Register or Login
  Search
  
You are here: Home > Health A to Z > Babies and shots

Health A to Z

 


Babies and shots

Definition
Information
Alternative Names


Infant immunizations
Infant immunizations

 Definition  

Immunizations are important to keep your child healthy. This article discusses how to ease the pain of shots for babies.

See also: Immunizations

 Alternative Names  

Shots and babies

 Information  

Many parents are concerned with easing the pain of shots for babies. Unfortunately, routine immunizations need to be given into the muscle or under the skin using a needle. Reducing the level of anxiety for your child is perhaps the best way to help limit the pain for them.

Here are some tips:

  • Stay calm and do not let the child see if you are upset or anxious. Talk calmly and use soothing words.
  • Hold your child on your lap facing you in a firm hug during the shot.
  • Distract the child by blowing bubbles or playing with a toy.
  • Place sugar on a newborn's tongue or pacifier.
  • Put pressure on the area before the shot is given.

Some pediatricians recommend taking a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen half an hour before the shots. Always check with your healthcare provider before giving these medications for this purpose. Some pediatricians use a pain relieving spray or cream prior to vaccinations.

Review date: 1/22/2007

Reviewed By: Leisha M. Andersen, M.D., Private Practice specializing in Pediatrics, Denver, CO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- 2008 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.


Home | Medical Info | Cool Tools
Who We Are | Editorial Guidelines | Contact Us | FAQ | Registration | Privacy

All contents copyright © Consumer Health Interactive, a division of Caremark, L.L.C. All rights reserved. Consumer Health Interactive makes this Web site available free to users for the sole purposes of providing educational information on health-related issues and providing access to health-related resources. This Web site's health-related information and resources are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or for the care that patients receive from their physicians. Please review the Terms of Use before using this Web site. Your use of this Web site indicates your agreement to be bound by the Terms of Use. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

This Web site was produced by
CAREMARK

We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the Health On the Net Foundation
We subscribe to the HONcode principles. Verify here.
URAC Health Web Site Accreditation Seal Editorial Team Medical Review Board
Medical Review Board and Editorial Team

-