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20 Questions

What to Ask Your Pediatrician

By Dr. Vincent Iannelli

In many cases, there is nothing that could have prevented your child from getting sick, especially if they caught a "bug" at school or daycare. But sometimes there are things you can do to keep your kids well, so don't be hesitant to ask. For example, for kids who get a lot of ear infections, it can help if you don't give your child bottles while he is lying down, don't let him fall asleep with a pacifier and for family members to stop smoking.

Parents, especially if they have to miss work or pull their kids out of school, often underestimate the importance of rechecks. After all, why should you go to the doctor if your child isn't sick anymore?

A recheck appointment is very important, though, both to make sure that your child really is doing well and to prevent further problems. Rechecks are especially important if your child has a chronic condition, like asthma, allergies, constipation or any other condition for which your child takes medicine on a daily basis.

Getting answers to all of these questions is important for parents, but your pediatrician will likely be happy, too, if you have a better understanding of all of these things. If you don't have these answers, you will probably call and ask for them later, be unhappy with your visit or end up back in the office or in the ER unnecessarily.

So don't be afraid to ask questions when your see your pediatrician. Remember that you both have the same goal – to help your child get better and to keep him safe and healthy.

Want to see more?

• Taking the Fear Out of Hospitals: The Role of the Child Life Specialist
• What to Expect at the Doctor's Office
• Picking Your Pediatrician: Finding the Doctor That's Right for Your Baby
• Talk about it!

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