Can a 4 Month Old Remember a Bad Doctors Visit???

We have seen several doctors that would not give shots or anything that hurt the child. They had the nurse or other assistant do the dirty work so that the babies would not freak out when they saw them. So, I guess that is a yes to your question. Personally I think we underestimate the impact of experiences on pre-verbal children. Most of us would have no problem believing our dog or cat could remember a negative experience at the vet but wonder about children. Babies have a lot more going on in their heads than dogs and cats.

Baby's are good at reading people. She may just not like that Doctor. Next time ask for someone else in the same office (if there is one). If she reacts the same way take a good look at your doctor. Does she interact with your baby BEFORE doing exams or is she all business. Does she warm her hands before touching your child. Does she talk in an appealing voice or is it rough. Kids have little things that set them off. Also, you can hold your child for much of the exam, so don't get tense your baby picks up on that. Both my boys had the same reaction to just one doctor at the pediatrician's office after two tries we request that we see anyone but him...even for sick visits. You can do that and don't feel bad about it! Go with your instincts. Good Luck

My oldest had chronic ear infections as an infant/toddler and absolutely hated the doctor. We would turn down the street of the office and she would freak out so I can feel your pain. Just be there to sooth and comfort her as best you can - I would try to hold her during office visits as much as you can too - don't be anxious yourself this will just upset her more. Good luck!

Hi M.,

Of course the baby remembers but not like we remember.

Just thought you'd like to know. D.

I agree with Erin, it's stranger thing, not 'remembering' past visits.
My DD did it with the female doctors in our ped practice (I think part of is was the long white coat, which looked very different.)
They grow out of it eventually. If you can, try to be nursing her (or giving her a bottle) when she is getting the shots, or immediately after. Helps calm them down quickly.
Good Luck!

My 18 month old still freaks when the doctor comes into the exam room, it doesn't matter whether its her well baby visit or if she is sick. She does fine for the nurses & they are the ones giving the shots. The doctor just examines her while she sits on my lap & while my daughter is still crying, at least she's in my arms & lets the doctor do what he needs to do. We have an Elmo Gets A Checkup book & she loves to look at the pictures & have it read to her. I'm hoping that will help with the doctor issue. Good luck!

No, they don't remember. They are scared of strangers.

My daughter and many babies are particularly scared of strange men. She is fine with the nurses, but freaks if the pediatrician is male.

I don't know if they remember..remember!But my daughter was in the NICU when she was first born and they pricked her heal every hour for Blood gases.Her feet were soooo brused.When she was like 1 and a 1/2 she found this little plastic thing in our basement for ancoring screws and put it on her heal and went ouchhhhh!My husband and I were in disbelief.Then she went over to my husbands heal and did the same thing and then mine.I know its crazy to think she would remember something like that but it was soooo crazy!

I doubt that she remembers the shots. However, the 4 month point is about the start of the stranger danger phase when babies tend to just be afraid of some people. This is especially true of people who take them out of thier parents arms. In addition a doctors office is a bit scary to look out, especially the actual treatment rooms. They also tend to be cold, all these things together do make it a little harder.

Also you may want to call ahead and ask about giving your daughter Tylenol before her shots. My doctor always had me give it to my kids about 20 minutes before. This takes the edge off of the pain and helps prevent fussiness later in the day.