Do everything you can to reduce your own anxiety. Start by asking lots of questions! Find out as much as you can about what to expect when you bring your toddler to the doctor/hospital. You may ask about what your child will look like after a procedure (swelling, bandages, etc.). Take notes so you will remember what you are told and write down any questions you might have.

It is helpful to have your child become familiar with healthcare experiences through toys and books with medical themes. Curious George goes to the Hospital and A Visit to the Sesame Street Hospital are two good choices or view some other choices on our Children's Reading List. This process should start as soon as possible at a pace comfortable for you and your child.

Children learn best through play. Use play, such as role playing, as an opportunity to informally talk to your child about some things you have read about. You can find good toy medical/doctor kits at any toy store.

It is best tell your toddler about their specific hospitalization/procedure no more than 1-2 days prior to the event. This time frame is best because a child this age may forget what is told too far in advance or have increased fear and anxiety.

Ask your child what they think a hospital is and what they think is going to happen there. This is a great way to learn about your child's misconceptions. Don't assume that because your child uses medical words they understand what they mean. Children often repeat what they hear adults say.

Try not to have conversations about your child's care in their presence unless you are including them in the conversation. Children overhear much more than adults think and without any explanation the information may seem terribly frightening.

Stay overnight with your child if you can. If appropriate, let other family members, including brothers and sisters, come and visit. When your child is going to a procedure ask if you can be there. If this is not possible, stay with your child as long as you can. Give comfort by talking, singing, reading or doing any of the things that you know are usually soothing.

Bring familiar objects from home such as a picture, stuffed animal, blanket, music box or toy. Use these items to help comfort your child before, during and after the procedure.

Reassure your child that the hospitalization is not a punishment. Try to avoid using good/bad labels particularly during a procedure. For example, instead of saying "See, you were so good, the doctor only had to do this once," you can say, "You did such a good job of sitting still, I know that was hard."

If your child wants to, allow them to handle some medical equipment such as a stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, etc. Allow them to practice the procedure on a doll.

Allow your child to make choices whenever possible but don't offer a choice when none exist. For example do not say, "Would you like to come into the treatment room now so the doctor can look at you?" It would better to say, "Do you want to bring your bear or blanket with you to the treatment room?"

If you need to leave your child for a moment or several hours, let them know that you are going. Be sure to tell your child who will be taking care of him while you are gone and when you expect to return.