(HealthDay News) -- It's crucial to get your infant or child vaccinated against a host of deadly germs. But that doesn't make it less painful for the child or concerned parents.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to help parents calm a baby or child who needs a shot:

• Before the shot is given, apply gentle pressure to the skin where it will be given.
• Keep calm and relaxed yourself. A child can pick up on a parent's anxiety.
• Talk to the baby in a calm, soothing tone.
• Embrace your child on your lap, facing you.
• Offer a distraction, such as a toy. Or sing a song together.