Frequent doctor's visit is essential in a child's life especially during the first year of life. A child is required to visit her pediatrician at least once a month, even if without any illnesses, so that her growth and development will be evaluated. This is also the time when recommended vaccinations for age are given to prevent certain illnesses. With the advent of new vaccines these days, vaccination is given almost every visit so most kids associate a doctor's visit with injection.
Parents may not have any problems at first with bringing their babies to the clinic. But when stranger anxiety sets in around 8 months, babies can show signs of distress whenever they see their doctor. It can be increasingly difficult when the child reaches the toddler years too. The mere sight of the clinic and white uniform of nurses and doctors scares them because they might have had a bad experience during their previous hospitalization or they remember their doctor's vaccinations. This is the reason why most pediatric clinics now are designed to be like a kid's playground. Clinics are usually painted with bright colors with a play area filled with toys and books. The usual white nurse uniforms are replaced with colorful scrub clothing. Some doctors even wear them too. In this way, the child's fear is minimized and at the same time, instill in them that a doctor's visit can be fun too!
Image credit: pedconsultantshr.com
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