Your child’s first visit to the family doctor is an important milestone and the first step toward lifelong health, but it can also be intimidating. Lexington Family Physicians serves patients of all ages, from the very young to the young at heart.

The Davidson County physicians explain three things you can do to prepare your child for their first doctor’s appointment: 

Talk About the Visit Beforehand

Many children fear the unknown. Things they don’t understand, whether it’s a dark bedroom at nighttime or the doctor’s office, can be scary at first. In the days leading up to the appointment, speak with your child about the visit and what they can expect to happen. Explain to them how the family doctor and nurses are going to help them by checking their throat, ears, tummy, and heart. Discuss the tools the doctor will use, like a small flashlight and a stethoscope. 

Play Doctor & Patient 

Children learn a lot through play. Play doctor and patient in the days before their visit. Let them play the doctor and pretend to examine your eyes and ears, and listen to your heartbeat. You can pick up a toy stethoscope or blood pressure monitor from the toy store to make it more realistic. Being a patient can feel like a vulnerable position for both adults and children. By letting your child take the reigns and play doctor, they’ll feel like they have more control over the situation. 

Bring a Favorite Toy 

Bring a favorite toy or another comfort object along to the appointment. This could be a stuffed animal pal or a security blanket. Anything your little one can hold onto can make them feel more comfortable, and you may also want to bring a favorite book or handheld game for them to read or play with while they’re in the waiting room. Family doctors’ offices are usually well-equipped with toys for toddlers, but it can be nice for a child to have something familiar for their first few visits. 

For comprehensive family medical care, visit the compassionate, experienced doctors at Lexington Family Physicians. In addition to pediatric medicine, they provide a broad range of services from preventative medicine to diabetes and heart health treatments. Call (336) 249-332, or visit the website to make an appointment today.