Taking your child to the GP

Babies

It's not easy looking after an unwell baby. Crying, extra wriggling and symptoms such as vomiting make them difficult to care for in the familiar surroundings of your own home, let alone in a busy doctor's surgery.

Straight off, your doctor is likely to ask you some quick-fire questions to enable them to establish quickly how unwell your baby is. Be prepared to answer the following:

• Is your baby feeding normally or wanting to feed?
• Do they have a fever?
• Are they playing or as alert as usual?
• Have they wet their nappy within the last six to 12 hours?
• Have they had any vomiting or diarrhoea?

Next your doctor will ask for more detail about the illness and the specific symptoms. If the problem is diarrhoea, for example, it will help your doctor and save time if you have the information prepared. In the case of diarrhoea, have answers to the following questions ready:

• When did the diarrhoea start?
• How many times have you had to change the nappy?
• Is the diarrhoea loose or watery?
• What colour is it and is there any blood or mucus?
• Is it associated with vomiting or fever?

Remember, you don't need to wait to be asked. Tell your doctor anything you think might be important.

Examining a baby can be made easier for you and your doctor by following a few basic guidelines:

• Suitable clothing - it's not necessary to dress your baby in their best outfit. Clothing with poppers allowing easy access to their tummy and back make things much easier. If your baby has a fever, too many clothes won't help either.

• Examination techniques - most babies are easily examined as they can be moved around with ease. But many don't like having their ears examined. To do this properly and avoid injury they need to be held firmly, which many babies don't like either. There's a straightforward way of holding a baby for an ear examination that needs to be learned. Ask your doctor to show you and then practise at home. This way you'll gain confidence and your baby will get used to it.

• Record book - every baby should have a record book, which you should bring with you every time your baby sees the doctor. Your GP might not want to see it, but it's better to have it with you just in case.

Toddlers

Often the hardest thing with toddlers is keeping them still long enough to examine them. This is why most GPs have a play area in the waiting room and toys in the consultation room itself. Let your toddler bring one or two of their favourite toys, too.

Many children have play medical kits at home. These are of huge value as they teach children about the instruments doctors and nurses use and what to expect.

Once again, be prepared to answer the quick-fire questions above and provide any specific information the doctor may need. In the case of a rash, for example, be ready to answer the following:

• How long has the rash been present?
• Where is it?
• Where did the rash start and where has it spread?
• Is the child scratching?
• Has the child been in contact with anyone with a similar rash?

The doctor will want to see the rash, so make sure your toddler is wearing appropriate clothing. And don't forget to bring their record book.

Primary school children

Many primary school children can provide some information themselves. Whether your doctor gets information from you or your child depends upon your child's age, development, how shy and how unwell they are. Your doctor may also ask your child questions directly and look to you for confirmation.

Once again, be ready to answer some questions:

• Is your child feeding normally or wanting to eat?
• Do they have a fever?
• Are they playing or as alert as usual?
• Are they chatty as normal or withdrawn or listless?
• Have they passed urine within the last six to 12 hours?
• Have they had any vomiting or diarrhoea?

The doctor will then ask questions about the specific problem. If your child wants to answer these, rehearse the answers at home or in the waiting room. In the case of pain, the questions might include:

• Where is the pain?
• Does it go anywhere else?
• Is it sharp or throbbing?
• When did it start?
• Did you fall over or get bumped into?
• Any other symptoms?
• Is there anyone else at school with a similar problem?

Your doctor will want to examine your child, so once again make sure that clothing allows this. Remember to bring your child's record book, or a list of the immunisations he's had.

Young teens

Children of this age are often already establishing their independence. They may also be embarrassed about changes in their appearance and the problems they're experiencing. Many may have already started smoking or be in sexual relationships. All these things have to be taken into account and so it's best for parents and teenagers to have agreed on a plan before seeing the doctor.

The following need to be established:

• Will you be with your teenager during the consultation? This will depend upon whether your son or daughter wants you there, what the problem is and how unwell they are.
• For example, as much as your child may want your support, they may not wish to talk about the fact that they smoke with you present. They have a right, even if they are under 16, to see the doctor without you, and for their medical details to remain confidential. Remember, this kind of information will help the doctor and so needs to be provided.

• Who'll be answering the questions: you or your child? One of you should be ready to answer questions about the specific problem.

• Does your child want you with them for all or part of the consultation? Would they prefer you to remain behind the curtain during the doctor's examination? Discussing these issues beforehand avoids difficult moments during the consultation, which can often be difficult enough already.

General tips

• Ask questions and ask your doctor to explain anything you don't understand.
• At the end of the consultation you should have a clear idea of what the doctor thinks is wrong with your child, what treatment is necessary and what you need to do until he's well again.