How to soothe your infant after vaccination shots

Effective ways of calming your baby

While it is not the most pleasant procedure parent and baby have to endure at the pediatrician’s office, many parents have opted to ensure their infants receive the recommended and often required scheduled vaccinations.

The idea that vaccinations do inflict a measure of discomfort on your infant doesn’t make the ordeal any easier.

Fortunately, there are several things parents can try to soothe their infant directly following a vaccination shot.

Instructions

Step 1

Breastfeeding

In addition to its nutritional benefits, breastfeeding has been found to soothe and pacify infants during times of stress and duress.

Therefore, breastfeeding your baby immediately after immunizations have been administered, will quickly and effectively provide them with the comfort they need.

Step 2

Pacify them with a pacifier

Pacifiers are a great tool used for soothing an unhappy baby. The sucking motion and noises will soothe and lull your baby into a peaceful calm.

Some mothers have dabbed a bit of sugar water on the pacifier to give baby a little sweet surprise.

Step 3

Shake, rattle, and roll

Many individuals have effectively used visualization to control and counteract the unpleasantness of pain.

This same concept can be used for infants after they have received a painful immunization shot.

Using a set of colorful toy keys or a bright and noisy rattle as a visualization aid, should help your infant focus less on the pain.

Step 4

Lots of hugs and kisses

What is it about kissing the little bumps and bruises that make things all better?

Surprisingly enough, countless research has «shown how gentle touch can slow the racing heart, lower the blood pressure, and significantly calm even the most terminally ill.» If touch is so effective in the terminally ill, how much more so will it be when used in this situation.

Therefore, immediately after your infant has received an immunization, pick them up and embrace them, cuddle and coddle them, kiss them, or sing and talk endearingly to them.

You will be amazed at how fast they calm down.

Step 5

Distractions

Distraction is another great way to soothe your infant after their vaccination shot. Colorful cloth books, stuffed animals, or an age appropriate toy might do the trick.

Things Needed

• Pacifier

• Rattle

• Books

• Stuffed Animals

• Age appropriate toys

Tips & Warnings

• According to the book, Caring for your Baby and Young Child, parents should notify their child’s pediatrician in the event their child exhibits any of these less common reactions: unusual, high-pitched crying, limpness or paleness, convulsions, temperature of 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or constant, inconsolable crying for more than three hours, excessive sleepiness or difficulties in waking from sleep.

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