20 Critical Questions To Ask A Pediatrician Before Baby Arrives

Before you dive into philosophies on care, you need to make sure the practice works for your family on a practical level. These questions are all about the day-to-day logistics that can make your life easier or much, much harder during those chaotic first few months.

1. What are your office hours, and how do you handle after-hours calls or emergencies?

   This is my number one question for a reason. Your baby won’t conveniently only get sick between 9 AM and 5 PM on weekdays. You need to know what the process is for those middle-of-the-night fevers or weekend worries. Ask if they have a 24/7 nurse line, which doctor is on call, or if they direct you to a specific urgent care center or ER. A clear, supportive after-hours system is a lifeline for a worried new parent.

2. How does the practice handle communication for non-urgent questions?

   Will you be playing phone tag with the front desk, or is there a patient portal where you can send a secure message? Some practices are great with email, while others prefer you call the nurse line. Understanding the communication flow for questions like, ‘Is this rash normal?’ can save you a lot of stress. Find out the expected response time so your expectations are aligned.

3. Which hospital are you affiliated with?

   This is important for two reasons. First, the pediatrician will likely do their first examination of your baby at the hospital where you deliver, so it’s ideal if they have privileges there. Second, if your child ever needs to be admitted for more serious care, they will be admitted to this affiliated hospital. It’s good to know where that is and if you’re comfortable with that facility.

4. Do you have separate waiting rooms for sick and well children?

   Imagine bringing your brand new, 5-day-old baby in for their first check-up and sitting in a waiting room filled with kids coughing and sneezing. It’s a new parent’s nightmare! While not always possible for smaller practices, many have implemented systems to keep vulnerable newborns separated from children with contagious illnesses. This could be separate rooms, or specific ‘well-visit only’ hours in the morning.

This is where you get a feel for the doctor’s personality and approach. There are no right or wrong answers here—the goal is to find a philosophy that aligns with your own parenting style. You want a partner who respects your choices and provides guidance, not judgment.

5. What is your general philosophy on parenting and newborn care?

   This is an open-ended question designed to see what they emphasize. Do they talk about following baby’s cues? Do they mention the importance of routines? Listen to their language. Are they rigid in their advice, or do they seem flexible and willing to work with different family styles? You’re looking for someone who feels like a good fit for your family’s personality.

6. What are your views on sleep training or sleep schedules for infants?

   Sleep (or the lack of it) is one of the biggest topics for new parents. Some pediatricians are big proponents of sleep training methods like ‘cry-it-out’ after a certain age, while others advocate for more gentle, responsive approaches. It’s helpful to know their general stance from the beginning, even if you haven’t decided what you want to do yet. The best answer is one that prioritizes safe sleep and supports you in finding what works for your family.

7. How do you approach soothing a fussy baby? Do you have thoughts on pacifier use?

   This question can reveal a lot about their approach to infant comfort. Do they offer a range of suggestions, like swaddling, the ‘5 S’s’, or baby-wearing? Or do they jump to conclusions about colic or reflux? Similarly, their view on pacifiers can be telling. Most current research supports pacifier use for soothing and reducing SIDS risk, so it’s good to hear their evidence-based perspective.

8. How do you support parents’ mental health during the postpartum period?

   This is a HUGE one. The ‘fourth trimester’ is incredibly challenging, and postpartum mood disorders are common and treatable. A great pediatrician knows that a healthy baby needs healthy parents. Ask if they screen for postpartum depression and anxiety at well-child visits. Do they have resources or referrals for therapists, support groups, or psychiatrists? A doctor who cares for the whole family is a true gem.

As a lactation consultant, this topic is near and dear to my heart. Feeding your baby is a journey, and it’s often not a straight line. You need a pediatrician who will support your goals, provide evidence-based advice, and help you troubleshoot when things get tough, no matter how you choose to feed your baby.

Remember: A fed baby is a happy baby. Your pediatrician should be your biggest supporter, whether you breastfeed, formula-feed, pump, or do a combination.

9. What is your approach to supporting breastfeeding/chestfeeding parents?

   If you plan to breastfeed, you want to know how they will help you succeed. Ask if they have a lactation consultant (IBCLC) on staff or if they have a list of trusted referrals. How do they handle common issues like slow weight gain, latch problems, or concerns about milk supply? You’re looking for a response that is both encouraging and practical.

