Vaccination is one of the most effective tools we have in the fight against infectious diseases. Adults and older kids can understand the purpose and benefits of immunization, but babies don’t know what’s happening. All they know is they’ve been taken to a strange place filled with unfamiliar people and poked with something painful. It can be a stressful experience for babies and parents alike. Babies and small children may need extra care and support before, during, and after vaccinations.
How Vaccines Protect Your Baby
In the normal course of events, when a person is infected, the immune system mounts a defense. It examines the bacteria or virus and creates antibodies to fight against it. If you beat the infection, the body can hold onto those defenders so that you’re better equipped to handle an infection in the future.
Vaccines work by mimicking an infection, allowing your body to develop defenses against it without getting sick. They usually use weakened or killed bacteria or viruses, while others use genetic material or parts of a pathogen to trigger an immune response. While vaccinations won’t necessarily make your child immune from diseases like mumps and chickenpox, they will make infection far less likely. Vaccination also makes your child less likely to experience severe disease if they do become infected.
Some vaccines are effective after a single dose, while others require several doses spaced out over time. Your child’s pediatrician can provide a vaccination schedule outlining what vaccinations your child should receive and when. Keep a record of all completed vaccinations and take that record with you to medical appointments. If you have questions about a specific vaccine, your pediatric provider can provide vaccine information statements (VIS) outlining the benefits and risks.
How to Make Shots Easier on Your Baby
Consider your baby’s temperament when planning vaccination appointments. Are they better at dealing with things first thing in the morning or after an afternoon nap? You know your baby better than anyone; try scheduling vaccinations during a time that works best for you and your baby.
Recognize and manage your anxieties before and during the appointment. Kids easily pick up on our emotions; if you’re apprehensive, they will be too. Of course, every baby is different, and some may get through their vaccinations without a care in the world, while others will need your love and support. Try these tips and tricks to help your baby’s vaccinations go smoothly.
- Distraction: For many children, the fear of a shot is worse than the shot itself. Point out interesting objects in the room, make funny faces, dance, etc. Smile and make eye contact. Talk with your baby or sing a song. Reassure them with your tone and actions that everything will be okay. Give your child something else to think about, and they may not even notice the vaccinations happen.
- Comfort positioning: Hold your baby strategically to prevent undesired movement during injections. These positions can help immobilize your baby in a comforting and loving way.
- Cuddle hold for babies: Hold your baby sideways in your lap. Tuck their inside arm against your chest or under your armpit. Hold their outside arm and leg securely with the pressure of a hug. Slightly bend the outside knee to relax the thigh muscle.
- Chest to chest for toddler: Sit your toddler on your lap facing you and wrap their legs around your waist. Wrap their arms around your back and drape your arms over them to hold their arms firmly in place. In this position, your child can turn away from a shot if they’re afraid and nestle their head into your comforting embrace.
- Comforting object: If your baby has a favorite comfort object (a toy, blanket, book, etc.), let them take it with them during doctor’s visits.
- Spoonful of sugar: Small sweet treats may reduce pain and provide a distraction during vaccinations. Dip a pacifier in a sugary mixture and let them suck on it while vaccinations are completed.
- Feed: If your baby is young and still breastfeeding consider feeding them after vaccination. Whether with a bottle or breast, feeding provides close contact, comfort, support, and distraction. Breast milk also has a slight sweetness, which may reduce pain.
- Pain management: Gently rubbing the skin around the injection site may help to alleviate pain afterward. Ask your pediatrician about over-the-counter pain medications if the pain continues.
- Have fun: Plan something fun to do together after the vaccinations are over to get your child’s mind back on happier things. Get a treat together, go to the park, read a book, or watch a movie.
Recognizing and Managing Vaccine Side Effects in Children
Vaccinations are overwhelmingly safe and effective, though they sometimes have mild, temporary side effects. The most common are pain at the injection site, rash, or fever. These are ordinary side effects and not cause for alarm.
Check the vaccine information sheets to know what side effects, if any, to expect. They are usually mild and resolve on their own after a few days. In the meantime, try these tips to comfort your baby until they pass.
- The 5 S System: Swaddling your baby, holding your baby on their side or side/stomach, making shushing sounds in your baby’s ear, swinging them in your arms or a baby swing, and giving them something to suck on, like a pacifier, bottle, breast, etc. can help manage pain after vaccinations.
- Cool, damp cloth: Placing a cool, damp cloth at the injection site can reduce redness, soreness, and swelling.
- Bathtime: A warm bath is comforting no matter who you are and can work wonders on your little one’s achy limbs. Besides, a little time playing with toys in the soap and suds is a great distraction.
- Extra liquids: Children sometimes eat less than usual for about 24 hours after vaccinations. They may need more liquids to stay hydrated during this period.
- Keep an eye out: Watch your child closely during the first few days after vaccination, and contact your pediatric provider with any unexpected side effects or concerns you may have.
