We use Pedia Pals Elly the Elephant Otoscope Attachment to introduce patients to a new friend – not a cold, scary medical instrument. We tell patients: “My friend Elly just loves to whisper secrets. Can Elly whisper a secret in your ear? Great! Now you have to sit really still and be very quiet so you can hear what she's saying.”

We often then whisper a compliment, like “you’re a very good girl.” It really works.

When using Pedia Pals’ Jamaal Giraffe Reflex Hammer, let the patient become comfortable with the character. Bring Jamaal to life. We tell patients that “Jamaal likes to be held and give kisses,” and then ask if they would like to hold Jamaal. Then we explain that “Jamaal wants to give them a kiss on the knee,” and ask if they can you show your where their knee is. When a patient points out his/her knee, we reassure with comments like: “That's right. Jamaal thinks you're really smart!” Now, when Jamaal gives our patient a ‘kiss on the knee,’ it tickles. The result is that we can test reflexes more quickly while comforting our patients.

A Benjamin Bear Blood Pressure Kit relaxes our patients by transforming a blood pressure cuff and bulb into a new friend. We explain: "This is Benjamin, and he likes to give cuddly bear hugs. I'm going to put this around your arm and hand you this little bear (the bulb). Now, if you give the little bear a hug, you'll feel Benjamin hug you right back." Because patients are engaged in the procedure, they don’t pay as much attention to the pressure. We get more accurate readings as well.

Pedia Pals’ Manuel Mouse Ophthalmoscope Attachment helps our patients focus on an animal face, not an instrument. We tell patients that “Manuel has big eyes that allow him to see in the dark as well as in the light. He thinks you have very interesting eyes and wants to look at them. So focus on Manuel's eyes and follow him around."