Prepare your child for visit to doc

A visit to the doctor can be scary for young children, especially if they're going to a new doctor.

According to the St. Louis Children's Hospital, some advance preparation can turn the visit into more of an adventure.

Here are some things you can do to reduce your child's anxiety:

• Let your child take along a special blanket or toy. If it's a doll or a teddy, some pediatricians will examine the toy first to make your child more comfortable.
• Don't tell your child that shots don't hurt. Explain that a needle hurts a little, but that it's to keep people from getting sick.
• Before you go, read books with your child about children going to see the doctor.
• Be sure your child understands everything that will happen at the doctor's office. Don't let there be any surprises.