Most children do not enjoy going to the doctor and getting shots. After all, who likes to get stuck with a needle? There are some children (and adults!) who actually have a phobia of needles and need extra-special attention and care when it is immunization time. In any event, there are some things that you, as a parent, can do to make vaccine visits go a little smoother for both you and your child.

Dress Appropriately

By dressing your baby or young child in the most appropriate clothes, you can save a significant amount of time as well as effort once you get to the doctor's office. You will want to avoid any tight-fighting and padded clothes as well as clothes that have a lot of straps or buttons. These types of clothes take more time to take off and put back on.

Keep in mind that babies, usually 12 months of age and younger, will receive their immunizations in the thigh, while older children will receive their immunizations in the arm. Therefore, the most appropriate attire for babies will be onesies, and the most appropriate attire for older children will be short sleeves.

Don't Tell Your Child There Will Be No Shots

When your child is scared that he or she will be getting a shot at the doctor, it isn't uncommon to tell them that there won't be a shot that day. However, this is the worst thing that you can do. When you make a promise of something like this, then that promise is broken, trust is also broken. It is also important that you don't use shots as a form of punishment. When this is done, a child believes that doctors and nurses are there to harm him or her; however, they are there to help children and people.

Always tell your child the truth and simply help your child through the process with some TLC.

Hold Your Child During the Shot

Speaking of TLC, if your child is particularly nervous about receiving a shot, hold him or her. A loving parent's arms around a child can do a lot more good than you think it can. More often than not, the nurse or doctor will actually request that you do this.

Distract Your Child During the Shot

As the nurse is getting the injection ready, talk to your child about something that interests him or her. Keep your child occupied and distracted through the whole thing and, before your child knows it, the immunization will be over.