15 Questions to Ask Your Child Specialist on the First Visit

During your baby’s first year, you’ll go through many new experiences, from late-night feedings to watching your baby grow and learn new things. It’s normal to have many questions about your baby’s health and growth.

Visiting a child doctor in Siliguri can help you understand your baby’s needs and make sure they’re growing properly. Asking the right questions during check-ups can also help you feel calm and confident as a parent.

In this, we will discuss all 15 simple questions to ask your baby’s doctor, with clear answers that help you to take care of your little one.

1.How can I tell if my baby is gaining weight properly?
 Your baby’s weight shows how healthy they are. The doctor will check growth on a chart, but here’s what you can expect:

• Breastfed babies: Usually gain 5–7 ounces per week in the first few months.
• Formula-fed babies usually gain weight at a steady rate, but each baby is unique.

Make sure your baby is:

• Feeds 8 to 12 times a day
• Make sure your baby looks full and happy after feeding.

If you are worried about your baby’s weight, consult with your doctor. If you are facing issues like latching or feeding can affect growth, and your doctor can help.

2.How can I make a routine that works for my baby?
Newborns need flexibility, but after a few weeks, they begin to settle into their own natural rhythm. A simple routine can help your baby feel secure and make your day a bit easier.

• Feed when your baby is hungry: Watch for signs like fussing or rooting instead of sticking to fixed feeding times.
• Bedtime routine: Gentle activities like a warm bath, rocking, or singing lullabies help your baby understand it’s time to sleep.
• Daytime naps: Babies need plenty of sleep. A simple nap routine helps them rest well and gives you time to relax.
• Stay flexible: Be flexible: Some days won’t go as planned, and that’s okay. The most important thing is to listen to your baby.

If you’re unsure, talk to your doctor for advice on creating a routine that fits your baby’s needs.

3.How can I Know my baby’s digestive system is working properly?
It’s normal for newborns to have some mild stomach issues as their digestive system develops. Look for these signs to know your baby is okay:

Normal bowel movements: For a breastfed baby, stools can be soft and mustard-colored. Formula-fed babies might have slightly firmer stools.

Comfortable burping: If your baby is fussy during or after feedings, it might be because they are swallowing air. Burping your baby frequently can help.

Diaper checks: Your baby should have at least 6-8 wet diapers a day, which is a good sign that they're properly hydrated and their kidneys are functioning.

If your baby experiences chronic constipation, excessive gas, or seems to be in pain during feedings, reach out to your pediatrician.

4.What are the most important developmental milestones I should monitor?
Every baby grows at their own pace, but there are key milestones that indicate healthy development. Some major milestones to watch for include:

• 2 months: Lifting head while lying on stomach.
• 4-6 months: Sitting up with support, reaching for toys.
• 6-8 months: Rolling over, starting to babble.
• 9-12 months: Crawling, standing with support, and possibly saying first words like "mama" or "dada."

If your baby seems to be lagging behind in any of these areas, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician to rule out any developmental concerns. Early intervention can be key.

5.When should I start giving a baby a sippy cup or bottle?
Typically, babies are ready to begin using a sippy cup or bottle around 6 months, when they start to develop better hand-eye coordination and the ability to swallow liquids more effectively. You can start introducing small amounts of water or formula in a sippy cup during meal times.

However, be patient, as some babies may not take to the cup immediately. The key is to make it a fun, low-pressure experience, and your pediatrician can guide you on how best to transition if needed.

6.How do I know if my baby is suffering from reflux or colic?
It can be difficult to differentiate between regular fussiness and medical conditions like reflux or colic, but there are a few indicators to look for:

• Colic: Intense crying for more than 3 hours a day, at least 3 days a week, for 3 weeks or longer. This usually peaks around 6 weeks and resolves by 3-4 months.

• Reflux: Babies with gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) may frequently spit up, cry excessively, or show signs of discomfort, especially after feedings.

If you notice excessive crying or discomfort that doesn’t seem to improve, consult your pediatrician. They may recommend specific strategies or treatments, such as altering feeding techniques or considering medications.

7.How can I safely introduce new foods and avoid food allergies?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends introducing allergenic foods like peanuts and eggs around 6 months, unless your baby has a high risk of allergies (due to eczema or family history). To minimize risk:

• Introduce one food at a time and wait about 3-5 days before trying another.
• Start with simple purees like rice cereal, applesauce, or mashed bananas.
• Watch for reactions: Signs of an allergy may include hives, vomiting, diarrhea, or breathing problems. If any of these occur, seek immediate medical advice.

By introducing foods gradually, you can better identify which foods might be problematic, and your pediatrician can offer advice on managing allergies.

