Toddler Test/Procedure Preparation

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During the procedure

Your presence helps your child during the procedure, especially if the procedure
allows you to maintain physical contact. If the procedure is performed at the
hospital or your health care provider's office, you will most likely be given
the opportunity to be present.

If you are not asked to be by your child's side and would like to be, ask your
health care provider if this is possible. If you think you may become ill or
anxious, consider keeping your distance while remaining in your child's line of
vision. If you are not able to be present, leaving a familiar object with your
child may be comforting.

Other considerations:

• Your child will probably resist the procedure and may even try to run away. A firm, direct approach from you and the health care staff may be helpful.
• Give one direction at a time during the procedure using 1- or 2-word commands.
• Ask your health care provider to limit the number of strangers entering and
  leaving the room during the procedure, since their presence can raise anxiety.
• Ask that the care provider who has spent the most time with your child be
  present during the procedure.
• Ask that anesthetics be used where appropriate to reduce the level of
  discomfort your child will feel.
• Ask that painful procedures not be performed in the crib, so that the child
  does associate pain with the crib.
• If you are in your child's line of sight, imitate the behavior the the child needs to do, such as opening the mouth.