Visiting the Doctor

MAKING A VISIT TO THE DOCTOR A GOOD EXPERIENCE!

Here are some tips for helping to make a visit to the doctor pleasant for both you and your child.

- Talk positively about visiting the doctor and the doctor's office. Read a book with your child about visiting the doctor.

- Avoid scheduling your child's visit to the doctor's office at times when your child is liable to be cranky or irritable (such as his or her regular nap time).

- Bring your child's favourite stuffed animal, book or toy for enjoyment while in the waiting room.

- Be honest but positive with your child about what is going to happen at the doctor's office. Remain calm and reassuring. Don't pass on any negative emotions you might have about events such as getting a needle.

WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR FOR A FEVER

You should call your doctor if your child is:

- fewer than 3 months old with a rectal temperature above 37.8 Celcius or 100.1 Fahrenheit
- 3-6 months old with a rectal temperature above 38.3 Celcius or 101 Fahrenheit
- 6-12 months old with a rectal temperature above 39.5 Celcius or 103 Fahrenheit
- any age when the fever lasts more than 3 days or is accompanied by additional signs of illness

If your child is over 1 and is eating and playing normally, there is no need to call the doctor unless the fever lasts more than 24 hours.

SCHEDULED VISITS

Your doctor may want to see your child for a regular visit, even when it is not time for immunization. Some health professionals use the following schedule as a guideline:

- 2 to 4 weeks of age
- every 2 months until 6 months of age, then every 3 months until 18 months of age
- at age 2 then yearly until they are 6 years old
- at age 8, then every 2 years until they are 14 years old

Your child's doctor may increase or decrease the number of visits based on the individual needs of your child.

KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE AND HEALTHY

Here are some important tips that might save you a trip to the doctor's office!

- Make sure all medicines have childproof caps and are kept out of children's reach.

- Keep your child's immunizations up to date.

- Make sure car seats are installed and used properly in all vehicles that your children travel in.

- Take a first aid course. Check to see if your childcare provider or babysitter knows first aid and what to do in case of emergency.

- Ensure that your children are eating a nutritious diet and getting enough sleep.

- Check surfaces around playground equipment that your children use. There should be a 12-inch depth of wood chips, sand, mulch or pea gravel, or mats made of safety-tested rubber or fibre material to prevent head injury in case of a fall.

- Remove drawstrings on hoods or around the neck to prevent these being caught on doors or playground equipment.

Help your child feel comfortable with the doctor by making the experience fun and relaxing.