Reducing Pain After Vaccination in Babies: 6 Golden Tips
When I took my baby for his first vaccination, I had no choice but to stay up all night long. The boy could not listen to my lullabies, and the excruciating pain that he was undergoing made me shed a tear. However, these tips helped me soothe the baby:
The 6 Golden Tips
1. Holding the baby close
During the first three hours, I realized that the baby was clingy. When I held my boy closer, giving him skin-to-skin contact, the fussiness reduced significantly. Holding him closer provided a sense of safety and belonging.
After vaccination, try to hold the baby closer and cuddle them. However, if you find that they are uncomfortable with such an arrangement, give them personal space.
Cuddling the baby gives them an assurance that they are in safe hands and “miraculously” the pain starts to fade away.
2. Breastfeeding the baby
Breastmilk is considered an effective analgesic source and calms babies after vaccination. The possible reasons why breastfeeding reduces pain after vaccination include the following:
- The lip-licking taste of breastmilk.
- The soothing effect of suckling.
- The calming skin-to-skin contact during breastfeeding.
- The sense of belonging and safety during breastfeeding.
When I put my son on his mother’s breast, he suckled to his sleep and stopped crying. I was relieved to see his tiny and innocent eyes shut peacefully.
3. Applying a cool pack
Applying a small pack of ice on the vaccinated area can suppress the pain that babies experience after vaccination. The ice creates a numbing effect on the vaccinated area, hence reducing the pain.
Although someone advised me to apply an ice pack, I was hesitant and had to contact my pediatrician. First-time parenting paranoia, haha.
If in doubt of applying an icepack, you can contact your doctor for advice.
Some babies might be allergic to the cold temperature from the ice, and it is therefore advisable to consult first.
4. Distracting the baby
Out of frustration and desperation, I found myself humming some blurred lullabies. I also shook several toys, read children’s books aloud, and did all things to get the baby’s attention.
The noise might have distracted my boy, albeit for a short period. I am not sure if that worked; he was a few weeks old and his hearing was not fully developed.
If your baby appears fussy and moody even after breastfeeding them after a vaccination, try distracting them.
5. Topical anesthetics
For a long time, humans have been using topical anesthetics to suppress pain after an injury. As a result, you can use such anesthetics to reduce a baby’s pain after vaccination.
Although I have never tried topical anesthetics, my next-door neighbor tried them, and their babies calmed down immediately.
How do topical anesthetics work?
According to research, topical anesthetics block all nerve conduction around where they are applied. To achieve this, they target all the free nerve endings in the dermis (inner skin layer) producing a numbing sensation.
You can get these anesthetics in two forms: sprays or rub-on-gels. Once applied to the vaccinated area, the anesthetic takes about an hour to work.
6. Administrating oral analgesics
You can give the baby several oral analgesics to help them manage all the excruciating pain they feel after vaccination. The most commonly preferred oral analgesics are ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
Precaution: Before administering an oral analgesic to the baby after vaccination, consult a pediatrician.
The baby’s weight, general health, and age should be considered before administering the analgesic. Acetaminophen should only be given to babies above 12 weeks while ibuprofen should be given to babies above 6 months.
Possible side effects of vaccination.
Once your baby has been vaccinated, they are likely to experience one or several of these side effects:
- Anaphylactic reactions: hives, breathing difficulty, swelling of the tongue, throat, or face.
- Fever lasting for 24 hours to two days.
- Localized reactions: pain, redness, and swelling of the vaccinated area.
Out of these effects, anaphylactic reactions are rare and require medical attention.
Bottom line
Vaccination helps babies live healthy lives. Like other beneficial things in life, the babies have to sweat for it; through pain. These golden tips will not only make it easy for you and the baby after vaccination but will also strengthen your bond. May your baby heal soon after the vaccination.
