How to Enjoy a Pediatrician Visit

Most people despise taking their baby to the pediatrician. The loud noises, the sick children and the rushed experience can drive any parent crazy. However, there is a way to actually make your pediatrician visit more enjoyable. Here are some tips.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Snacks
• Activity books

1. Try to schedule your visit as early in the day as possible. The mornings are generally more quiet than evenings, have less people, are less noisy, and may be more accommodating. If you are just bringing your baby in for a well baby visit, try to get into a room as quickly as possible, or go immediately to the well baby room.

2. Feed yourself and your baby before going. Nothing is more miserable than waiting at the doctor's office for hours with an empty stomach and a hungry, upset child. Eat a good meal before leaving and bring small snacks in case it's a long wait.

3. Have all of your questions written down before going to the pediatrician. Writing down your questions in advance will help you remember what you want to ask. Number them in order from the most important to the least important in case your doctor gets called away before you're done.

4. Dress yourself and your baby in comfortable clothes. Keep in mind that most doctors' offices are chilly, so bring a sweater or light blanket if necessary. Put your baby in something that is easy to remove.

5. Bring activity books or small toys to play with if you have a toddler. Something that stimulates the mind is best.

6. Listen to your own intuition. If your doctor tells you something that you don't agree with, or you have doubts about, voice your concern. You are your baby's first advocate.

[christmaszorro2]

on 11/16/2009 5 stars