How to Soothe Your Baby During Doctor Visits

Doctor visits are inevitable when you have a new baby. Unfortunately, your baby isn't going to enjoy this invasion of their personal space. You will, more than likely, be dealing with one very upset little person. Here are a few tips that I have learned over the years on how to soothe your baby during doctor visits.

Bring a Blanket - The first thing that will be asked of you at your baby's doctor visit is to get your baby undressed. This makes it easier for the nurses and doctor to fully exam your baby and get a clear picture of how well your baby is growing. This also makes it easier to get your baby's exact weight, which is very important to make sure your baby is gaining the proper amount of weight. Since your baby will be nude for most of the doctor visit it is imperative that you bring a warm, cozy blanket to wrap him or her up in. Those doctor's offices are pretty cool, even in the middle of summer, so bring a blanket that your baby loves to keep them warm, comfortable and feeling secure.

Breast or Bottle- Even if your baby has already eaten before you go to their doctor visit, it's still a good idea to bring along a bottle or be ready to breastfeed then during the visit. This is especially helpful if your baby is scheduled to have some immunizations at that doctor visit. A breastfed baby finds comfort in the act of nursing so it's no wonder that this one of the best ways to soothe your distressed baby. My children's pediatrician actually expects you to nurse your baby before leaving their office. They schedule infant appointments to run longer so that breastfeeding moms will be able to take as long as they need in the exam rooms before leaving. This was a lifesaver when my girls were babies.

Toys for Older Babies- If your baby is old enough to enjoy toys and/or to have a favorite toy then bring that toy along to their doctor visit. Having something familiar and loved with them during a high stress moment is very helpful for your baby. So bring along Teddy or which ever toy is your baby's favorite.

Skin to Skin Contact- Skin to skin contact is one of the most important things for any baby. Babies are all about taste, touch and smell in the early months, so it's no wonder that they really respond well to skin to skin contact.....especially with their parents. So make sure that you hold and comfort your baby skin to skin as much as possible during their doctor visit.

Sing a Song- Music is known to be a great soother of babies. Many people even begin introducing their babies to music while still in the womb. If your baby enjoys a nice soothing song, nursery rhyme of music then bring it along. You can either sing that special song to your baby while holding them, skin to skin. Or you can bring along a small music player....cassette player (does anyone still ahve those), a personal CD player or even your favorite MP3 player. Just make sure to keep the volume down low. My girls always preferred my voice to the radio though. Your baby may enjoy you singing to them better than anything at all. Try it and see what happens.

These are only a few tips on soothing your baby during their doctor visits. While these tips won't prevent an upset baby, they are very helpful in soothing that upset baby. You, as the parent, will eventually find just the right way to soothe your baby. Hopefully these tips will lead you in the right direction and help you and your baby feel less stressed during those numerous doctor visits.