While going to the pediatrician isn’t always a fun experience, there are many ways to improve it. Does your child get nervous or anxious? Do you get nervous or anxious, unsure of what issues may crop up or what health issues you should be focused on?
If you’re not sure what to ask your child’s pediatrician, you’re not alone. But here’s the good news. There are multiple, very simple questions you can pose.
Here are six questions you’ve gotta ask the pediatrician to make the most outta your child’s doctor visit.
1. Are We Meeting Developmental Milestones?
“Developmental milestones” are just another way of saying normal growth and development. A rather vague term, these milestones can refer to everything from physical capabilities to cognitive abilities, language skills, and social skills.
All kids are different. Things can always change as your child ages, so it’s important to know the age-appropriate measures.
Let’s break them down…
Infants (0-12 months): Infants should be able to roll over, sit up, crawl and make semi-intelligible noises. They should also recognize faces they see frequently.
Toddlers (1-3 years): Toddlers should be able to walk, run, and use simple phrases. They should also follow simple instructions. Socially, they should just be beginning to play with others.
Preschoolers (3-5 years): For preschoolers, it’s expected that they can climb stairs and speak in full sentences. They should also grasp simple concepts such as colors and shapes, and be able to play pleasantly with others their age.
RELATED: Is Your Pediatrician An Infant Nutrition Specialist? 8 Must-Ask Questions
2. Is My Child’s Diet Age Appropriate?
We all need a balanced diet, but growing children especially do. If you’re worried whether your child is eating right and getting the necessary nutrients for that developing brain and body, here are the guidelines:
Infants: Most will consume breast milk or formula as they start to eat solid foods around six months old.
Toddlers: The typical toddler will enjoy all kinds of fruits, vegetables, grains, and meats. As with any age, they should lay off the processed foods.
School-Age Kids: At this age, balanced meals should be expected. There should be a healthy mix of carbs, protein, fat, vitamins, you name it. Quality snacks like vegetables and fruits are also good.
3. How’s My Child’s Sleep Schedule?
Like healthy eating, healthy sleeping is key to proper development. When it comes to the right amount of sleep, it can vary significantly. Consider the following sleep periods, which include nap times…
Infants: 14-17 hours daily
Toddlers: 11-14 hours daily
Preschoolers: 10-13 hours daily
School-Age Kids: 9-11 hours at night
4. Is My Child Developing Socially?
We all want our child to be well-liked and happy among their peers. After all, socialization is critical for healthy development. It also contributes to cognitive and emotional development.
Here’s what to expect based on your child’s age:
Infants: Smiling, responding, and looking interested in people.
Toddlers: Shared play, and learning to take turns with others.
Preschoolers: Cooperative play, ability to follow basic group rules, and the expression of appropriate emotions.
School-Age Kids: The development of friendships, a recognition of social norms, and the ability to address interpersonal problems (i.e., conflicts).
5. Do We Need to Do Anything Preventatively?
Prevention is often the most overlooked thing in health and well-being. Many times, with our busy lives, we might not get around to treating a health issue till we’re feeling unwell. This is why talking to your child’s pediatrician about things like lifestyle habits and regular screenings is so important.
Annual wellness checkups are very important to monitor normal development and overall health. Your pediatrician can also give you great advice for achieving balanced nutrition, getting the right amount of exercise, and maintaining good hygiene.
Another important consideration is mental health. If your child is struggling, a pediatrician may offer help or point to resources that can.
6. What About Screen Time?
Last but not least is screen time. In our modern world, digital things are everywhere. From laptops and tablets to televisions and smartphones, it’s hard to escape!
But did you know too much screen time may cause significant problems with your child’s physical, psychological, and emotional health? From bad sleep patterns to poor socialization, excessive screen time is a definite no-no.
Here’s what pediatricians recommend…
Infants: None except for family video chatting.
Toddlers: Keep it very limited, only allowing parental-controlled programming.
Preschoolers: Do not exceed one hour per day of parental-controlled programming.
School-Age Kids: Establish limits so it doesn’t affect exercise, sleep, and other important lifestyle factors.
So there you have it. It’s not rocket science, but it does take consistency and focus.
* If you ask the previous six questions and follow the suggestions and guidelines, your child will be living healthier and happier in no time!
