Watching your baby receive his first shots may be more painful for you than it is for him. You can ease your anxiety as well as make him more comfortable during his first vaccinations and other times when he must have a shot by holding him during the procedure. If you are breastfeeding, nursing him during or immediately following a momentarily uncomfortable procedure will help comfort both of you.
At your baby’s 2-month check up, he will receive his first full set of vaccinations against several childhood diseases, including polio, diphtheria, pertussis, (MMR is given at 12-15 months), tetanus, H. influenza, and pneumococcal disease. This can involve up to four shots given in the thigh, which is a baby’s biggest muscle. Some offices may use a combined vaccine, requiring fewer injections. While most babies show no side effects, these vaccinations can cause a little fussiness or a slight fever later in the day or evening. Keep in mind your baby’s thigh may be tender or sore for several days, so shift his position off his side if he appears uncomfortable during feedings.
Your baby will receive additional doses of the vaccines at 4, 6, 12, 15, and 18 months, with a final set between his 4- and 6-year-old birthdays. Keep a record of your baby’s vaccinations to be sure that none are missed.
Outbreaks of measles, diphtheria, pertussis (also known as whooping cough), and other dangerous diseases still occur when groups of children are insufficiently immunized.
Ask your health care provider about sucrose, or just bring some along. Mix 1 tablespoon of sugar with 4 Tablespoons of water, shake to dissolve. Get it on the inside of the baby’s cheek about 30-60 seconds before the shots. It is absorbed through the cheeks and acts as a powerful, side effect free analgesic. This is supported by tons of research and is often used for things as painful as circumcisions, but for some reason is not yet used routinely for vaccinations in most hospitals.
Posted by r horsting, February 27th, 2008 at 9:48 pm | Link