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Parenting

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Original poster

Having a small medical procedure done with a toddler there, any tips?

17 replies

IdaClair · 28/10/2014 21:57

I have to have a small medical test at short notice on Friday. I have to take my toddler with me who has just turned 2. I don't have any nursery or anything I can book into, my MIL is doing jury duty, my three friends who normally would are at work, my next door neighbour who will watch in a pinch is on holiday, my childminder friend is fully booked, I'm really stuck. Normally it would be fine but this procedure will take around 20 minutes and I won't be able to get up or sit her on me whilst it is being done.

Any tips to get a 2 year old to sit quietly on a chair for 20-30 minutes or am I asking the earth?

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FruitBasedDrinkForALady · 28/10/2014 21:59

Mobile phone, youtube, push chair.

Recovering · 28/10/2014 21:59

I really cant see how you can.

drinkyourmilk · 28/10/2014 22:00

Strap into a pushchair with an ipad or similar playing cartoons?

Not the most fantastic situation but needs must!

I would just check that they will allow your toddler in before you show up.

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Littlefish · 28/10/2014 22:01

Could you postpone the medical test? I really think you're asking too much to expect a 2 year old to sit for 20-30 minutes without any support from you.

Do you know any sixth form students who could come and sit in the waiting room with your dc while you have the test done?

Alternatively, how about using "sitters" website to book someone who could either look after your dc at home, or in the waiting room. I know you may feel odd about using someone you haven't used before, but I just don't think you can take your dc with you. It wouldn't be fair on them or you.

mausmaus · 28/10/2014 22:01

cam you call around nurseries? many offer emergency childcare.

what about the dad? can he take care of dc?

MrsCakesPrecognition · 28/10/2014 22:02

I don't think it will work. I just about got my toddler to sit still for the duration of a smear test. But that was only a couple of minutes.

Could you contact one of the babysitting agencies?

drinkyourmilk · 28/10/2014 22:02

The other option is to hire A nanny/sitter. Ask for them to meet you there and they can sit in the waiting room with your toddler. I suspect it would cost £20 or so

Original poster

IdaClair · 28/10/2014 22:06

We don't have a pushchair, I might see if I can borrow one. Not sure if she would take to it because she has never been in one but maybe that would work in my favour as it might be novelty factor? Might ask childminder friend if I can give one of hers a go.

They have said it is ok for her to come as long as she is quiet and occupied. I'm not entirely sure they understand newly 2 year olds. Give it another year or so and bribery might work, for now it is an exercise in herding!

Would I need to ask to take a pushchair and check there would be space for it?

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Original poster

IdaClair · 28/10/2014 22:07

Thanks for the sitter info. I will look into it but finances are tight so it would really need to be a last resort.

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MrsCakesPrecognition · 28/10/2014 22:10

I really wouldn't risk it and would be rescheduling for a more convenient date.
A toddler strapped into an unfamiliar pushchair in an unsettling and unfamiliar environment, with no easy way to comfort or distract her - I don't think I would want to risk a half completed procedure.

TrousersSchmowsers · 28/10/2014 22:15

Hmm, I think you know your child best and if there is a good chance that something to play with and a snack will keep them occupied for 20 minutes then I would go for it. But check that they are allowed first - whoever is doing the procedure will have a good idea and is sure to have dealt with childcare issues before.

olivesnutsandcheese · 28/10/2014 23:31

peppa pig on a tablet and a packet of pom bears (whilst strapped in a pushchair)

good luck

wannabestressfree · 28/10/2014 23:37

Your two year old has never been in a pushchair?!

poocatcherchampion · 29/10/2014 07:45

my two year old could do it. idgivr her the nappy bag and her baby and let her play nappies.

and with my purse as a last resort.

pushchair would work for putting her baby in.

the one year old on the other hand... .

WhyOWhyWouldYou · 29/10/2014 10:12

I've done it with my DS a few times. He gets a new toy and book (or the best were the books in home bargains with a story and then little figures in the back - they had pony ones, Thomas train and something girly not long ago). When were are going I tell him were off to mommy's drs so he'll need to be a good boy and mommy has bought him a special treat. Hes normally happy with a book and new toy for 30-40mins, but if he starts to get fed up then I have two simple toddler apps on my phone (a colours one and a numbers one) and each of them can buy another 10-15mins.

Obviously it depends on your toddler.

curiousgeorgie · 29/10/2014 10:16

I did it with DD1 loads. I strapped her in the pushchair and gave her the iPad with an episode of something on it... And maybe a bag of mini cheddars in the cup holder

She's sat there through scans, dentist, hairdressers! Loads..

However, I would never attempt it with DD2. She would last 20 seconds, let alone 20 minutes.

Depends on your child!

TreadSoftlyOnMyDreams · 30/10/2014 10:46

"As long as she is quiet and occupied" What happens if she is not, does the procedure require a quiet room?
Will your hands be free - can you read a book?
Do you actually have a tablet/smart phone? We can recommend apps etc but no point if you don't have one. Can you borrow one from a friend?
Can you ask for the bed to be lowered so that you can have the buggy alongside and read a story/change apps/reassure a child?
Is there any chance with the timing of the appointment that a nap could be encouraged?
Are you a single parent? If not, then DH/P needs to step up and make up the time. It's a medical procedure not a haircut.
Bribery - post doctor icecream if everyone is good? It would work for a 4 yr old but I can't see it on a 2yo myself.
Know any trustworthy teens who could accompany you and stay in the waiting room? I'd bite your hand off for a 10 at that age for an hours babysitting.

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