Make Your Child's Shots Less Stressful (NewsUSA) - Vaccines help
protect babies and young children against 14 serious diseases.
Even though you are keeping her safe from diseases, it's hard to
see your child cry when she gets her shots. But you can take
some steps before, during and after a vaccine visit to ease the
pain and stress of getting shots. Read about the shots your
child will get in advance. Bring your child's vaccine record to
show the doctor. Pack a favorite toy, book, blanket or other
comfort item. For older children, be honest -- shots can pinch
or sting, but not for long. Remind them that shots help keep
them healthy. Ask your child's doctor any questions you have
about vaccines. You may even want to ask about cooling or
numbing the area of your child's arm or leg before the shots.
Distract your child with a toy, a story, a song or something
interesting in the room. Make eye contact with your child and
smile, talk softly or sing. Hold your child tightly on your lap
if you can. Take deep breaths