Getting your toddler to sit still at the pediatrician’s office is not always easy. When you add in feeling tired or hungry with a toddler who may already feel nervous, you have a recipe for disaster.
The time of your toddler’s appointment can make a huge difference in their experience, so here are several tips for scheduling a pediatric appointment for your toddler.
Avoid Scheduling For Naptime or Mealtime
It is best to avoid scheduling your toddler’s appointment during their nap time or mealtime. Your little one cannot take a full nap or eat lunch in the waiting room, and this could result in a very unhappy toddler. When you schedule their appointment, talk to the receptionist about what times you need to leave open. They may have an opening that fits your toddler’s schedule.
Prepare Your Toddler In Advance
Unfortunately, it is not always possible to schedule an appointment around your toddler’s nap time or mealtime. In this case, it is best to prepare your toddler for the appointment in advance. If your toddler’s appointment is during nap time, you may want to put them to bed earlier the night before to ensure they are well-rested. If their appointment is during lunchtime, it may help to pack a few healthy snacks.
Keep Your Toddler Occupied
Your toddler may be cranky because they are tired or hungry, or they may simply feel nervous about their appointment. It helps to bring their favorite toy or book as a form of comfort. Another idea is to load their favorite television show on your phone or tablet to keep them occupied, but be sure to bring headphones or keep it at a low volume.
Ask About The Less-Busy Days
It never hurts to ask the receptionist about scheduling an appointment on a day that is not as busy. This way, you do not have to worry about your toddler feeling overwhelmed by a packed waiting room. It also makes it possible to get in and out of the appointment quickly because of the shorter wait time. You can also save time by checking in online before the appointment.
Try To Get The First Appointment
You can also ask the receptionist if there are any days with the first appointment available. While you may need to get up earlier than desired for this appointment, you do not have to wait for any patients to be seen before your toddler. This means you can head home by the late morning or early afternoon, which is perfect for avoiding an appointment during nap time and mealtime.
When you are ready to schedule your toddler’s next appointment with the pediatrician, check out Kids 1st Pediatrics. You can learn more about this practice at kids1stpediatrics.net.