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Waiting Room Woes
Keeping Your Toddler Healthy and Entertained at the Doctor's Office
By Renee Roberson
Donna Johnson, a mom from Charlotte, N.C., takes a similar approach when planning a visit to the doctor's office with her children. "Get out of the car and check in at the front desk," she says. "Tell the receptionist that you have your cell phone and wish to be called when it's your turn. If you have to wait a crazy long time, they should be happy to accommodate you. Then get back in the car and when they call you, get out and go to your appointment."
"I have done this tons of times," Johnson says. "Bring some toys, books or my favorite – a movie for the kids to watch in the car. It takes all of 60 seconds to go back in the office when they call me and your kids don't have to wait around other kids that might infect them or vice versa."
It's also wise to pack hand sanitizer or wipes for any doctor's visit. That way you can safely clean your child's hands immediately following the visit to prevent any further illnesses – and help keep you as a parent healthy too.
As with most infant and toddler outings, if you plan ahead, you can help safeguard against your toddler becoming bored during the wait time and wandering off to explore toys and books other sick children may have just touched. Or take the tried-and-true advice of other parents and bypass the waiting room all together, and endure the wait for your appointment spending quality time with your child in the car.
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