A few months ago, I was complaining to a friend about the paper chaos that threatened to take over my house. It was so overwhelming that I was having trouble finding important documents. She referred me to a blog post by Katrina Crane, a former Valley resident and mom who recently relocated to Utah. To keep track of health-related information, she recommends keeping a medical binder for each child.
I immediately set up binders for each of my three sons. Inside each book is everything I need for doctor appointments, emergency room visits and school registration. If, heaven forbid, one of my sons ever goes missing, the binder will be an invaluable tool to help find him.
Assemble your binder now so you’ll be prepared for the flurry of paperwork coming your way.
To get started, gather:
• an 8×10 photo of your baby
• a two-inch, three-ring binder with clear plastic cover sleeves (office stores have lots of fun colors)
• one zipper pouch
• one velcro-close pouch
• lots of plastic sheet protectors
• a few sheets of loose leaf paper
Slide the photo into the front cover of your binder.
Jot down important numbers, including your child’s day care center (or school attendance phone number for older children), and slide the page into the back cover of the binder.
Affix your pediatrician’s business card (and cards for specialists, dentists, etc.) to a sheet of blank paper and put it inside the binder. Always grab a card in any new medical office and tape it to this sheet.
Place your child’s immunization card and insurance card in the zipper pouch.
Stuff the velcro pouch with a copy of your child’s birth certificate and social security card (if you are comfortable doing so) along with a fingerprint card and lock of your child’s hair.
On sheets of loose-leaf paper record the onset dates of any illnesses or injuries and the dates and reasons for any medical visits. Also note any treatments or medications that were prescribed.
Use the plastic sheet protectors to slip in growth chart pages given to you by the doctor as well as information on immunizations or child development.
For security reasons, keep the binder in a personal safe if you have one.
The “side effects” of toting this binder to the doctor’s office include: getting to appointments on time with everything in one place and ready to go, extra friendliness and efficiency from office staff, more focused attention and consideration from all medical personnel and a thorough understanding of your baby’s health history, making you a better advocate for his or her care.
On our last visit to the boys’ pediatrician, she pointed at my son’s medical binder. “You inspired me!” she said. “I made binders for my own kids and I’ve been telling all my patients about you and your binders.”
