Health Encyclopedia

Babies and shots

Definition

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

Alternative Names

Shots and babies

Information

Many parents often wonder how to make shots less painful for their babies. Unfortunately, routine immunizations need to be given into the muscle or under the skin using a needle. Reducing your child's anxiety level is perhaps the best way to help limit the pain.

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 giving the child one dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen 30 minutes before the shot. Always check with your healthcare provider before giving these medications for this purpose. Some pediatricians use a pain relieving spray or cream prior to immunizations.

Review Date:6/19/2008
Reviewed By:David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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