First Round of Immunizations

I don't blame you a bit for being nervous. Shots aren't good for the immune system if too many are given, or if the child is given them too young. I recommend using Dr. Sears modified shot schedule, and not immunizing before 6 months of age. 9 weeks is too young.

Also, if you wait out the shots, the children end up getting a lot less of them. The less, the better. It seems in the last 20 years the doctors have lost their minds. Giving Hep B in a hospital to a newborn? They're crazy.

The pain from a shot isn't that bad. That's not what I worry about. I worry about how it affects my child's immune system.

When my son was young, they spaced the shots out more, and were considerate of whether or not the child would get sick from them. I noticed a lot of times when I delayed shots, he would not need as many.

K....
My daughter goes in Friday for her 9 month shots...& let me tell you I'm not looking forward to it either..I don't like to see her cry. I make my husband be with her for every other visit so that all the guilt isn't laid on me.
What we do is give her infant tylenol in the car on the way there, we only live about 10 minutes from the Dr. office.
I also have a bottle prepared for her for right after the shots..or if you breastfeed be prepared to do so...food is comfort to them,it's actually the sucking motion "soother"
So give her tylenol right before hand and have food ready..or a pacifier if she takes one. Just relax and stay calm..good luck!

Hello K.,
I know exactly how you feel! I've always been afraid of needles and worried that it would pass on to my girls. The first immunizations was a little bit of an ordeal. They cried really hard for about 5 minutes then stopped. After that it got easier and easier. It helped when while they were getting their shots that I held their little hands and gave them a bunch of kisses to distract them. I've heard that if you give them baby's tylenol 30 minutes before the appointment that it helps to not only calm them down but handle the pain. I myself haven't tried it before. I've only heard of a few of my friends who have. But my girls are pros now and only cry for 10 seconds and they're happy again. I hope this helps.

I was nervous for my daughter's first round as well, but I can assure you IT IS NO BIG DEAL, unless you make it so. Just be calm and matter of fact, the ped nurses are SO fast anyhow and the needles are so tiny. She will likely not cry until it is all said and done and then burst into a wail. Just comfort her and talk to her calmly, soothingly. As my daughter grew older we always looked forward to our dr office visits and talked about how much we liked our doctor and how she was always there to help. We also talked about what shots are, why they are important, how they will hurt a bit, but how she can be brave each time she has to get them. She is now 4 and has NO problem with the doctor, exams, shots, or anything. This also transferred to the dentist to. Part of it may very well be her nature, but a big part of it was our attitude toward the doctor and immunizations. Hope this helps.

Forgot to mention that you can also give infant tylenol prior to going in (as the mom's below mention). That's your choice. I do remember that we gave her the infant tylenol after the fact.

The best way I found to make the visits more tolerable is to not seem too upset in front of your little one. She's looking to you for support and will be more anxious if you are. Yes, she will most likely scream, but the nurses are trained to be quick and efficient. It will be over before either of you know it. You can give her Tylenol before the appointment to ease the discomfort and offer her a bottle (or breast) after to soothe her. Most likely she won't see you or the nurse as a "bad guy". She won't even know what happened this time. You'll get through it just fine. I did and I have a terrible fear of needles!

Good Luck!
-B. M.-

From the very first immunization, I talked to my baby about what was going to happen. When the nurses came in, I held her while they gave the shot. I thanked the nurses for helping us stay healthy on their way out. I comforted my baby and told her why she had to have shots, and that I was sorry they had to be painful. I told her that we were very lucky to be able to have immunizations to stay healthy. I have been consistent in this method and as she got older she understood and was even telling the nurses "thank you" at around 1. The nurses always comment on how agreeable she is to the whole procedure. What is really sweet is when my daughter was 2, I had to have an immunization booster, and she held my hand through the whole thing and told me to remember to thank the nurse:)
Take as much time as you need to comfort your baby before you head out to the car. You will be allowed to use the room as long as you need to, or you can settle in the lobby for a bit if you prefer that.
And about the whole memory thing-the first 3 years of life are crucial when considering interactions between caregiver(mom included) and child. When adults are consistent and considerate in their interactions with babies, it fosters healthy trust that is critical to developing healthy outlooks and social relationships later in childhood. While your child will not remember the act of the shot, the interaction practiced during the whole episode will model her early development. I think what is more frightening than the shot itself is being left alone with a stranger during the procedure, without the support of mom present. I don't think it is good practice for the parent to be allowed to leave the room in the first place, but to each his own.

