Doctor Preparation Tips For Your Toddler’s Visit

Your toddler has probably gone to the doctor earlier for his/her shots since he/she was born. Now that your baby is now a toddler, you can give him/her and idea of what to expect. Sometimes knowing what to expect can help a child anticipate the visit.

1. Throat and Ears

Explain to your toddler that the pediatrician will probably look inside of his/her mouth. Tell your toddler to remember to open wide. Demonstrate to your toddler and say, “Aaaaah”. Let your toddler know the pediatrician wants to make sure there are no problems inside of his/her mouth. Let your toddler know the pediatrician will check his/her ears also to be sure that there is no infection.

2. Stethoscope

Explain about the stethoscope. You can also buy toy stethoscopes and doctor kits that you can demonstrate to your toddler. Explain that the doctor will be checking his/her chest and back to be sure that the heart and lungs are okay. Your toddler is very perceptive and you will be surprise at how your toddler will understand.


3. Weight and height.

Explain to your toddler that the pediatrician may want to weigh and determine how tall he or she is.

4. Scheduling and Questions.


Depending on whether your toddler is a morning person, if possible attempt to schedule the appointment earlier or later in the afternoon. Write down any questions or concerns that you might want to ask the doctor. This would be the time to ask your pediatrician. Regardless to how senseless your questions might seem, you need to ask them. Some questions you might ask are as follows: “My child has dry skin most of the time especially on the elbows and knees, what should I do?” Or “My toddler is not eating well, I am concerned, what should I do?” Ask your toddler to think of any questions he/she might want to ask.


5. Waiting in the waiting room.

Depending on how busy the pediatrician’s office is, there could be a considerable wait. Some offices have books and toys in the waiting room and/or office. Be prepared if this is not the case, bring a favorite small toy or book of your child’s to read and/or play with. Also, get in the habit of taking a snack for your toddler. Many times, this will be the time that toddlers are hungry and will welcome a small snack. The snack could consist of dry cereal, cheese crackers, raw vegetables, etc. Finger foods that are not messy.

Below is a video about preparing your child for the pediatrician visit. You may decide that you and your toddler want to watch this video together.