10. How do you support parents who choose to formula-feed or combination feed?

    It is just as important that your pediatrician is supportive and knowledgeable about formula feeding. They should be able to guide you on formula types, preparation, and feeding amounts without any judgment. A great pediatrician is a supportive pediatrician, full stop. They should empower you to make the best choice for your family and your mental health.

11. What are your thoughts on using donor milk or introducing a bottle?

    If you’re considering using donor milk or want to introduce a bottle of pumped milk or formula, it’s good to know their stance. When do they recommend introducing a bottle to a breastfed baby? Are they familiar with paced bottle feeding techniques to support the breastfeeding relationship? Their answers will show their depth of knowledge in infant feeding dynamics.

12. How do you monitor a newborn’s weight gain in the first few weeks?

    It’s normal for newborns to lose a little weight after birth, but it can be stressful for parents. Ask what their protocol is. How soon after leaving the hospital do they want to see the baby? What percentage of weight loss is concerning to them? When do they recommend supplementing? Understanding their process can help ease your anxiety and set clear expectations for those crucial first appointments.

These questions cover the cornerstones of pediatric care: keeping your child healthy and safe through preventative measures and regular check-ups. It’s crucial that you and your pediatrician are on the same page regarding these fundamental health practices.

13. What is your policy on vaccinations and the recommended vaccine schedule?

    This is a non-negotiable for many families and practices. Most pediatricians follow the vaccination schedule recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the CDC. Ask if they allow alternative or delayed schedules. It’s also important to ask about their policy for unvaccinated patients in their practice, as some offices require all patients to be vaccinated to protect vulnerable infants.

14. What can we expect during a typical well-child visit?

    Well-child visits are about so much more than just shots. They are your opportunity to track development, ask questions, and get guidance for the next stage. Ask how much time is allotted for these visits. Will you have plenty of time to ask your list of questions, or will it feel rushed? This gives you a sense of how they value preventative care and parent education.

15. How do you handle developmental screenings?

    Regular developmental screenings (for things like gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and communication) are key to catching any potential delays early. Ask when and how they perform these screenings. Do they use standardized questionnaires like the Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ)? A proactive approach to monitoring development is a sign of a thorough and attentive practice.

16. What are your top three safety recommendations for new parents?

    This question gives you insight into their priorities. A great pediatrician will immediately talk about safe sleep (placing baby on their back, in an empty crib), car seat safety (proper installation and use), and perhaps water safety or baby-proofing. Their answer should be clear, confident, and based on current safety guidelines.

The first month with a newborn is a blur of feeding, sleeping (or not sleeping), and diaper changes. These questions focus on how the pediatrician will support you through this intense, and sometimes scary, transitional period.

17. When will you first see the baby after they are born?

    Find out the typical timeline. If the doctor is affiliated with your hospital, they will likely see the baby within 24 hours of birth. The first office visit is usually 2-3 days after you go home. Knowing this schedule helps you plan and understand what to expect right away.

18. What symptoms in a newborn warrant an immediate call to your office?

    As a new parent, every little grunt, sneeze, or spit-up can feel like an emergency. It’s incredibly reassuring to have a clear list of red flags. Ask them to specify what signs (like a fever over a certain temperature, signs of dehydration, or breathing difficulties) should make you call them immediately, day or night. This empowers you to know when to worry and when to relax.

19. How do you help parents navigate common newborn issues like jaundice, gas, or reflux?

    Many newborns experience these common, and usually temporary, issues. You want a doctor who can explain what’s happening in a way you can understand and provide practical, step-by-step advice. Their answer will show you if they are patient, a good educator, and able to reassure you while still taking your concerns seriously.

20. Will we see you at every visit, or will we see other doctors or nurse practitioners in the practice?

    In a group practice, it’s common to rotate between providers. This can be great, as you get to know multiple people who can care for your child. However, some parents prefer the consistency of seeing the same doctor every time. Ask what the practice model is so you know what to expect. If you will be seeing others, ask if you can meet them during the prenatal tour.