Going to the doctor can be unpleasant for both parents and children. Toddlers, particularly, can be unsettled because they don't understand what's going on or why. A little preparation, however, can ease the stress for everybody.

*The right pediatrician

One of the most important considerations in having a good experience at the pediatrician's office is to choose the right pediatrician. Ask friends and colleagues for suggestions, check out on-line referrals and recommendations and, if you go for your initial visit and are uncomfortable or unhappy, by all means, change pediatricians. Sometimes a doctor who is in other respects a knowledgeable, capable physician may not set your child at ease or may not fit your personal preferences. If you aren't comfortable with your child's doctor, your child will sense it and be uneasy, so make sure you find someone who takes their time and inspires trust in both you and your child.

*The right appointment time

When making the appointment, take into account your child's schedule and temperament. Make sure to schedule a time when your child is most likely to be well-rested, either first thing in the morning or soon after nap time. An added benefit of early morning appointments is that you often have less time in the waiting room.

*The right preparation

Before the appointment, it would be a good idea to read books about doctor visits to your child, pointing out the different instruments in the illustrations. Depending on your toddler's age, he may not be able to fully comprehend what you are telling him, but at least he'll have some exposure to the concepts.

*The right distractions

When you arrive at the doctor's office, you will most likely be subjected to a lengthy wait both in the waiting room and, later, in the examination room. Most pediatricians' offices have toys and books available for waiting patients, but if your toddler is anything like mine, he won't be entertained for long by the standard waiting room diversions. I try to drop a few favorite toys in my purse to give him extra variety. It might also help to memorize some finger plays that you can use to entertain your toddler.

*The right attitude

During the exam, comfort your child by staying calm and close. If there are shots to be given, make sure that you give the child some kind of pain-killer/fever-reducer beforehand to limit negative reactions. Pick your toddler up and hold him after his shots. Don't worry, he won't even remember he had shots in a couple of hours and keep reminding yourself that it's for his own good.

Even though going to the doctor's office with small children is inevitably stressful, it can be made less painful by taking the right steps to prepare yourself and your toddler.

Learn more about this author, Trudy Brown.
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