How do you deal with your baby receiving his shots?

Question

Johnny's going to the doctor today for his 9 month check up. He's on an alternate schedule for shots, and is receiving two shots today (ughhhh). I usually have someone come with me to help get him calmed down and everything, but today no one can join in on the fun (that's sarcasm, if you can't tell, lol).

Before when he's received shots, I cower over in the corner and cry because I hate having him go thru this...

Someone please give me some advice/stories/something to help me be able to deal with this today! I hate seeing him cry.

And please, do not turn this into an immunization debate. This is what I chose for my son and there's no other options available. If you don't agree with my decision, just move on to another question... :)

Thanks!

Answer 1

My son hasn't received any shots yet, but one piece of advice is if you really are "cowering over in the corner" you need to be brave for your boy so your anxiety doesn't come across to Johnny, making him feel worse.  I know, easier said than done...

Answer 2

I would stick by your son's side the whole time. If he sees his Mom cowering in the corner he is going to be even more scared. It is the best thing for him to get those shots. Dont worry- it will go fast and he will not even remember the next day.  

Answer 3

maybe because i worked in the medical field i don't find shots to be that big of a deal.  my son is 7 months and usually cries a few minutes right after but then he forgets about it and is fine!  just give him hugs and kisses!

(i do have them give him tylenol at the time of the shots so it's not sore later).

just think that there are much worse things kids/babies around the world are going through (illnesses, injuries, starvation, neglect, abuse) -  a few minutes of pain from a shot isn't bad when you think about those things.

good luck!

Answer 4

i feel your pain. it's one of the worst things ever to watch. my wife makes me go in with him (14 months now) because she just cant stand it. i try to focus on making him feel better rather than my own feelings. just try to concentrate on what youre going to do to cheer him up right after.

Answer 5

I used to get very upset when my daughter got her shots too. I would try not to cry, its so hard to see your baby in pain. It does get better over the years though. Just try to make your child happy, distraction is the key. Whether it be a book, stuffed animal or whatever. Just comfort them until the pain goes away and try to be strong for them. They don't like to see their parents upset either. Hang in there.

Answer 6

My Dr's nurse told me to give my daughter tylenol or ibuprofen like half an hour before her appointment.  That has always seemed to help, because not only would she do better when she was getting them, she wouldn't be fussy afterward.  It has really helped my son too (he is 11mo).

Also, I don't know if you breastfeed or not, but I would always nurse in the room as soon as they were done with the shots.  My Dr. calls breast milk "baby morphine".  It would calm them down and it made me feel like I was giving them the best comfort.

Answer 7

Yeah its hard, especially when their babies, it made me cry too but it don't last long and they get over it.

Answer 8

I can completely understand that you hate seeing your baby cry, it is a Horrible feeling. Usually when my daughter gets her shots I just hold her hands and try to talk to her. As soon as the shot is over I pick her up and try to comfort her. I always bring a toy she really likes with me and I get a bottle ready so she can have it when the shot is over. I think the best thing you can do for your son is just hold and comfort him. It's hard but you have to try to be strong. Good luck!!!

Answer 9

Seriously...you do your job. Your job is to be his mother...the empathy is great but support is what he needs.  

Answer 10

I think every mommy hates this part of going to the doctor! I cried the first time Noah got shots but he was fine after I picked him up and cuddled him for a few minutes. It's natural for us to hate to see our babies in pain but just keep in mind you're doing what's best for him. A couple minutes of pain is much better than any of those illnesses he can catch.

Does he have a favorite toy or blankey? Bring that along. Also bring along a bottle or juice(if you use it) to help comfort him afterwards. I'm sure though that his mommy holding him will be plenty enough. You'll both be fine!

Answer 11

Try to get exempt from those. My dad is a doctor, and you would be disgusted by what they put in those, and even more disgusted by how much detriment they do. Please don't do them :(

Answer 12

Yes, i hate seeing my bubbas cry when they got their shots, but i see them go through an eye examination at 9 weeks old - that was 10 times worth, that it doesn't bother me now (well as much anyway).Its so natural for you to feel like this, you just want to protect your  baby from anything hurting him - just think, in the long run 2 seconds of pain is going to benefit him

Answer 13

I usually make my husband do it. I understand how you feel. One thing that helps baby is to give him Tylenol about 30 minutes before you go in. That dulls the pain a bit. Ask your pediatrician about a topical solution that can numb the area where the shots are given (usually in the thighs.) Mainly, the best thing you can do is try to be as calm as possible, because the way you are feeling can affect how baby feels about the procedure. Talk to him, smile, try to distract him with a favorite toy. I cried more than my kids did during shots. Just remember, they may scream but it's over in seconds. It's the anticipation behind it that is the worst, and it's probably actually worse for you than it is for him. Good luck!

Answer 14

I hate seeing my sons cry too.  I usually just pick mine up and offer him a cold drink and lots of hugs and kisses.  He usually stops by the time we step out of the room. You may want to take some Tylenol to help with the pain. During the shots I just hold his hands and assure him it's okay.  I have gotten a lot braver the more children I have had.  With my first son I would leave the room but I figured my children would rather have me trying to comfort them other than a stranger.

Answer 15

It is over in seconds and children don't cry for very long. He will be fine. Babies know when their parents are anxious so be strong. They seem to do a lot better when the parent doesn't show their fear. The nurse can help get him calmed down. They are used to it.

Answer 16

At my doctor's office they actually make me hold Landon down while they give him the shots. I give him Tylenol about 30 minutes before the shots and a warm bath to soak his legs in when he gets home. You could try giving Johnny a treat like a popsicle or something like that right after his shots to make him feel better. Good luck...I know it's hard to watch them go through this, but it's for their own good.

Answer 17

clench your jaw and try not to hit the nurse. think of how you can make the baby feel better when its over. i know its hard and i know i cried more than my kids did. but you have got to be strong and tomorrow they wont even remember

Answer 18

it sux watching your baby hurt but it NEEDS to be done!  i helped to hold him done- you have to figure that if the baby moves it would hurt more so you are helping him!  then afterwards just sing  a little song to him, hold him, and giving him lots of kisses...its better to get a shot than a disease...

Answer 19

He won't remember having the shots. Keep reminding yourself of this.

Just hug him and comfort him and try very hard to not get upset. He will pick up on your being upset and it will just make matters worse. Your son might even get upset just from your reaction instead of the shot.

Just lots of hugs and cuddles and having his favorite snuggly toy with him and he'll be fine -  you, too.

Answer 20

I know it has to be awful to see your children go through that, but just remember that it could be a lot worse if they don't. It'll be over before you know it, and you can do something to make him smile afterwards, like give him lots of attention and make him laugh. He'll forget all about it. :]

Good luck!