If you have recently had a child and have scheduled your first pediatrician appointment, then you likely understand that the vaccine schedule will start fairly early. This can be traumatic for parents, since you may see your infant in pain for a few minutes. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do to reduce your child's discomfort. Keep reading to learn about them.
Apply A Numbing Cream
Speak with your pediatrician in advance of your child's appointment to see if vaccinations will be provided during the appointment. Vaccination schedules change frequently with varying recommendations made by the CDC. Also, if your child was a premature baby or if they suffered any health complications during or after the birth, then the physician may choose to delay the vaccines until the next checkup.
If your child is scheduled for his first round of shots, then ask how many will be given. As many as four or five may be scheduled for the first visit. Shots are often administered to both the legs and sometimes the arms, and you can use a numbing product on one or several of the locations to reduce discomfort.
There are special products on the market that are made specifically for the numbing of the skin in preparation for immunizations. They come in patch and cream form. Patches are best used for young infants since it shows the pediatrician where the skin is numb and prepared for the vaccine. So, place each patch on the upper thigh facing outward.
Feed Your Child
Children feel safe, comforted, and at ease when they are breastfeeding or consuming formula from a bottle. So, feeding your child before, during, and after the immunization is advisable.
If you intend on feeding your child, make sure to inform your physician of this so you can both prepare before the shots are given. Of course, you should wait a few minutes until your child is eating calmly and feeling sleepy.
If for some reason your child is not hungry, you can also supply a bottle of water that contains a small amount of sugar. Pacifiers can help as well since they are often suggested for soothing purposes.
When the physician is ready to give the shot, rock your baby gently. Do not tense up or get nervous, or your child may also start to feel nervous too.
If you want to know more about the ways that you can keep your baby at ease during the initial vaccination process, speak with your pediatrician.