Question revised: who has taken a toddler to an NST?

NicoleWI

I usually do take my kids to my OB appts. A better question would maybe be whether anyone has taken a one to two year old to an NST. My daughter just turned 2 this week. I just don't see it working but maybe someone has done it. I am tethered to monitors and can't reach her if she grabs things, climbs on chairs, climbs on the window sill, rips a book, falls down, etc. There is no one else in the room with me. She can't sit on my lap b/c of the monitors.

chickaboo1974

I don't think kids belong at OB appointments.

jllmb79

My specialist's office does not allow kids at all.  My husband had not choice but to take leave from work.

eaglesfan700

I never take kids to my appointments. I either ask a neighbor, get a sitter or have my H go in to work late

NicoleWI

Obviously I would rather not take her. I'm in a tight spot. Just curious if there was any way to make it work with an NST. I don't see it working, but so far I haven't found any good options. If I cancel, I miss the whole appt as there is no other time to do it. I go in again on Monday.

PrimRoseMama

chickaboo1974 said:

I don't think kids belong at OB appointments.

Agree. Get a sitter or something.

Disneygeek77

I took my son with me to my NST this morning.  I asked if it was ok and they said it was.  It must happen a lot because they had a small TV in the room with kids movies.  I also brought along his toy trains and he played on my phone.   

Meery82

I had to take my son with me to my annual a couple months ago. He played on the ipad the whole time. It went well. Good luck.

willowprincess

My kids have gone to every single appointment with me. They are currently 1, 2, and 3.

Beth.1212

If your SO is in the picture, can you have your SO take sick time so that you can make your appointment? 

I've taken DS to some appointments (ex. foot doctor appointment, regular checkup with my midwife) but never to an NST. 

That being said, my DS also is just turning two. If I had to bring him to something like that, I'd strap him in his stroller (which he can't escape from) and leave him in arm's reach. I'd start with quiet toys like cars and books, then move on to electronic ones I know capture his interest more (a little music player and pretend cell phone). I'd have some sesame street on my Kindle or phone or something as an emergency back up, as I *know* that'll keep him occupied for looong stretches of time. 

You know your LO best and know what will keep her engaged / occupied. If you have to bring her, bring lots of games / toys that capture her interest. It might be a good idea to have her go without those games / toys for a day or so beforehand so they're fresh. 

Good luck! 

id012

I bring DS to all my appointments. Hes fine. The other day while I was at an ultra sound they wanted me to do a NST after and I ask the nurse if it was ok that DS was with me. She said of course and once i was hooked up she came back in and brought him some toys and stuff to do. My OB also takes him for a walk, after every appointment, to her office to pick out a lollipop. 

BUT ds is 3.5 years old. a 2 year old is a different story. I dont know if I could relax with him in the room for a NST at just turned 2.

Do you have an IPAD or smart phone?

ETA I would probably just go ahead and bring her and i would bring a toy and the ipad and a snack/drink to keep her busy. Im sure it will be fine.

StacyJYay

I think it depends on your child's temperament.  My son is pretty chill and even attended my anatomy scan with me (which lasted 1.5 hours); he was 2 years old at the time.  I brought him a snack and an iPad with various kid-friendly apps/videos.  Before and after, I made sure to do something active with him (i.e., the park) to make up for keeping him in the stroller for that length of time.  I also made sure he had an "interactive" and particularly fun rest of the day -- lots of books and quality play time.  My OB office and the sonogram center of the hospital welcome children. 

NicoleWI

I have a smart phone but it doesn't work in the office building, and she's not used to it anyway. Called today and left a message for my OB's staff to ask whether it would be better to try it with DD or cancel. I'll see what they say. If I have to bring her, maybe DS can help keep her under control.

NicoleWI

It's tomorrow...waiting to see if they want me to give it a shot or are okay with canceling.

NicoleWI

Doctor says absolutely bring her! I will try to keep her in the stroller, give her her beloved pacifier, and....what may just SAVE me...she said they have some kid channels on the TV! If the right shows are on, NOOOO problem.

blushingbride_08

I took my ds to all my ob appts. He's 2. I wouldn't bring him to the nst. You must remain quiet and still and that's not happening with my ds in the room. My normal appt were fine but my dh was there too.