Parents can ease their children's anxiety about visits to a doctor by using play to prepare them, the German association of paediatricians says.

"Pretend examinations can be carried out at home on a sick Teddy bear with the child playing the role of the doctor," said Thomas Fendel of the Munich-based organization. Taking the Teddy along on the visit also can help ease a child's fear as can allowing the child to sit on his mother's lap during the examination.

Fears can also be relieved as parents observe their children during a routine doctor visit. If an appointment has not been made because of an acute illness, there's often more time to create a comfortable atmosphere. Parents should ensure that their children arrive at routine visits well rested and having had something to eat so they will react more calmly to the doctor.

The parents' demeanour also has an effect on how their children feel about going to the doctor, the paediatricians' association said. Even infants can tell when their parents are sceptical or fearful at the doctor's office.

When inoculations are part of the examination, parents can help comfort their children by convincing them that the little bit of pain they have to bear is necessary to safeguard their health.