Family medicine doctors are experienced at getting children to feel comfortable and safe during their appointments. However, if your little one still gets nervous before their annual check-ups, there are a few steps you can take to ease their stress. Before their next appointment, follow the tips listed below. 

3 Ways to Prepare Your Child for Shots

1. Start Preparing Early

First, try to schedule your appointment at your family medicine clinic at least one month in advance. This will give your child plenty of time to emotionally prepare and be ready for the appointment. The primary reason why children get scared during doctors’ visits is that they don’t know what to expect, so try to help them adjust by creating a mock office at home. You can play pretend and walk through steps like the initial check-in, weigh-in, blood pressure reading, and exam questions. 

2. Offer a Reward

Few things will get young children to behave as well as the promise of a treat. If your child is feeling nervous about their check-up, giving them something to look forward to will help them get through the appointment more comfortably. Consider offering an extra hour of screen time, a trip to the toy store, or their favorite dessert if they behave during the exam.

3. Bring Along Distractions

Even if your child seems as though they’re prepared, it doesn’t hurt to have a backup plan available to keep them distracted if they start to get nervous. Bring a security item, like a safety blanket or stuffed animal, or let them play with your phone if the appointment begins to take a turn for the worse.

If your child is due for their annual checkup, schedule an appointment at Columbia Osteopathic Clinic. Serving residents throughout Boone County, MO, these family medicine doctors are proud to offer a safe, welcoming, warm environment for patients of all ages. They will make sure that your child feels comfortable so that they can get the proper medical care that they need. Visit their website to learn more about their practice, and call (573) 875-4877 to schedule an exam today.