both ease your child’s fears and get them through the shot.
“Engage your pediatric providers in making a plan and preparing your child,” Feuer adds. “They have a lot of experience in getting kids through painful moments like this.”
When it’s your kid’s turn, you can offer to let them sit in your lap or hold your hand, the experts say. You might sing a song with them, or do something else that distracts them from the needle.
Your doctor might be able to apply a numbing cream or spray prior to the shot, to lessen the sensation of the prick, Pourdavoud notes. There are also vibration devices that can help distract your child’s brain from the needle poke.
And once it’s all done, be sure to reward your child with praise and attention.
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“After your child gets the vaccine, congratulate and praise her on what an amazing job she did and just how proud you are of her!” Pourdavoud says. “Give her a high-five, warm tight hug, or sticker.
“You may even want to stop by the park on the way home to hop on the swing, buy a special treat like a new book from the bookstore, or share some ice cream to create a positive memory from the experience,” she continues. “Even if your child cried or screamed, still praise her when it’s done! Nobody likes getting shots, and your child was super brave.”
Although you are getting your child vaccinated to protect them, it still hurts as a parent to see them scared or in pain. Hopefully, these tips will make that trip vaccination trip a little smoother for both you and your child.