How to Prepare Your Young One for His First Check-Up

You’ve toted your car seat-bound baby to and from plenty of wellness appointments, but taking a walking, talking, thinking child, preteen, or teen into the doctor’s office is a whole new ball game. 

Regular check-ups are an essential part of your child’s healthcare. During each visit, we monitor growth and development, identify the warning signs of potentially threatening health problems, and, ultimately, help parents and caregivers be proactive about their child’s well-being. 

However important they are, there’s no denying that many children become anxious when faced with a doctor’s appointment, especially their first time. 

In this blog, Dr. Caleigh Rodriguez and our team highlight some effective strategies for prepping your little one before their first check-up.  

Give them a heads-up

Most children thrive on routine; yearly check-ups are not part of that rhythm. We recommend giving them plenty of notice so they can process a new experience over time rather than getting ambushed. 

Establish an open line of communication

Always discuss check-ups positively and emphasize how they can help keep them healthy. You can also open the floor for questions and concerns; if you need help answering them, give us a call. 

Walk them through the process

Want to ease your youngster's fears about the doctor? Start by explaining what will happen. A step-by-step look at a pediatric visit with Dr. Rodriguez includes the following:

1. We weigh and measure your child
2. We take their vitals (pulse, blood pressure, etc.)
3. We review symptoms, medical history, and medications 
4. We discuss their eating and sleeping habits
5. We conduct vision and hearing tests, if necessary
6. We screen for mental health issues and learning challenges
7. We discuss treatment or medication plans if necessary
8. We administer vaccines if necessary

You might also consider driving by our office so they can become familiar with the area. 

Address anxieties

Some of our younger patients are self-conscious or nervous about discussing their health issues. Reassure them that Dr. Rodrguez and our entire team are trustworthy and keep everything they say confidential. 

Encourage them to ask questions during their appointment and speak up if something makes them uncomfortable. Remember to bring a book or toy to entertain and comfort your child.

Roleplay

Roleplaying is a great way to help older children understand what will happen at the doctor’s office. Pretend you’re a doctor and act out how to sit in a waiting room, what it’s like to have your blood pressure taken, and all the other steps of their check-up. 

Do not forget to follow up

Once back in the car on your way home, have a debriefing session. Ask your child how the appointment went and what you discussed during the visit. If your child has concerns about their treatment plan, don’t hesitate to reach out and discuss changes. 

If you want more information about our pediatric check-ups or to schedule a well-child exam with Dr. Rodriguez, call our friendly staff at 830-745-4631 or use our online booking feature. We proudly serve families in the New Braunfels, Texas, area.