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Shots are not fun for anyone. These tips and suggestions will not get you around that. They may help you and your baby though. I hope they do!
I want to first advise new mommas that shots typically occur at the end of a wellness visit. This way your baby can be in the best mood possible during the general examination. So don’t start sweating about shots until the end.
In my experience, you go in with a nurse or a tech. They start the appointment with a few basic checks such as height and weight.
Next, the doctor comes in to do their exam on your baby. This is your time to ask questions and discuss concerns while the doctor examines your baby’s development.
This is an opportunity to ask your doctor what shots, if any, are scheduled today. If you have any concerns related to the shots discuss those during this time.
The doctor will step out and the nurse or tech will come back in to administer any shots scheduled. When your doctor is done with their exam, ask if you can put your baby’s shirt back on.
This is a typical flow of how things could go. Every office is different though, so make sure to be flexible.
Now let’s dive into the 5 tips to help you make it through your baby’s shots.
#1 Be Prepared
The more prepared you are the better the experience your baby will have. First off I applaud you. If you are here reading this you are doing your research to try to give your child a good experience. Good for you!
Ask your doctor or nurse where the shots will be given. Do this at the beginning of the appointment. If they say the leg when the doctor leaves and you know shots are all that remain get your baby halfway dressed. Put on their shirt or onesie. This way later when you have a fussy baby all you need to do is get on their pants.
Dressing a fussy baby is not fun!
If your baby takes a pacifier I recommend clipping it onto their shirt. This is helpful if they are actually wearing a shirt. Another reason to have them partially dressed.
If your baby is due for a feeding and they won’t rush you out of the room see if you can nurse or bottle-feed your baby to calm them down. You could do a partial feeding in the room and then finish in the car.
If your baby is older and they can handle finger foods consider packing something easy like cheerios and water for after the shots.
I wouldn’t consider the food a reward for getting through the shots, but rather a distraction to move on once they are over. Do not offer food if they are too upset to eat it! We do not want anyone choking!
#2 Don’t Hold Them Down Early
If the nurse clearly isn’t ready don’t start holding them down. The earlier you do this the more your baby will fight. We don’t want to see our baby stressed. Sometimes the stress and chaos of holding them down is worse than the pain of the shot.
If you think about that you would probably agree that it is true. As your baby gets older the fear and suspense will build up more and more.
Keep the painful part as short as possible.
#3 Ask the Nurse
While your baby is happy and on your hip ask the nurse how this will go. Verbally communicate and ask them what they want you to do or how you can help. Where is your baby going to lie down, at which end should you put their head?
Know the plan before you start holding your baby down.
Your nurse has probably done this hundreds of times. They know what works best for them.
#4 Talk Throughout
Keep talking to your little one while things are happening. Keep your voice steady and calm. Your baby will look to you for reassurance. Tell them over and over…
“It is ok.”
“It will be done soon.”
“You are doing so well.”
I couldn’t care less what the nurse thinks of me.
I am focused on my baby. I want them to know that I am right there with them.
I also want my baby to know that I approve of them getting shots. I want them to know they are safe. Yes, they are going to experience pain, but pain is not the same thing as danger.
This will be important as your baby grows into a toddler and child.
#5 Comfort
Once the shot is over they will slap on a bandage and pretty quickly you can pick up and comfort your baby.
Do not rush your baby to calm down. Let them feel what they are feeling. Just love on them.
Tell them what is happening. Point out that the nurse is going to go bye, bye. Say, “Time to get dressed.” Let them know, “We are going home.”
As your baby gets older these words of comfort will mean more.
Like I suggested in #1 Being Prepared food can be an option to help calm your baby down. Consider sitting them down for a nursing session, bottle feed, or maybe a light snack.
Have anything else that brings your baby comfort available. This could be a pacifier or even a lovey. You could bring this in the doctor’s office with you or have them available for the car ride home.
Depending on your baby’s age and how upset they may have got during the shots they may resist getting into their car seat. After being held down for shots the idea of being restrained again can be repulsive. This is where that comfort item can come in handy again.
After the Shots
Try not to have much planned on a day your baby gets shots. Your baby may not feel the greatest afterward. Watch for your baby to be fussy, feverish, exhausted, or stressed.
They may be a bit clingy, which is totally fine. Your baby has experienced quite a day!
Give your baby grace and love. They may be a bit off their schedule or not acting like their typical self.
Take any of these 5 tips and see what you can apply to your situation. I hope they give you ideas of how you can make shots a little less painful for your baby.
Good luck.
Remember it will be over in an instance.
Check Out My Articles
Your Baby’s First Doctor Visit: What to Expect and How to Prepare
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