Step 1) Infant tylenol about 10 minutes prior

Step 2) Realize that stubbing your toe hurts more, and your baby is not only going to be stubbing her toes, but her FACE, head, elbows, knees, bum... not to mention slicing her gums open for the very first time (teething). She's going to skin her knees and elbows, get stung by insects, burned by the sun, bend a nail all the way back to the quick. Give her a little time and you'll watch her first heart-break. (You won't have to wait that long btw, my son's first broken heart was at about a year and a half) She'll also catch colds, flues, & fevers that will last for DAYS worth of pain and misery, as opposed to a few seconds. Pain is all a part of life. We CAN'T avoid it, and live happy healthy productive lives. Although addicts certainly try. Life without pain is life without joy, love, & striving to succeed, to be better. Life without pain, isn't life. It's death.

Step 3) Which brings us to the fact that these are immunizations. Which keep her from contracting one of these deadly diseases that are on the rise. Would you trade 4 seconds of pain and an afternoon of sleepiness for your daughters life? You know you wouldn't. If you can endure however many hours of labor to bring her into this world, you can endure one indignant moment to KEEP her here in this world.

<Grinning> You'll be fine. She'll be fine. We all stress out over this stuff. Sometime we all just need a good icewater reality check. Not only will she undoubtedly have MUCH worse, but being squeezed out of a hole smaller then your head can't feel too fantastic, either... so quite frankly, she's probably already HAD worse.

First, I would forego the Tylenol. It can interfere with her little immune system. Give her appropriate doses of Vitamin A and C 2 days before and after the shot (s) to help boost her immune system. Please don't leave her while she is getting the shot (s). She needs your comforting presence during this scary time. If you nurse her, you can nurse her during or right after for comfort. Also, make sure you do your research on these vaccines and deem which ones are needed and which ones aren't. A selective schedule works great (getting one or two shots at a time). Much easier for her little immune system to handle and if there are any adverse reactions, you'll know which vaccine was the cause (and they do happen). Relax and just be there for your little one. Don't let the doctor or nurses pressure you into getting multiple shots at once or to get a certain vaccine you've deemed unneccessary or too suspect. Go with your mother's instinct and stick to your research. Good luck and God bless!
P.S. I forgot to add that having acidophilus on hand is great for your little one too, as some of the vaccines wipe out beneficial bacteria in the gut. Believe it or not the ER nurses gave us some and it helped.

I have 2 children and am pregnant with 3rd, and what I've always done is nurse the baby during a shot. Also, I get only 2 immunizations at a time. They cry for a bit, but it probably won't be as devastating as you might think, babies get over it pretty quickly. When they get older it gets a little trickier, let me tell you. My friend has a story about her otherwise brae 5 yr. old hiding under the table and trying to escape the room from the nurse with the shot! Waht I do now (mine are now 3 and 7) is we go out for ice cream afterwards, they get a scoop for every shot and they find it worth it to sit still!
Take care and good luck, J.

I totally understand- We are doing ours on a slower schedule-- so no more than 2 imm. at one visit. Our son didn't understand the pain of shots until he was 16mo. before he would cry for a second and them all was well. Try and have 2 nurses help hold so they can do it quickly and YOU comfort when it's over. I also gave him tylenol before each shot because he usually got a fever-- Good job doing it at all- With all the headlines and such-- think about what it would be like if we didn't have them. Children in other countries would take the PAIN to not get the illness.
L

I actually nursed my babies during shots.

