The first year with your baby is going to be full of magical moments, but some of these moments are going to be stressful. Getting your baby’s first shots will signify an important moment in his or her development, but this event could cause you to worry quite a bit. Most parents are worried that vaccinations are going to hurt their little bundles of joy, but parents need to keep in mind that this pain is only temporary and shots are a must have for baby. Also, these shots are designed to protect your baby from diseases that can be extremely painful. Experiencing a little pain now is a lot better than putting your infant through the terrible pain associated with whooping cough, mumps, or measles.

How to Help Your Baby

No one likes to go to the doctor, not even tiny babies. It can feel really lonely and scary to go through this, so you should do everything in your power to help your baby through this important and necessary experience. It can be comforting for your baby to feel your skin on theirs or just to smell your scent. Try to get as close to your baby as you can without interfering with your pediatrician’s work.

It’s not uncommon for baby’s to cry a lot after they are given shots. If you want to help quiet your little one’s fears, then you can try one of the following tricks:

• Cradle your baby in your arms as soon as the shots are done. The closer your infant feels to you, the more comfort he or she will feel.
• Try singing your baby a sweet little song. Hearing your voice will make your baby feel right at home.
• Try giving your baby a little food after the crying has stopped. If you are breastfeeding, being this close to you could calm your baby’s fears.

What to Expect after Shots

Your infant may experience some pain and discomfort after the vaccinations, but these problems are often easy for parents to deal with. Make sure that you keep a watchful eye on your little one’s legs after the shots have been given. There is likely to be a little pain and redness at the injection site, but this should go away after a few days. Your baby might also run a slight fever after receiving an injection, so ask your doctor about infant ibuprofen.

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