What to Bring to Your Child's Pediatric Appointment

What should I bring to my child's appointment?

• Vaccination card or booklet
• Previous prescriptions, test reports and discharge summaries
• All current medicines, or clear photos of their labels
• Earlier height and weight records
• A written list of your questions
• A feed, water, a spare nappy and a favourite toy for younger children

What information will the pediatrician ask for?

Expect questions about when the problem started, how it has changed, what makes it better or worse, how your child is eating, drinking, sleeping and playing, and what medicines have already been given. For fever, a note of the readings and times is more useful than a general impression.

What happens during a pediatric checkup?

1. You describe your concerns and your child's recent health.
2. Weight, height and, in babies, head circumference are measured.
3. The pediatrician examines your child.
4. Vaccination status and development are reviewed where relevant.
5. The findings and the plan are explained, and your questions are answered.

Questions worth asking before you leave

• What do you think is causing this?
• What should I do at home, and for how long?
• What changes should make me come back sooner?
• When is the next visit or vaccine due?

Videos can be very helpful for symptoms that come and go, such as an unusual cough, a rash that fades or an episode of unusual movement. A short clip on your phone often tells the doctor more than a description.