If you’re in the home stretch of your pregnancy, you’re most likely busy making all the necessary preparations for the arrival of your bundle of joy—shopping for clothes, car seats and other necessities; setting up the nursery; doing your hospital bag checklist; etc. But wait, have you found a pediatric doctor yet?
If not, it’s time that you do. There’s a good reason the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has recommended this: it is a crucial first step in making sure your baby has the healthiest possible start in life.
When you’ve finally found the right pediatric doctor to team up with, make an appointment with them several weeks before your due date. This way, you can ensure you’re adequately prepared for your big day.
Asking your pediatric doctor the right questions during your appointment is one of the keys to ensuring you come out of the office well equipped with useful information, which can help you navigate important decisions about your baby’s health and care.
Questions Worth Asking Your Pediatric Doctor During Your Visit
Come to your appointment well prepared by making a list of important questions, such as the following:
- How soon after birth will you see my baby?
- What is your philosophy regarding circumcision?
- What is the well-baby schedule for the first year?
- How often can I expect my baby to eat?
- When will my baby start to see?
- When will the umbilical cord fall off?
- When will my baby sleep through the night or be on a more regular sleep schedule?
- How should I position my baby during nap times or at night?
- How many diapers should I be changing each day?
- When should I call the office for a sick visit? When should I take my baby to the ER?
- What is your vaccination policy? Do you follow the schedule from the American Academy of Pediatrics and/or the Centers for Disease Control?
- What if I wish to opt out of some vaccines, or what happens if my child falls behind due to illness or other circumstances?
- Do you have walk-in and call-in hours in the event of an urgent question or concern?
Pediatric Doctor in West Orange, NJ
At Hudson MD Group, we are staffed with highly regarded primary care and specialty care physicians who have dedicated their careers to advancing the health and well-being of the men, women, and children in the communities we serve in the West Orange area in New Jersey.
We provide comprehensive pediatric healthcare services, which include sick and well-child visits, vaccinations, and nutritional counseling—all geared toward laying a foundation for children of all ages to live a healthy and happy life.
Please call us today to arrange a consultation with our pediatric doctors at our location near you: (973) 705-4914. We look forward to establishing a lifelong, successful relationship with you and your family!
