How to Soothe Your Infant after Vaccination Shots

The first year for baby and parent(s) can be very stressful; add vaccinations to the mix and you have a full-on stressful day. Here are some tips and steps that will help you to soothe your baby while they go through one of the most difficult moments of their first year.

Instructions

1. Stay close by. It is difficult for almost anyone to go through a painful event alone, be it emotional, physical or any other circumstance. Consider your infant in the same manner. It may be a very lonely feeling as they lie there "bolted" to the exam table, receiving little sticks in their chunky little thighs. With that in mind, bend down close to your baby, touch your cheek to his/hers. It has to be comforting to that little one to be able to feel his/her Mommy or Daddy and smell their scent as well. It is reassuring that someone familiar is there.

2. Once the nurse has finished and bandaged your son/daughter, pick them up and securely squeeze their upper body with your arms into your chest. Begin humming a soft little familiar tune, one that you've noticed to be a favorite of your little one or just talk in a calming voice directly in your child's ear. Let him/her know that everything is o.k. and that you are there.

3. 

   Once the crying has calmed down a bit offer him/her a little comfort food. If you are nursing, offer to give a little milk right there on the spot, forget about your schedule and help him/her to realize that you are there and all is well. If you are a Dad, bring a bottle of Mommy's milk or formula with you. Most likely your child will not take an entire feeding, just enough to calm down and relax in the midst of a painful situation.

4. Older children may not cry as much so just be on stand-by with a cup of juice, some puffy snacks or a sticker and a hug and they should be fine.

Tips & Warnings

• If it is o.k. with your Doctor, give your infant some Tylenol before OR after they receive shots to control a possible fever and to help with pain.

• When you are hugging an infant who has just received shots be careful not to squeeze his/her legs, as the area may be a little tender for a few hours.