Surviving Baby's First Shots

During your baby's first couple months, she will need to get some immunization shots. Most parents chose to start immunizations around 3 months of age and correlate getting the shots with a pediatrician's visit. Getting shots are no fun for anyone of any age, and it's hard on new parents to see their baby in pain.

There are a couple things you can do to help ease that pain for both you and your baby. A good start is to take a deep breath and remember that shots are a part of life - we all get them! The pain is over quickly, and sometimes you are a little sore afterwards, but it isn't life threatening! If you are anxious about your child getting a shot, they are going to feel your discomfort about the situation. Even if your baby is quite young, they are able to pick up on changes in your voice inflections and body language alerting them to something being amiss. If you stay calm, it is going to help make everything go smoothly. Even if needles are your biggest fear in life, put it in the back of your mind to help make the situation more comfortable for your child.

Make sure to tell your child what is going to happen. Don't feel silly explaining to your 3 month old baby that she is going to get a shot and it might hurt a little bit. This starts good habits of telling your child what to expect. When your child is aware of what is to come, it makes situations a lot less stressful and difficult. Your child wont feel slighted or lied to about what is happening, and knowing about something ahead of time might ease some of the tension. With older children, make sure to tell them about your experiences with shots and be honest. They will appreciate hearing your stories.

Understand that your baby will not remember getting the shot. Do you remember getting your immunizations? Many times we have memories of shots received later in life - an infant is quick to forget. Take someone with you for moral support and as an extra hand. You might need someone to lean on if you are anxious about shots yourself and to give you some motivation. Remember, you are doing the right thing by getting your baby immunized. It is beneficial to her health.

Bring something to distract your baby or young child when the time comes for the shot. This can be their favorite toy or a book. Engage your child in positive behavior when the shot is given. Stay strong! When the shot is over, give positive feedback to your baby. Make sure to provide lots and lots of love and tell them what a great job they did, even if they are screaming!

After your baby receives any shots, make sure to keep a close eye on them for any types of reactions. There aren't many side effects from immunizations, but make sure to be aware of symptoms of allergic, moderate, or severe reactions to the shots. Some may include changes in breathing, rise in temperature, or hives. If you observe any of these symptoms after your baby receives any shots, make sure to call your pediatrician immediately.

Some pediatricians recommend giving your child a small amount of pain reliever before or after receiving a shot. If you chose to give your baby something, make sure to talk with your pediatrician before administering anything. Many times dosage is based on your infant's weight. Always consult with your pediatrician if you have any questions about medications.

Immunizations don't have to be a scary thing. Your pediatrician will provide you with thorough information on the vaccines. Make sure to educate yourself on what the vaccines are and how they benefit your child. Whenever you decide to have immunization shots administered, try to make it a positive experience for your baby. Sometimes it's harder on the parent than the child!

http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/