I also noticed that they were pretty ok with a first shot (because she's right, pain happens)--just kind of shocked, but they processed it--but with the second shot they got distressed/upset ... like they figured out that 'someone/something is hurting me on purpose.'

I got all alternative about vaccinations pretty quickly for a lot of reasons, but one thing I did when the babies were too little to understand words was only let them have one shot per visit, and make sure not all visits had shots (ie, the wellness visits and the shot visits were not combined) ... it was more expensive and time-consuming, but that way 'going to the doctor' doesn't equal 'inflicted pain.' When they were still little enough to nusre instead of watching with interest, sometimes the two-shots thing would be less noticed/more quickly recovered from.

I was already suspicious of the whole schedule before my first was born, so we've never done more than two shots at a time.

'Hopefully not too many people discount this because I admit I am an alternative thinker on vaccination schedules. I am trying to just speak about the pain.

I liked very much the mom who spoke so clearly and calmly to her child--what a great idea, and such clear thinking!

I liked the response from Zoe. I understand the anxiety behind your question, but believe me, the only reason that you see these shots as a huge deal for your baby is because you're just beginning down the road of parenthood. Another way to think of it is, do you remember your own immunizations as an infant? Were you angry at your mother about them? Probably not. These are something that you are doing for the health of your child, and they only sting for an instant. She'll be fine, and more so if you are very matter-of-fact and cheerful about them and focus on loving and cuddling her afterward (I would always let the nurse do the shots with the baby lying on the table, so that her legs were held very still, and then I would scoop her up and snuggle her the second they were over). By the time you leave the doctor's office, she will be totally fine. Good luck!

If you're breastfeeding, then you could try starting to nurse before the shot - that's what we do, and he usually startles a little, maybe lets out one tiny cry in protest, then goes right back to feeding! Also, we're very careful to act (and try to really feel, as much as possible) that all is well, we're relaxed & casual before & during the shot. The baby gets its cues from you - and if your body is all tensed up, she'll feel it, and she'll tense up too. If you act like all is well, your baby will (usually) think all is well.
We're also doing only one shot at a time - yes, it means doubling your doctor visits, but then in the event there is any adverse reaction, you know which vaccine it is right away. Plus, I think it's easier to get him to ignore one poke at a time, then several all in one go!
Your baby will forgive you - usually, almost immediately! Believe me - I was totally freaked out the first time, too, but it was much easier than I expected, and now it's like we're old hands at it - it's amazing what you can get used to!

We just went through this with our daughter (second child) it was not bad with either our son or our daughter...no one likes to hear their child scream, but it really isn't that bad. You can try a pacifier dipped in sugar water, tylenol, or just soothe her with a calm voice (which is what I did - no other intervention). It is all over in a minute or two...

I believe it is more tramatic for the parent than the child. It happens so fast and it is over quick. My daughter would cry for just a second and then I comforted her and she was fine. The last time we had shots at age 2, she looked at me and said, "momma, shot no hurt." I was surprised. I think if you remain calm, that will transfer to your daughter. Children are so sensitive to emotions that even our anticipation can be felt by them.

tr any kind of diatraction...especially if she sees you're happy, she'll be less nervous. You can also try doing them at home to make her less nervous. Our pediatrician does house calls Dr. Kate Wiggin ###-###-####. Sine you are chosing to get your child vaccinated, please don't give her the MMR vaccination & only do one at a time, they're pretty intense on such a little body. Try researching the vaccine safety before giving them to your kid http://www.healing-arts.org/children/vaccines/vaccines-ot...

Take your time with the shots, I do one and two to three weeks later another one. Do your research on these shots before you get them. I wouldn't let them give her the normal 5-6 shots at once, thats to much for an inmature immune system!!! Research, research and then go with your gut feelings.

