Appointments: What to expect

Pediatrician clinics

Bayshore Pediatrics

Capitol Drive Pediatrics

Forest View Pediatrics

Glendale Pediatrics

Kenosha Pediatrics

Lakeside Pediatrics

Mayfair Pediatrics

Next Door Pediatrics

North Shore Pediatrics

Oak Creek Pediatrics

Oklahoma Pediatrics

Pavilion Pediatrics

Pediatric Consultants of Wisconsin

River Glen Pediatrics

Southwest Pediatrics

Westbrook Pediatrics

Making the best of your appointments

For some children and parents, appointments with the doctor can cause great anxiety and fear. Bayshore Pediatrics would like to help you make the best of your appointment by offering a few suggestions and some things to keep in mind before your appointment.

Questions to keep in mind:

What is your child's diet and feeding schedule?

What is your child's sleep schedule, including naps and nighttime sleep?

How would you describe your child's development, including new milestones your child has met since your last visit (see below)?

What are your feelings about your child's routine emotional state?

Are there any problems or concerns you have had since your last visit?

Child's growth and development milestones

At your child's preventative well visits (often called a routine or regular check-up), the doctors examine more than your child's physical health. They also evaluate your child's developmental and emotional growth. See the list of milestones below that you should look for as your child grows. Because every child develops at his or her own pace, your child may reach these milestones slightly before or after other children of the same age. Please keep in mind that these are guidelines and if you have concerns, discuss them with your doctor at your appointment.

Preparing for the appointment

With a little planning and some helpful tips, the visit to your doctor can be positive and smooth for parents and children. Here are a few tips to make the visit go smoothly.

Arrive early. Appointments are scheduled with the necessary time allowed. There always is paperwork to complete and insurance cards that need to be checked. Arriving 10 to 15 minutes early can allow your child to become acclimated to the doctor's office and give you time to complete all necessary paperwork in a non-rushed setting.

Bring entertainment. Waiting room waits can make a child anxious. Minimize the wait by providing kids with something quiet and fun to pass the time. A favorite small toy, books, portable computer game (like a LeapPad) or other kid-friendly and easily portable items are best. Be sure that the entertainment doesn't create distractions or have the potential to create sharing problems with other children.

Prepare questions and concerns in advance. If your child is having a well-child visit, it is the perfect time to ask the doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. If your child is sick, keep questions focused on the specific illness. Write down a list of symptoms or significant details the doctor might need to know.

Don't bring food or drink into the doctor's office. Due to food allergies, we no longer allow food or drink in the waiting room.

Help calm your child's fears. Help alleviate unnecessary fears. If you know your child will be getting shots, you know best how to tell your child. A doctor's primary goal is to keep your child healthy which includes shots. Kids need to know that they won't get a shot every single time they go to the doctor's office.

Share information with your child. If there is a change in routine that a doctor suggests for your child, discuss the information with your child, as is appropriate for the child's age. Kids can understand and even appreciate routine changes or suggestions if they can tie it into becoming a "big kid." As kids get older, parents can help foster their sense of learning by teaching them about the human body and letting them look up simple information on the Internet or at the library. Creating a concern for overall wellness is a goal for everyone!