How to Make Vaccination Shots Less Stressful for Your Baby?
Vaccination of your kid is a matter of choice, for it can play a significant role in the young one’s health. If you decided on vaccination, you have to be prepared that it could be a stressful experience for you both. A few pieces of advice on how you can alleviate the pressure on the child as you prepare for and undergo the procedure.
For a newborn child or that who hasn’t gotten to the age of half a year, there is a Five-S technique to be employed straight after the injection, including:
wrapping the baby in a burrito fashion in a blanket right after she has been given the vaccine. If you choose to do it prior to the procedure, mind that the paramedic has access to her legs for the shot;
- making sure she is lying on the belly or on the side;
- whispering something calming to her;
- swinging her gently in a swing or in the arms;
- letting her suck at something – a pacifier, a bottle, give her breast.
The implementation of all, or most, of these recommendations, can markedly lessen the shock for the baby and shorten the crying spell.
Prepare a sweet treat for her
A little sweet goodie can really reduce the painful sensation the infant is going to experience. When asked, the doctor can treat the baby to a glucose solution just before the injection – you won’t need much to diminish the painful feelings for your little darling.
Take their favorite toys along
Or maybe your little one has a preference, not for a toy, but for a book or a small pillow – anyway, the thing will serve to attract the child’s attention to a familiar and comforting item. Only before you bring it along, ask the doctor’s opinion on that.
Think of how to distract them
You are supposed to have learned the fine art of distraction, this is the time to use it. Call to your kid at the right time just when the needle is about to go in, pull a face, sing out a song, do what you can to take her mind off the main thing. Even when everything’s done, go on with the show.
Massage the spot before the shot
Previous to the needle prick, give the baby a gentle massage on the spot – it is likely to reduce the pain of the shot. Massage the injection area immediately upon the completion of the vaccination, too.
Be ready to use medicine
It can occur that the injection spot remains painful, or the kid might even get sick and feverish; consult the doctor, he can find it expedient to resort to medication and give alleviating remedies like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Give the baby praise
The greatest idea of them all is to sing praise to the little one when it’s all over. If the baby duly received a positive reaction from you, she will be behaving better when it’s time for the next visit.
After you stepped out of the place, consider going to a playground to superimpose joyful memories over the painful ones.