Best of luck

It is something you are doing to her. Have you put much thought into why you are doing it? Or read up on both sides of the issue? You don't have to give them to her, no one not even your Peds. Doc. can make you.
If you choose to give them I highly recommend one at a time, your doc i'm sure would agree to that, and if they don't shop around for a new Peds. Also, nurse your baby while they inject her. She'll be so distracted feeding that she'll hardly notice that she has been stabbed.

The newest issue of Parents has an article on preventing pain. you should be able to check it out online.

Giving her some tylenol beforehand will help. My son never associated the pain with me, even though I had to hold him down. But he gets a bit nervous when he sees the nurse now! You'll probably find that she doesn't even cry that long...

At work, I give these shots all the time to our precious little babies. I'm also a mom of two. So I've experienced both sides of the coin. The best thing for you to do, is when it's time for the injection, go ahead and comfort your baby as she is laying there, talk to her, hold her hands...all of that. As you are doing that, we (your nurse) will give her her shots, it's over pretty quickly. She will cry mostly over the shock of it. By then, you are done and you can go pick her up. Also, babies have a memory span for pain of only 7 seconds. As soon as she is back in your arms, and being held she will be fine. Later on in the night she might feel uncomfortable, just make sure to give her extra loving. Tylenol, might even help her afterward for any slight fever or discomfort in her legs. You guys will do great. I hope my two cents worth helps somewhat. Good luck.

I always step back and let the nurses give the shots and then i pick him up and comfort him. He barely cried just kind of shocked.

I dont think any parent enjoys taking their child in for shots. Its harder on us than on the child. I have four children and still get weepy eyed when my youngest gets hers. Honestly it is more the surprise of someone poking them that gets them going. For the discomfort the shot will cause, give your child Tylenol before you go in. This will help with soreness. Sometimes a cold pack after will help.

It doesn't hurt that long. It is more of a surprise to them the first time. Make sure the doctor rubs it after word. The site will become tender later, so cool it with ice if needed.

Good luck.

My daughter just had her third round of immunizations, and they didn't get any easier. However, I found it helpful to give her baby tylenol about an hour ahead of time, and then breastfed her as soon as the injections were finished. I made sure that her appointment time coincided with mealtime so that she would be hungry. I noticed that the more upset I became, the more upset my daughter became, so staying calm and masking my emotions to the best of my ability was also helpful. I wish you the best of luck.

Hi K.,
I was just read about this in the may issue of Parents Magazine. They said to inform the Doctor before the set appointment that you want a pain free method. They can prescribe a cream that you put on the arm where they will give your child the shot it numbs it so htey and helps eliminate pain then they suggest putting sugar water on a Pacifier and snuggle your child so then don't see whats happening. I found this to be very insightful. They had other suggestions as well. If you want to pick up a copy or do what I did I just read it when we were at Barns and noble. I hope this helps.

J.

This month's Parents Magazine has a whole article on making shots less painful. One of the suggestions is to get some EMLA cream (you can ask your doc for a prescription) and put it on the immunization site an hour before her appointment. I've used this cream for lazer hair removal, and it really does a lot to numb the skin.

Can I ask how old is she? My daughter I put on the breast right after her first shots, because she was 3 months. She was fine. Now older, our pediatrician lets my daughter sit on my lap. Right after the shots, she gets a cookie and is told how brave she was.

Also, we're doing slowvax - so she has never gotten more than two shots at any given time. It's much easier on the baby's system.

Hi K.,

My grandkids didn't even cry when they got their first shots. My kids did many years ago, but the process is so fast now and I believe that makes a difference. I would give your daughter some Tylenol before you go to the doctor to help with any pain after the shot and then you need to relax. Kids pick up on your reaction, so stay calm and keep your voice low and stress free. If you freak out they'll freak out. I speak from experience on this one. Once you're home you can put something cold at the injection site to help with swelling and irritation,if there's any.

You're a good mom to be concerned, so keep it up and good luck!

