7 tips to happier immunisation

Learn how to make the process of getting your baby immunized easier.

Immunisation or vaccinations can be quite a stressful time for both parents and the baby. For babies, they don’t quite understand why they need to be subjected to pain and discomfort month after month. As for the parents, seeing their beloved babies in pain can be heartbreaking and such torture. Parents, we're making the process of immunisations easier for you and your baby.

1. Provide lots of distractions

Before having the doctor poke a needle in your child’s skin, make sure that your baby is distracted. This is a good way to make getting immunisations easier, because the baby won't realise what will happen next. So, talk to your child in a cheerful voice. You can also sing to her or show her a new and entertaining toy. In your attempt to distract, make sure that your baby isn’t facing the same way as the needle will be coming from.

2. Give some sugar

Besides sweet hugs and kisses, you can make getting immunisations easier with actual sugar. Studies show that sweets that are eaten right before the actual vaccination helps ease any sort of pain the baby will feel. If old enough, allow your child to suck on a lollipop all throughout the vaccination process. Younger babies can suck on a pacifier dipped in sugar-infused water.

3. Numbing creams

Make getting immunisations easier is as simple as wiping a bit of anesthetic cream on your baby’s arm or butt. These creams need to be applied an hour before to ensure that the area is sufficiently numb. Before application though, consult with your doctor if this cream is safe for use on your child.

4. Breastfeeding

If you are currently breastfeeding your child, it is advised that you feed during the vaccination. The skin-to-skin contact will make your child feel safe while the suckling motions will effectively drown out the pain.

5. Change the order of the immunisations

Do you know that babies are less likely to fuss and cry when the order of shots are altered? Giving the less painful shot before the heavier, more painful one can actually help make getting immunisations easier and less scary for your child.

6. Comfortable baby

Dress up your baby in comfortable clothes to prevent fussing if it gets too hot or too cold. Make sure that your baby is well-fed, had a refreshing nap and is not sick during immunisation. Shots are always easier with babies who have a happy disposition.

7. Be calm

If your baby cries a lot when they get vaccinated, always remain calm and patient. You can make getting immunisations easier for your child by having a positive attitude. Instead of being angry or annoyed, comfort your child in a soothing and loving manner.

Are immunisations a struggle for you and your baby too? Share your ideas on how to help make getting immunisations easier and less stressful. Leave your comments below.