What to expect at your child’s pediatric visit

Visiting the pediatrician can be a routine part of a child’s life, but it comes with many questions for many parents and caregivers. Whether preparing for a well-child visit or seeking care for an illness, understanding what your pediatric provider may ask can help you feel confident and empowered. 

Objectives for this discussion:

1. Identify common questions asked during pediatric visits
2. Help parents and caregivers prepare for both well and sick visits
3. Share resources to support proactive child health care

Let’s begin by reviewing common pediatric conditions and the questions providers often ask.

When you arrive at the pediatrician’s office, you’re typically first greeted by a medical assistant who records your child’s symptoms. During the visit, you may hear terms like “febrile,” “retractions,” or “increased work of breathing.” I admit — I sometimes slip into medical jargon, and my young patients quickly call me out! One asked, “Doctor O, what does ‘vaccination’ mean?” That moment underscores an important truth: providers must communicate clearly. A study from the University of Minnesota showed that complicated medical language can confuse patients. Instead of “upper extremity,” we should say “arm.”

As pediatricians, we aim to work with families to understand their concerns, assess their child’s condition and develop the best care plan. This could mean prescribing antibiotics, recommending further tests, referring to a specialist, or, in urgent cases, directing them to the emergency room.

Why your story matters

Caregivers know their children best. Understanding the timeline and nature of symptoms is essential to diagnosis and treatment. I recall a child with stomach pain and a history of anxiety. Her school nurse assumed it was anxiety-related and sent her back to class. But during our visit, she told me the pain felt different. That distinction helped us discover an infection, not anxiety, as the cause. One of the most critical questions we ask is: “How long has this been going on?”

During the respiratory season, we see viruses like RSV, flu, strep and COVID-19. Knowing when symptoms started helps us assess whether it’s early in an illness or if there’s a risk of complications, like pneumonia.

Typical scenario: Return-to-school questions

One of the most frequent questions is: “When can my child return to school?” Caregivers may be balancing work, younger siblings, or vulnerable family members at home. As of March 1, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance. Children may return to school when symptoms are improving and they’ve been fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.

For COVID-19 specifically, online calculators can help you determine the return-to-activity timeline. If you're ever unsure, speak with your pediatrician.

Protecting others at home

Teaching hygiene is vital. I tell children to wash their hands while singing “Happy Birthday” twice and to cough into the bend of their elbow like a vampire. If there's a baby at home, give your older child a superhero role: by keeping their germs away, they’re protecting their sibling and helping Mom and Dad.

Typically, respiratory viruses are most contagious one to two days before symptoms begin through the early stages of illness. Even asymptomatic children can spread germs, so we ask about sick contacts — even if the answer is "none."

For bacterial infections like pneumonia, children are generally much less contagious after 24 hours on appropriate antibiotics.

Talking about stool: Why it matters

One of the most common — and essential — questions we ask is: “What does your child’s stool look like?” This can be tough to answer, especially for parents of older, toilet-trained kids. But it’s crucial, as issues like constipation can lead to pain, discomfort and even behavioral changes, particularly in children with autism spectrum disorder. I often recommend using the Bristol Stool Form Scale, a simple chart that illustrates stool types — from hard, pellet-like droppings (Type 1) to completely liquid stool (Type 7).

Parents also frequently bring in photos of rashes or videos of odd movements, which are incredibly useful during diagnosis. If you’ve noticed patterns — like symptoms worsening after meals or improving after a bowel movement — be sure to share them. These details help us identify what might happen and guide more accurate treatment.

Crying infants: Is this colic?

A frequent concern in young infants is excessive crying. If your baby is otherwise healthy and growing well but has periods of intense crying, especially in the evenings, they may be experiencing colic — now called "PURPLE crying."

Here's what PURPLE stands for:

• Peak of crying: Usually 6-8 weeks old
• Unexpected: No apparent reason for crying
• Resists soothing
• Pain-like face
• Long-lasting: Often more than three hours
• Evening: Typically worsens at night

I recommend the “5 S’s” to soothe colicky babies:

1. Swaddling
2. Side or stomach position
3. Shushing loudly
4. Sucking (pacifier or nursing)
5. Swinging or gentle rocking

Every child is unique — lights in the kitchen soothe some!

Don’t skip well visits

Developmental milestones are a key part of every well-child visit. We assess areas like language, gross and fine motor skills, social-emotional development and cognitive abilities. If you're ever concerned about your child missing a milestone or if something seems off, bring it up. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

If you can’t make a scheduled well visit, contact your provider. Many clinics, including mine, offer short visits or use patient portals to communicate concerns.

Pediatric visits are a team effort. Ask questions. Share your observations. Document changes. And above all, trust your instincts. You are the expert on your child.