Dr Olson Huff and his team of experts provide you with up to date information about your child’s health. In our health section you can find tips on common childhood ailments such as diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Find out how to prepare your child for visits to the doctor or dentist and hints on how to care for your sick child or baby.
Immunization - help your child cope (ages 2-5)
Having regular immunizations is part of many young children's lives. So it makes sense to have a routine to help.
Take a look at the following ideas and try using them before your child's next immunizations. They definitely make the experience go better for you and your child.
Dr. Olson Huff recommends asking your pediatrician about using a numbing cream called EMLA (a generic brand may be available). This can be a great asset because it numbs the arm or leg just enough to take away some of the pain. It works best if applied about 40 minutes before the shot is scheduled. This gives the cream enough time to penetrate deep enough to numb the area. Obviously, you will have to talk with your pediatrician to see where she prefers to give the shots, so you can apply the cream before you arrive. I have done this with both of my children, and it has worked remarkably well. There is also a spray-on version of the EMLA that works much faster. So it may be worth your while to look into this as well.
Don't just rely on the cream. For a really successful result, you should also incorporate role playing to prepare your child for the sequence of events. I was lucky enough to have trained as a play therapist (Child Life Specialist) for children in hospitals and know how to role play these situations with my children. I can't overemphasize just how helpful it is to do it! First, gather some basic medical things. You'll need a little antiseptic wipe, a few Band-Aids, and a pretend syringe (those found in a pretend doctors bag). Role play the whole event from beginning to end. Shots can be given to you and also to stuffed toys.
Now for the "sequence of events". Children love to know what will happen to them and how it will happen. Tell them they'll be called into the doctor's office. See if you can hold and cuddle your little one during the immunization process. Discuss all of this with the nurses and doctors before the day of the immunizations. Tell your child that they will wipe the skin with the small, cold, wet and sometimes smelly antiseptic wipe. Use descriptive words that are simple and honest. The doctor or nurse will then "feel" for a spot for the needle to go in. At this point, tell your child to blow out candles on a pretend cake, count to ten, or sing a favorite song. These strategies should be practiced beforehand, so your child is familiar with them. The point is to distract your child during the shot. Tell him when it is over and give him a big hug. I usually give my children a little treat afterwards, as a reward.
Young children often have trouble understanding the concept of time. They will want to know "how long" it takes for the shot to go in. Some examples you can use are: it will take as long as it takes to count to five; as long as it takes to blow out the candles on your birthday cake; or as long as it takes to jump up and down twice. These examples let your child know that it only takes a short time for the shot to be over and done with. This is very reassuring.
Some children develop misconceptions about the reasons why they are having shots. Young children have active imaginations. If they're not told why they are having a shot, it is not uncommon for them to think that they are having the shots because they misbehaved and are receiving a punishment. Make sure you explain to them in simple terms that all children have these shots and that they need to have them to keep healthy. Keep it simple. Young children don't need a long explanation.
Some children can't be distracted--this is okay. More than likely, they cope by crying, and this is perfectly okay too. Good for them for knowing the best way to cope during this stressful experience. Always offer lots of praise and do something fun and positive afterwards, like going for a visit to the park.
Photo Source: CDC/ Judy Schmidt
Take a look at the following ideas and try using them before your child's next immunizations. They definitely make the experience go better for you and your child.
Dr. Olson Huff recommends asking your pediatrician about using a numbing cream called EMLA (a generic brand may be available). This can be a great asset because it numbs the arm or leg just enough to take away some of the pain. It works best if applied about 40 minutes before the shot is scheduled. This gives the cream enough time to penetrate deep enough to numb the area. Obviously, you will have to talk with your pediatrician to see where she prefers to give the shots, so you can apply the cream before you arrive. I have done this with both of my children, and it has worked remarkably well. There is also a spray-on version of the EMLA that works much faster. So it may be worth your while to look into this as well.
Don't just rely on the cream. For a really successful result, you should also incorporate role playing to prepare your child for the sequence of events. I was lucky enough to have trained as a play therapist (Child Life Specialist) for children in hospitals and know how to role play these situations with my children. I can't overemphasize just how helpful it is to do it! First, gather some basic medical things. You'll need a little antiseptic wipe, a few Band-Aids, and a pretend syringe (those found in a pretend doctors bag). Role play the whole event from beginning to end. Shots can be given to you and also to stuffed toys.
Now for the "sequence of events". Children love to know what will happen to them and how it will happen. Tell them they'll be called into the doctor's office. See if you can hold and cuddle your little one during the immunization process. Discuss all of this with the nurses and doctors before the day of the immunizations. Tell your child that they will wipe the skin with the small, cold, wet and sometimes smelly antiseptic wipe. Use descriptive words that are simple and honest. The doctor or nurse will then "feel" for a spot for the needle to go in. At this point, tell your child to blow out candles on a pretend cake, count to ten, or sing a favorite song. These strategies should be practiced beforehand, so your child is familiar with them. The point is to distract your child during the shot. Tell him when it is over and give him a big hug. I usually give my children a little treat afterwards, as a reward.
Young children often have trouble understanding the concept of time. They will want to know "how long" it takes for the shot to go in. Some examples you can use are: it will take as long as it takes to count to five; as long as it takes to blow out the candles on your birthday cake; or as long as it takes to jump up and down twice. These examples let your child know that it only takes a short time for the shot to be over and done with. This is very reassuring.
Some children develop misconceptions about the reasons why they are having shots. Young children have active imaginations. If they're not told why they are having a shot, it is not uncommon for them to think that they are having the shots because they misbehaved and are receiving a punishment. Make sure you explain to them in simple terms that all children have these shots and that they need to have them to keep healthy. Keep it simple. Young children don't need a long explanation.
Some children can't be distracted--this is okay. More than likely, they cope by crying, and this is perfectly okay too. Good for them for knowing the best way to cope during this stressful experience. Always offer lots of praise and do something fun and positive afterwards, like going for a visit to the park.
Photo Source: CDC/ Judy Schmidt
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