How to Calm a Fussy Baby After Shots

The tears and screeching cries after your baby receives a vaccination can be heartbreaking for any parent. You may not be able to keep the tears away, but you can reduce your little one's pain and discomfort immediately after with various soothing methods. For infants and older babies, the Academy of Pediatrics recognizes certain techniques that have been proven effective in easing vaccination pain.

  1. 5 S's Method

    • For babies younger than 5 months of age, the "5 S's" method may be effective, according to the AAP. It employs five simple steps -- swaddling, side/stomach positioning, shushing, swinging and sucking -- to soothe pain and anxiety in infants. Each steps helps recreate the soothing feelings of being in the womb. Swaddle your baby immediately after receiving a vaccination, or swaddle him ahead of time, leaving just his legs exposed for the shot. Next, hold your infant on his side or stomach in your arms, using one hand to support his head. Make "shushing" sounds in your baby's ear as you hold him, loud enough that he can hear it over his crying. Swing him gently in your arms, making small, quivering movements; do not vigorously shake your baby, however. Finally, give your baby something to suck on, whether it is a pacifier, bottle or breast, to calm him down.

    Distractions

    • Draw your baby's attention away from the sudden pain of the shot. Bring a favorite noise-making toy to shake, sing a song that always puts a smile on his face, or clap and cheer, encouraging your baby to clap too. You could also try to bring a new toy that your child hasn't seen before to capture his attention. Consider a bright and colorful toy that he can hold comfortably by himself. You can also distract him with food. According to Dr. Ken Haller, associate professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University, feeding your baby immediately after a shot can take her mind from the physical hurt to thoughts of food as a natural distraction.

    Something Sweet

    • Giving infants a small amount of sugar-water orally has been a long-standing procedure in many hospitals when giving shots to infants younger than 1 year. A 2012 study on sucrose for pain management in infants, published by the AAP, concluded that sucrose reduces the pain responses in babies during painful procedures. Dip your infant's pacifier in sugar water and offer it to him right before the shot. Consult your baby's pediatrician before using sugar water and about the ratio of sugar to water.

    Calm and Comfort

    • Hold your baby close in your arms during a vaccination. Your closeness provides instant comfort after the shot, while your arms will keep him still to make it easier for your doctor to administer the vaccine safely. It is also essential that you stay calm and cool throughout the process to ease your child's pain. Your baby can sense your fear or nervousness, which will make him fearful as well. Give your little one reassuring smiles, hugs and kisses during and after the vaccination. You can also lightly massage the area near the injection site afterward to give direct pain relief.

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