It is so overwhelming to be a new parent. In addition to the worries that you already have about your new child’s health, you are constantly hearing about so many more issues from social media, the news and family members, neighbors and friends. Five Eskenazi Health pediatricians were asked to share the top three to five concerns expressed by parents with children under 2 years of age. They gave a range of answers, many of which will look familiar to those who currently have or have already raised infants and toddlers. Here are the concerns these physicians hear most (in no particular order):

• Growth and development. Thomas Klausmeier, M.D., chief of pediatrics at Eskenazi Health, said parents often ask whether their child is growing normally and developing as expected. Deanna Reinoso, M.D., medical director of social determinants of health at Eskenazi Health, said this concern is expressed to her frequently as well. The developmental concern pediatrician Robert Gonzalez, M.D., hears most from parents is about their child’s speech (that is, the number of words they are speaking). Dawn Haut, M.D., chief executive officer at Eskenazi Health Center, is often asked about evaluations for toddlers who screen positive for autism.
• Nutrition. Pediatrician Sarah Stelzner, M.D., and Dr. Gonzalez both often encounter the same worry from parents: that their child is not eating. Dr. Gonzalez says other nutrition questions involve the transition from breast feeding or formula to regular meals and whether babies need a daily multivitamin. Parents ask Dr. Klausmeier what and how much their children should be taking in with each feeding or meal within a 24-hour period. Dr. Reinoso, who also counted nutrition among the concerns parents express most, is also often asked about digestive issues such as constipation.
• Behavior. Dr. Reinoso says behavior is a frequent topic from parents raising young children. Dr. Gonzalez agrees; he is frequently asked how to manage temper tantrums. Parents also want Dr. Gonzalez to recommend ways to provide a child with structure and a schedule. Dr. Stelzer says parents often express concern about their children’s irregular sleep patterns. Young parents also share their worries with her about keeping their baby safe after the child reaches 6 months old and the speed of their movement increases.
• Resources. Dr. Haut is often asked how to address social determinants of health — that is, social issues that get in the way of parents’ ability to provide all the care they want for their children, including access to food, housing, transportation, car seats and pack and plays. Parents also want to know options for affordable childcare and about mental health care for themselves.
• Other common topics. Parents frequently ask about rashes, said Dr. Reinoso. Dr. Klausmeier observed that parents regularly want advice and information on vaccinations, such as which ones are due for their child, what those shots protect against, whether they are needed, their potential side effects and what to make of coverage and views about vaccines in the news and social media.

If you are a new parent and find yourself asking your child’s pediatrician any of these questions, you are in great company, but do not hesitate to share concerns you think might be unusual as well. Online advice from medical schools and other reliable health sources can be helpful for general guidance, such as a website these pediatricians recommend, healthychildren.org. For specific advice, however, remember that your own pediatrician knows you, your child and your child’s health history and will therefore be especially helpful in answering questions. If you are still seeking a pediatrician, you can call Eskenazi Health Connections at 317.880.7666.