Simple Ways to Sooth Your Baby’s Vaccination Visits
By the time your baby gets a year old, they’ll need at least 16 vaccinations. The pain of each needle stick is temporary for them, but the stress of seeing your baby cry can stick with you. Fear of shots shouldn’t drive you away from the prescribed vaccination schedule. Learn about easy ways you can encourage your child before, during, and after shots.
Do your research
Take a minute to read about how you can prepare before your visit, and analyze any vaccine information provided by your child specialist.
Ask for a sweet reward
Tasting something sweet can help lessen your sweetie pie’s pain response. Ask your pediatrician to give your child a sweet reward of sucrose or glucose one to two minutes before the vaccine.
If you can, breastfeed
Breastfeeding can be a great way to soothe and relax your baby, as breastmilk has a slight sweetness and can help divert him or her and provide supportive close contact.
Ask for a pain-relieving ointment or spray
Ask your child specialist for a pain-relieving cream, which blocks pain signals from the skin. Or, request a cooling spray (vapor coolant), which is applied on your baby’s arm or leg right before the shot.
Be honest and calm
Kids are smart, so take time to tell in simple expressions what to expect. Even if your baby can’t understand your words, your gentle voice will be reassuring.
Bring your child’s favorite things
Carry anything your child finds comforting, like a favorite toy, blanket, or book, to help them focus on something pleasant. Make sure to check with your pediatrician before bringing items into the room with you.
Big kids need support too
If your child is older, you can do deep breathing with them to help “blow out” the pain. Have them visualize the pain is leaving their body as they breathe out.
Care after the shot
Calm young infants by swathing them. Hugs, cuddles, and whispers can help calm older babies after a shot. Your child may have mild responses, such as pain and swelling where the shot was given or a temperature; these are natural and will soon go away. Contact your child specialist if anything concerns you.