The first years of a child's life are full of worry and concern – every mother wants to be sure that her little one is growing up healthy and safe. It is especially important to feel calm and to know that your child's health is entrusted to professionals in their field – paediatricians who deal with questions related to children's health every day.

At AND klinika we strive to make visits to our paediatricians as smooth and convenient as possible: we try to separate the flows of healthy and sick children, and we allow a longer-than-usual appointment time for consultations. This lets us not only examine the little patients carefully, but also discuss all the questions that concern parents.

The doctor's tips on how to prepare for a visit to the paediatrician so that it is as useful as possible

• Write down your questions in advance. In stressful moments people often forget what concerns them, so a short list will help you not to miss anything.
• If only one parent is coming to the visit, talk before you arrive. Discuss the child's day: how they felt, how much fluid they drank, and which medicines they were given and when. It is convenient to write this information down.
• Observe and note the symptoms. When they started, how they changed, and what relieves or worsens them. For example: “the cough is worse in the mornings”, “the temperature rises in the evenings”.
• Record the temperature and medicines. Write down what the temperature was, which medicines and doses you gave, and when the temperature fell or rose again.
• Have information about the child's diet and habits. How much they eat and drink, how often they urinate, and how they sleep.
• Bring a favourite toy or snack. This will help the child stay calmer and help you concentrate. It is also useful to have a bottle of water.
• Share your concerns. For the doctor, not only the symptoms matter but also your observations or worries – sometimes this helps identify the problem faster.
• Don't forget documents. If you are coming to be vaccinated, be sure to bring the vaccination booklet, especially if the child is being vaccinated outside the national programme.
• A good attitude. The visit should be as natural and calm an experience as possible. Before the trip, briefly tell the child what will happen: “the doctor will listen to your heart”, “they will look at your throat”. Avoid frightening phrases – show that the doctor is a friend who helps you grow up healthy.
• Medicines when they are needed. If the child has a high or rising temperature, or is in a lot of pain, give appropriate medicine before the visit. What matters most to the doctor is the child's well-being – they rely on your account of the symptoms and the intensity of the pain.

We warmly invite parents to register their little ones and children up to the age of 18 for a consultation with a specialised paediatrician; and for patients registered with AND klinika, a paediatrician consultation is provided FREE OF CHARGE.