How to Prepare for Baby's First Vaccinations

A baby's first vaccinations, which she'll likely receive at about 8 weeks of age, will protect her from such diseases as whooping cough, influenza and polio. Preparing a baby for her first vaccinations is often difficult for both the parent and child. If you know what to expect ahead of time you can take the necessary steps to ensure that both you and your little one are ready for what's to come.

Instructions

1. Call your baby's pediatrician and ask if you can give your baby infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen before the vaccinations to ease the pain of the injections.

2. Create your list of questions to ask your baby's pediatrician and go over them before the vaccinations are given. That way, once the shots are over, you can dress your baby and take her home immediately.

3. Bring a favorite toy or rattle to the appointment. Distract the baby with it while the vaccinations are administered.

4. Ask your pediatrician if you can breastfeed or bottlefeed your baby immediately before or during the first vaccinations to comfort the baby during the shots.

5. Hold your baby in your arms during the vaccinations and gently stroke her head and face while her doctor administers the shots.

6. Expect that your baby will likely cry quite a bit following the first vaccinations and those that are in her future. Remember that the pain is short-lived, but that the positive effects of the shots will protect her for a lifetime.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your baby's pediatrician for a prescription for an anesthetic cream to apply to your baby's legs an hour before her vaccinations are scheduled to numb the injection site.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish