be feeding? How long?

2. Should we supplement with Vitamin D drops? If so, how often? Which brand do you recommend?

3. Do you recommend a lactation consultant?

4. How often should I burp while feeding? Can you demonstrate how to burp him/her?

5. Is there anything I should/shouldn't be eating while breastfeeding?

6. Is there any medication I shouldn't be taking while breastfeeding?

If Formula Feeding:

1. How often should I be feeding? How much per feeding?

2. How often should I burp while feeding? Can you demonstrate how to burp him/her?

COVID-19:

1. How often should I wash my hands (e.g. before every feeding, every time I pick him/her up, etc.)?

2. Should I let my relatives or friends visit my baby?

3. Should I let them hold him/her? If so, what precautions should they take before doing so?

4. Can I take my baby out in public? If so, what precautions should I take?

WTFTM Qs for Pediatrician at Babys 1st A.

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