Toddler Vaccination Fears
When you think your child is transitioned into a toddler, you can be a bit relaxed as he becomes independent and handles things on his own. Well, sometimes it is not true. As they grow, they may have lots of fears and questions in their mind. Most of which are difficult to answer. One such fear is for vaccinations. Here we have few ideas to overcome toddler vaccination fears.
Last Updated: Oct 22, 2020 11:29 GMT
Vaccination has become an integral part of human lives. Vaccines are prepared with utmost care so that they don’t cause harm or any side effects to your children. In very rare cases, minor side effects do happen. Most toddlers and preschoolers may have fear for injections and they may not understand the need for vaccines as they think they are healthy and injections are no longer necessary. It is the responsibility of the parents to cope up with the fear of their children and to ease them for the vaccination.
Tips to overcome vaccination fears1. Explain: You can try explaining your child that vaccines are necessary and it will be painful only for a short time. Let them learn the science behind it so that they will understand the health benefits of vaccines. Teach them that these vaccines will prevent serious illness in them and they are designed for their wellbeing.
2. Be honest: Don’t try to convince your child that this is the only vaccine and there will be no more schedule again. This makes them lose trust in you.
3. Choose favorite items: If you have a little child, you can bring their favorite toys, stuffed animals or the book they love to see. This distraction may help ease the pain during the shot.
4. Be in the right position: Holding your baby in a comfortable position can make a lot of sense. This ensures them that they are in safe hands.
5. Ease the pain: After consultation with healthcare providers, you can try placing a simple vibrating massager and cooling tools near the needle injection site prior to the shot to minimize the intensity of pain. A numbing cream like EMLA may also work.
6. Be calm: As a parent you need to be calm, cool and composed as your appearance and attitude may reflect your child’s mood. When you stay cool, your child will develop a healthy attitude.
7. Deep breath: You can advise your toddler to take a few deep breaths during and after the vaccination.
8. Swaddling: If you have a small child, swaddling can bring utmost comfort during the shot. Hold your baby close so that the skin contact can bring a sense of comfort in them.
9. Feeding: A newborn may cry after the vaccination and you can control it through breast feeding.
10. Praise them: Once the shot is over, you can appreciate your child for how nice he was in the doctor’s room. This will make him ready for the subsequent schedule for vaccinations. You can also promise to take them to a favorite place they wish for.
Some vaccines may have some side effects. So don’t forget to ask your doctor on what you can expect after the vaccination. Swelling, tenderness, fever, crankiness, fatigue are the moderate reactions that happen after the shots.
