Who among us enjoys an injection? Getting a shot is never anyone’s idea of a fun activity, and for kids, vaccination can be a scary and stressful experience. You can, however, take steps to make these visits easier on both you and your child.
At Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC, we understand that even though vaccination is a foundation of a healthy childhood, getting these shots isn’t fun for parents or children. Holly Hubbard, MD, strives to make the experience as easy and painless as possible, and we’re here today to share some tips on how you can make vaccines less stressful for your child.
According to research compiled by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the taste of something sweet can help minimize the pain response that follows an injection. During your visit, ask if your child can have a solution of glucose or sucrose a minute or so before their shot.
If you’re breastfeeding your baby, plan to breastfeed while your little one is getting their shots. Breast milk has a bit of natural sweetness, so your child will receive the pain relief benefits discussed above. Breastfeeding is also incredibly soothing for both mother and child, making these visits more easily tolerable.
Though it’s tempting to avoid talking about getting shots before you arrive at the pediatrician’s office, doing so can end up causing more harm than good. Just like adults, kids need time to process information and are usually more comfortable when they know what to expect.
You can begin by explaining how important vaccines are for their health and talking about your own experience with childhood vaccines. Make an effort to use words like pinch and poke instead of pain or hurt. Don’t minimize your child’s worries by telling them that getting vaccines is not a big deal.
It’s also helpful to avoid apologizing for the need for vaccines. Apologies should be reserved for when someone has done something wrong. Getting vaccinated is like building a suit of armor to protect against disease. Sharing some general information about how vaccines work can help children feel better about the experience.
No one knows your child better than you. If you have a cuddle bug who loves nothing more than to be on your lap, create a soothing setting by holding them in your arms during their shots. Be ready to comfort them and congratulate them on moving one step closer to a strong immune response.
If your child gets deeply engaged in video games or music, there’s nothing wrong with letting them enjoy these distractions while they’re getting their vaccine shots. Just be sure to explain what to expect and be prepared to comfort them afterward.
As we look ahead to a new set of guidelines concerning childhood vaccines, it’s understandable that you may have questions and concerns about how to protect your child from communicable diseases.
We are happy to sit down with you and discuss how vaccines work, why they are safe, and the role they play in both personal and community health. We’re here to support you in all aspects of parenthood, and you should never hesitate to bring up any subject that you’re concerned about.
When you’re ready to book your child’s next visit, we offer both online booking and phone-based scheduling options. It takes just a few moments to secure your appointment spot on our calendar, so reach out when you’re ready.
Some new parents feel overwhelmed with worries after they bring their baby home. Keep in mind that you chose Hubbard Pediatric Group for a reason, and that our team is here to help you navigate these first few months.
When you’re ready to get started, booking a visit at our Loganville, Georgia, office is as easy as a quick phone call or a visit to our online booking page. We welcome you to reach out whenever necessary.
