How to make vaccinations less painful for your child
Nobody likes watching their child have an injection. The good news is that there are simple things you can do that genuinely reduce pain and distress - and the World Health Organization has reviewed the evidence and recommends many of them.
For babies
- Breastfeed during or just before the injection if you can. Being held, sucking and the taste of milk together make a real difference to how much babies cry.
- Hold your baby close, skin to skin or on your lap, rather than having them lie on the examination couch.
- If you are not breastfeeding, a bottle feed or a dummy can help comfort them straight afterwards.
- Stay calm and talk softly - babies pick up on how you are feeling.
For toddlers and young children
- Sit them upright on your lap with a cuddle, rather than lying them down or holding them down.
- Distraction works well: a favourite toy, a song, a video on your phone, or blowing bubbles.
- Use neutral, honest words. Saying 'it will feel like a quick pinch' helps more than repeating 'it won't hurt' or apologising, which can make children more anxious.
- Ask about numbing cream. Some clinics offer a skin-numbing cream that needs to go on about 30 to 60 minutes before the injection - ask in advance.
For older children and teenagers
- Let them know what to expect ahead of time, without dwelling on it.
- Encourage them to sit upright, relax the arm and take slow breaths, or use their own distraction like music.
- If they tend to feel faint with needles, tell the nurse. They can have the injection lying down and stay seated for a few minutes afterwards.
After the injection
A cuddle, a feed or praise goes a long way. Soreness or a mild fever over the next day or two is common; follow your clinic's advice on infant paracetamol or ibuprofen. See what is normal and what is not for when to seek advice.
Remember that a few seconds of discomfort buys years of protection - and with these small steps, most children are back to normal within minutes.
Sources
- WHO - Reducing pain at the time of vaccination (position paper, 2015)
- NHS - NHS vaccinations and when to have them
Reminder: this article is general information, not medical advice. For your own child, speak to your GP, health visitor, practice nurse or paediatrician, and book vaccinations through your local service.