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Choosing the right pediatrician and asking questions regarding office policies is very important. If at all possible, the search for your infant's pediatrician should be done prior to his or her arrival. If you are fortunate enough to have medical insurance that will allow you to shop around for the ideal physician, you should use every opportunity available to do so. Of course, you want a physician that is well trained, up-to-date on the newest and most modern approaches to medicine, someone that will share and listen to your views. But just as important, mothers should ask questions regarding appointment times and average waits, any optional scheduling for well visits, and infectious control procedures. Office policies dictate these factors and knowing these policies prior to having your infant can make your decision on choosing the right pediatrician easier.

Several years ago, a committee was formed that researched the infection control procedures for physician's offices. Policies and recommendations were then written and printed in the American Academy of Pediatrics. At the very least, your child's pediatrician should follow these guidelines set forth by the AAP.

The AAP suggested the following for controlling infectious diseases in the waiting rooms at pediatrician's offices. First, shortening the length of waiting times, avoidance of over-crowding, and minimizing the sharing of toys. Separation of well children and sick children should be done immediately upon arrival. If at all possible, parents should tell staff if his or her child is contagious and the staff should make arrangements for that child to be separated from all children, even if that means a separate entrance, avoiding all waiting rooms. The child should be taken into a segregated room. Newborns and children with lower immune systems should not wait in the general waiting area but be escorted immediately to an exam room. It is recommended that triage start at the scheduled appointment time, especially for those children that are contagious. One of the recommendations was to allow "well" visits during morning hours and see children that may be contagious at later times in the day. This was based on the fact that the office will be cleaned at the end of the day, and second, due to the fact that all air-borne viruses have had more than enough time to disappear.

Another culprit for germs in waiting rooms is the toys. Toys in waiting rooms are a great way to ease a child's mind regarding his or her doctor's visit. However, often times these toys harbor germs that can cause small children to become very ill. A New Zealand study conducted in 2002, tested stuffed toys from doctor's waiting rooms, they found 90% were contaminated with infectious bacteria. The AAP recommends disposable or washable toys of the appropriate size and shape for waiting rooms; furthermore, all washable toys should be cleaned each day. Often times, the use of play tables is the most practical solution. These tables have no detachable parts that can be put in small children's mouths. They are easily cleaned with wipes and offer the most sanitary means of entertainment for young children.

As a mother, you will learn to plan for the unexpected. Even though, you may have done your homework and found the ideal pediatrician, with the ideal office procedures concerning infectious control, something could still go awry. So, as the boycotts say, "be prepared". First, always keep your child in his or her infant seat when at the doctor's office, if you have to hold your baby, apply an instant hand antiseptic or wash your hands, first. Always bring your own toys if possible. If your child is not contagious, sit in the well waiting; if you feel your child may be contagious; ask to be taken directly to a room or avoid all other children, if possible. Another suggestion, if you have a cell phone, wait in your car and have the receptionist call you when the doctor is ready to see you. After your visit, you should change yours and your babies clothing immediately, take baths and wash all exposed areas like the hair, the face, the hands and arms. If bathing isn't an immediate option, clean yours and your babies face and hands with antiseptic or soap and water; and change the baby's clothes.

It is a fact that doctor's offices are one of the most infectious public places that your child will encounter. Unfortunately, it's often an unavoidable circumstance. The best plan of attack against harmful and unsafe conditions for your infant is knowledge and preparation.

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