Taking Toddler To Doctor's Appointments

FallenLeaves1990 · March 2016

Good morning, ladies! I have my 8 week ultrasound this afternoon and have no one available to watch my 3 1/2 year old daughter. Normally she stays with one of her grandmothers or aunts while I go, but they are all busy today. Is it okay to bring her? Does anyone else have experience with bringing their little one to an appointment like that? I'm nervous that she'll get into mischief while the ultrasound wand is all up in my hoo-hah.

Katemr1146 · March 2016

I took my almost 2 year old to a blood draw the other day and he wouldn't stop going straight for the medical waste garbage cans in the room...so I'm going to do everything possible to make sure he's not at any other appointments with me.

Can you bring an iPad or something to keep her occupied?

hellopartyof5 · March 2016

Last time I brought my 15 mo (I know, much younger) but once the dr came in I strapped him into his stroller and gave him a cheese stick. It worked well.

TheBorg7of9 · March 2016

3.5 should be old enough to handle it. If I brought my 4 yo I would just let him watch videos on my phone the whole time.

Meether · March 2016

With my second daughter, I took my 3 year old and it was fine. We had an activity bag for my OB visits, and she was fine. She colored during waiting, played with cars, little toys and so on. At 3, they understand not to touch stuff. My daughter was amazed with the process. The only problem we had was she talked too much, she would chime in and say "Mommy was so sick" or "Can you show me how to find a baby in my tummy?" haha I wouldn't worry.

talkthewholetime · March 2016

Last time I brought my daughter, she pulled a brochure rack Onto herself and smashed her face.

3.5 is a whole other ball game. You'll be fine! Bring a snack and something for her to play with or watch

rspalding001 · March 2016

You can also call the Dr office and ask their opinion, they might be able to provide a staff member to keep your daughter occupied during the appointment.

KilgraveMadeMeDoIt · March 2016

When I was pregnant with my second I had to bring my son, who was 3, to a lot of my appointments and it was never a problem. I'd bring a few toys or a snack.

atcwag · March 2016

I would say no. Just like Drs ask you to turn your cell phone off to have your full attention, goes for kids too. I'd reschedule.

MrsBigTime · March 2016

I've pretty much brought my daughter to most of my appointments and they are always fine - especially the OB. The last time I was there I even asked "people bring their kids, right?" And she very whole heartedly said "oh! All the time! She's no problem!"

i always pack a special treat (sucker or fruit snack usually) and try to bring the iPad if it's a longer appointment.

laurenlalap · March 2016

Kids / babies are a part of life. I'm sure the office is used to it and wouldn't care. Agree with PP - just bring something to keep them happy and entertained.

njmama722 · March 2016

It depends on your child but I definitely am on the "snack and let them watch something on your phone" bandwagon. We got through our first apt with my 2 year old that way since we havnt told anyone yet about the pregnancy and therefore couldnt leave her with anyone.

muybueno · March 2016

At 2, they need a snack and an iPhone. At 3, she'll probably be fine just watching (but you know her better than us).

My 3 yo would be really interested in the whole thing. In fact, we are planning on bringing him to the 20 week scan (he'll be 3.5) so he can more easily understand that there's an actual baby in there! I predict he'll loooove it.

MrsKesell3 · March 2016

I brought my 2 year old to almost all my OB appointments because we had no family in town. My OB was amazing and involved her all along the way and explained what he was doing she would even hold the Doppler while he was listening to the baby!! She loves it!! I did plan to have someone watch her when I had my internal at week 38/39. But every other one she was there. She also came to most of my 3rd's prenatal appts!!

AlexLindzz · March 2016

atcwag said:

I would say no. Just like Drs ask you to turn your cell phone off to have your full attention, goes for kids too. I'd reschedule.

Not everyone has back up child care for every OB appointment. I know that my office encourages bringing kids. Personally, I'm not bringing mine (almost 2) because she is terrified of doctor offices and will be upset. But if it wasn't for that, I would absolutely take her!

serenaxo84 · March 2016

I have brought my son to other appointments and will be bringing him this week because my daycare is not available. I would do as PP have suggested and bring your iPad or phone and let your toddler watch a tv show and or strap them in the stroller and give them snacks. I think it's pretty typical and expected that sometimes the kids have to come! Good luck!

kibylou · March 2016

I never took DD to an ultrasound, but I did bring her to lots of other appointments, including a non-stress test. It was stressful! Ha ha! She was less than 2 and normally did totally fine with my ipad

FallenLeaves1990 · March 2016

Thank you, everyone! I ended up bringing her and she did great. She played a new my little pony app on my phone and barely made a peep. You guys are onto something with those iPad apps!
My office apparently doesn't do 8 week ultrasounds anymore because insurance doesn't cover them, so we need to wait until 12 weeks. But, the good news is we found out hat I am actually due November 1st as opposed to the 5th!

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