K.,

Take a deep breath and relax. The pain is short and they recover quickly. What worked best for my son was to try and time the shots right around a feeding. He'd get the shots, get pissed, get dressed, then get to nurse. I did the same thing for my daughter. I'd also give them some extra love and attention for the rest of the day after getting shots. The Clinic we go to is great about trying to make everything as quick and painless as possible.

This precious little ones are so incredibly resilient, it blows my mind often.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

I think it's a much bigger deal for the parent than it is the child. Both of my kids barely flinched/cried when they had theirs. The last time my daughter had her shots (she had just turned 2?) she simply said OUCH! and that was it. It was then my 6 year old sons turn and he didn't cry because he knew his little sister didn't. Having her go first really backfired for him:) Good luck--it won't be so bad.

There are two theories to this: ONE to be outside of the room she she doesn't associate the pain with you (I chose this one). Or TWO to be in the room, up near her head, holding her closely so she is comforted by you when she does experience pain. I clearly remember my daughter's first shots and I experienced the same anxiety as you are. Although she did let out a very loud scream, as soon as I came in the room and held her she was quiet immediatly. She'll be ok and it is perfectly normal to be concerned as you are.

Shots are more traumatizing for parents than the babies. She's had her pku test when she was about 10 days old, so she's been pricked before. She won't be screaming unless you're tense and extremely nervous. Breathe. They may suggest that she gets a dose of Tylenol before she leaves the office. A warm compress with help dissipate the vaccine, so massage her leg to help this happen. They may also suggest a booboo bunny which is a little ice pack on the immunization site. Just ask. She's going to be getting many immunizations during the next few years. Don't show your apprehension as it will only scare her and cause her tense up and it will hurt. Many nurses are so skilled at shots and the needles are so fine, depending on the serum delivered, that they won't even know it happened. But the thicker the vaccine the bigger the needle guage and that's where there's some pain. Again, the Tylenol and the comfort packs, either cold or warm compresses.

You're protecting her by getting these immunizations. Again, take a deep breath. She gets a sticker, maybe someone will get you a flower?

You can leave the room and then return to comfort her. My friend, who is a nurse, by the way, did just that.

Also remember that the memory part of your baby's brain has not developed yet. Our brains are not fully developed until our early 20's. Long term memory kicks in around 5 if I remember correctly.

We sometimes think a small baby remembers because they do respond with reflex action. The action is just reflex and not related to brain function.

but....I know you'll remember her screams and feel bad enough short term and long term for both of you.

I have three little ones, and it is never easy. However, it is short and is protecting them from serious life-threatening sicknesses. These are things that have helped us: 1) Give infants' Tylenol about 1/2 hour before the shots. (This will help with the pain, and the fever which often follows.)
2) Hold your baby and talk soothingly before, during, and after the shots.
3) Hold, rock, and sing to your baby afterward. Let her know you love her and are with her, and that it is over.
4) If you nurse, breastfeed her to comfort her afterward.
5) Be prepared to hold her often for the next 24 hours. If she develops a fever, give her some Tylenol or Ibuprofin to bring it down and help her sleep.
Remember: It is much better than getting some horrid disease. The symptoms only last 24 hours or less. It's OK to cry- It's only natural; you are the mom!

Many Pediatricians recommend giving them a dose of infant Tylenol before you go in to help with the pain and discomfort afterwards.

Good luck! :o)

She will take her cues from you, so make sure YOU are very calm and matter of fact about it. Don't get all tense and emotional. With my daughter age 4 or 5 I just said, "You're going to have to get 4 shots and I'm sorry, but they will hurt. However, it's better to have this tiny hurt now than to be really sick for days and days and maybe even die. So that's why we get shots, so we won't get sick. But the good news is, we're going to go out for ice cream afterwards and you can get an extra topping for every shot you get." So once the shots are over, you just say, "Yay! Good job! You did that so well! Now we get to get ice cream!" That shuts 'em right up!