Squirmy toddler needs ear checking

[Cathystar]

My two year old needs his ears checking at the docs tomorrow - last time he struggled so much the doc couldn't check. Distraction won't work - any ideas on how I can hold him so the doc can have a good look?

Oh the doctors are really good at teaching you a hold.
It's hard to explain but basically you restrain their body with one arm and with the other arm hold across their head at forehead level.
They will be more than familiar with this conundrum.
That said, it might be worth having a treat for afterwards to repair parent/child relations but I wouldn't mention it beforehand as it raises their sensors that something they don't like is about to happen.
So bright and breezy going in. Show no fear or chinks in your armour! And good luckZ

Yes, get them on your lap, one arm around them to pin their arms still, then hold their forehead so they can't move their head much. Most of the times we have to do this the doctor has also got in very close and helped a little bit with the restraining.

If they are really, really wriggly then use a coat or even take an old towel to wrap their arms up.

It is horrible to do, but hopefully it's very brief and it does need to be done. Loads of cuddles and praise afterwards.

As Patilla said. Ds had multiple ear infections at that age so I got used to it. Actually he didn't mind the ear checks-for some reason it was the stethoscope he really objected to. He once spreadeagled a new registrar across the floor of the surgery with a well placed kick when he was about 15 months when he was trying to listen to his breathing. He did grow to adore that particualr doctor, but it wasn't a good start.