8.When should I be concerned about my baby’s crying?
While crying is a normal way for babies to communicate, excessive crying can sometimes indicate an underlying issue. If your baby is crying constantly or inconsolably, consider the following possibilities:

• Hunger: Is your baby hungry, or are they showing signs of a feeding issue like difficulty latching?
• Tiredness: Babies need a lot of sleep, and overtiredness can lead to more crying.
• Pain or Discomfort: Check for a wet diaper, tight clothing, or gas. Colicky babies often cry because of stomach discomfort.

If the crying seems abnormal or persistent and is not alleviated by basic comfort measures, it’s important to consult with your pediatrician. They can assess whether there are any medical reasons for the distress.

9.How can I reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)?
SIDS is a major concern for many new parents, but there are several steps you can take to reduce your baby’s risk:

•  Always place your baby on their back to sleep (never on their stomach or side).
•  Use a firm mattress and avoid loose bedding, pillows, or stuffed animals in the crib.
•  Offer a pacifier at nap time and bedtime (this has been shown to reduce SIDS risk).
•  Avoid overheating by dressing your baby in light layers.

Be sure to talk with your pediatrician about SIDS prevention techniques and follow all the latest guidelines for safe sleep.

10.What should I do if my baby has a fever?
Fevers in babies are common, but they should always be taken seriously, especially if your baby is under 3 months old. Here’s how to manage it:

• Monitor temperature: A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) in babies under 3 months is an emergency. For babies older than 3 months, a fever above 102°F (38.8°C) may require medical attention.

• Keep your baby comfortable: Dress them in light layers, offer plenty of fluids, and give them fever-reducing medication (like acetaminophen) if recommended by your pediatrician

• Watch for other signs: If your baby is excessively sleepy, irritable, or has trouble breathing, contact your pediatrician immediately.

11.How can I promote my baby’s social and emotional development?
Social and emotional development begins in the early months. Here are ways to foster this aspect of your baby's growth:

• Talk and sing to your baby: Babies learn language from hearing their parents talk, even before they understand the words.
• Facial expressions and eye contact: Babies start to recognize faces and develop emotional connections, so make sure to engage with them often.
• Encourage tummy time: It not only strengthens physical muscles but also helps with early social interaction when your baby is on their tummy and looking around.

12.What are some ways to bond with my baby?
Bonding with your newborn is vital for both emotional and developmental health. You can promote bonding by:

• Skin-to-skin contact: Hold your baby close to your chest to provide warmth and comfort.

• Gentle touch and rocking: Babies feel secure when held and rocked gently.

• Eye contact and smiles: Babies begin to recognize their caregivers’ faces early, so smiling and maintaining eye contact strengthen your connection.

13.How should I handle my baby’s vaccinations?
Vaccinations are important for protecting your baby from serious diseases. Make sure you: 
 

• Follow the vaccination schedule: Your pediatrician will give you a timeline for your baby’s vaccines.  
• Discuss any concerns: If you have any concerns about vaccines, ask your pediatrician. Vaccines are tested to be safe and effective for your baby.
• Stay up-to-date: Keep your baby’s vaccinations on time. Delays can put them at risk for serious illnesses like measles or whooping cough.

14.When is the best time to make my home safe for babies?
You should start baby-proofing when your baby starts to crawl. It's important to keep your home safe because babies like to explore everything once they start moving.

• Install safety gates: Use safety gates to protect your baby from stairs and other risky spots.
• Keep sharp things out of reach: Knives, scissors, and other sharp items should be stored where your baby cannot reach them to ensure safety. 
• Lock cabinets to keep cleaning products and medicines away from your baby. 

When your baby starts crawling or walking, try to make your house safe can help avoid accidents.

15.What should I conclude next for the baby’s check-up?
If you want to ensure your baby's health, the doctor will do the following at your next visit:

Check growth: To determine how your baby is developing, the doctor will take measurements of their weight, length, and head size.

Check development: The physician will observe your infant's movements, responses to sounds and sights, and social interactions.

Give vaccines: Depending on their age, your baby may receive vaccinations to ward off diseases.

You can also ask the doctor questions about feeding, sleep, or anything else you are worried about.

Conclusion

Your child’s doctor is always available to help you with your baby’s care. It’s important to talk openly with them from the start. Asking the right questions during checkups helps you see how your baby is growing and makes it easier to talk about any worries

These 15 questions can help you have useful talks with your pediatrician, from tracking milestones to keeping your baby safe and healthy. And keep in mind that if something is unclear, it's always acceptable to request more information. Your baby’s health is the most important, and asking questions now can really help their early growth.