Advice taking toddler w/me to doctors office

[gbailey]

I am having an emergency dermatological issue and no one is available to watch DD so I am bringing her with me to the doctors office. This is the first time I've had to take her with me for a medical appointment. Fortunately,the office is very family friendly. When I mentioned to the receptionist I would be bringing DD to the office and wanted to know if that was ok (my dentist office for instance does not want children in the office), she told me it was no problem and they would watch her while the doctor sees me if I want. I've been going to this office since I was a teeanger. More than likely, DD won't stay in the front so I'll take her with me in the examining room. The issue? I'm not taking the stroller with me so she can't just chill out in the stroller eating a snack while I'm being examined. Why? Our "lightway"stroller is light for DH but heavy for me and I cannot handle taking it on the subway. I am carrying her in the baby carrier. I was thinking of bringing a very small blanket to lay on the floor and giving her some grapes (her new favorite snack) while I am being examined. Any other suggestions so she's not trying to put the doctors Botox in her pocket? LOL

[kgrace]

I brought my toddler with me and had a mole removed on my face. I was actually holding her while they did the procedure-I didn't expect that to happen. Not saying you need to hold her during your visit, but the staff being kid friendly is key. I think that's all that matters . If you bring food and toys that helps a lot. No problem. It's probably fun for them to see a little one come in.

[lexmas]

I bring my kids with me to the doctors. I have my annual appointment with my gyno this summer and I've already decided I'm bringing the double stroller! But with just DS, I never did. I just played with him until the doctor came in, and then he was always so fascinated (okay, scared half the time!) by watching the doctor that he never moved while they did whatever it was they were doing. You'll be fine!

[sunfish21]

I use the portable dvd player for emergencies (dr appt, on a plane). Also, a new book or special treat (cereal, candy) that isn't usually offered should buy you some time.

[mamakaikai]

I've brought my dd to all kinds of apt, chiro, midwife etc. I usually bring her a snack, a book, and her play stetoscope with a favorite stuffed animal. She gets distracted by those activities and as long as I keep her engaged in what we're doing, but her hands busy in something important like checking her own heart beat with her play stetoscope, then I've managed all kinds of things like getting blood draws and chiropractic adjustments.

Giving dd an 'important task' seems to keep her happy and occupied. And it can be as simple as please peel the orange for mama.

[ASusan]

Originally Posted by sunfish21

I use the portable dvd player for emergencies (dr appt, on a plane). Also, a new book or special treat (cereal, candy) that isn't usually offered should buy you some time.

A laptop can serve the same function, usually.

[gbailey]

Thanks for the great suggestions mamas. I'm sure all will go well but these new situations make me very nervous. Maybe DD's roll with the punches attitude will rub off on me. This has been a reminder that I need to find a true lightway stroller that I can handle on NY public transporation.

[nolonger]

I have always taken ds to the dentist with me and he just stays in the carrier unless I have to have X rays, in which case I usually have an older child there to hold him. If not, a receptionist has to, which he doesn't like, but it is over quickly.

You'll be fine!

[Super~Single~Mama]

Originally Posted by gbailey

Thanks for the great suggestions mamas. I'm sure all will go well but these new situations make me very nervous. Maybe DD's roll with the punches attitude will rub off on me. This has been a reminder that I need to find a true lightway stroller that I can handle on NY public transporation.

The Maclaren Volo. I do a combo babywear, stroller with it on the subway - it weighs 8lbs!!!

And, oddly enough, I've found that when I'm on the subway, and DS is in the stroller people are very friendly and offer to me carry the stroller! It's GREAT!

[Baby_Cakes]

I held my 18 mo DD on me while having my mirena removed! I say bring her and hold her if you can, or have someone nice keep an eye on her if you can't. It will be over so quick.

[gbailey]

Thanks for the great advice.The visit went well. My derm was happy to see her. He's been my derm since I was a teen and has seen me through so many stages of life. He said he was glad I brought her in so he could finally meet her. He gave her things to play with and let her stick one of those sticks in his mouth and on his nose. She took an interest in a Glamour magazine in the waiting room and "read" an article to me until we were called in. It turned out to be a stress free visit.

[gbailey]

Originally Posted by thyra

The Maclaren Volo. I do a combo babywear, stroller with it on the subway - it weighs 8lbs!!!

And, oddly enough, I've found that when I'm on the subway, and DS is in the stroller people are very friendly and offer to me carry the stroller! It's GREAT!

Thanks! Great tip. So you can manage the stroller, if your DS is in the carrier, and a bag walking up the subway stairs?

[limabean]

Originally Posted by gbailey

Thanks! Great tip. So you can manage the stroller, if your DS is in the carrier, and a bag walking up the subway stairs?

I'm not the poster you were asking, but we have a Volo and I'd say yep. You can either hook the Volo over your arm by the handles or use the attached shoulder strap to carry it, leaving both hands free.

[gbailey]

Originally Posted by limabean

I'm not the poster you were asking, but we have a Volo and I'd say yep. You can either hook the Volo over your arm by the handles or use the attached shoulder strap to carry it, leaving both hands free.

Groovy. Thanks! I think they are on clearance at diapers.com so I may get one from that site.

[gbailey]

Originally Posted by limabean

I'm not the poster you were asking, but we have a Volo and I'd say yep. You can either hook the Volo over your arm by the handles or use the attached shoulder strap to carry it, leaving both hands free.

I ordered my Volo today from Amazon. The one on closeout on diapers.com was sold out but amazon had the same thing for the same price. I was able to sell our Chicco liteway the day after I posted it on craigslist so we used those funds toward the Volo. I can't wait.

[MamaPhD]

I'm glad your visit went well OP. When DD came with me to my annual obgyn appt, she was totally fine through the waiting area, waiting in the exam room, talking with the doc, but when I had to go on the exam table, she got super protective of me and started to cry and say no no (DD is 18 mo). Poor thing. Luckily my doc did the exam in like 2 minutes total! I was thinking, dang, I am so bringing DD with me next time, too!

[Super~Single~Mama]

Originally Posted by gbailey

Thanks! Great tip. So you can manage the stroller, if your DS is in the carrier, and a bag walking up the subway stairs?

Sorry I didn't answer! I didn't subscribe so I didn't keep up with the thread!

But yeah, its super light, and really easy - especially if you have a carrier that is super fast in and out.