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 newborn cope
Taking your newborn for their immunizations can be an emotionally challenging situation.
I've put together a few ideas to help you and your newborn through this experience. Once your baby is born they are then expected to visit the doctor regularly for their immunizations. After all of your child's immunizations are over and done with they will have had about 20 shots. That's quite a few. So it makes sense to have a plan for how you are both going to deal with this regular occurrence from the start!
I've put together a few ideas to help you and your newborn through this experience. Once your baby is born they are then expected to visit the doctor regularly for their immunizations. After all of your child's immunizations are over and done with they will have had about 20 shots. That's quite a few. So it makes sense to have a plan for how you are both going to deal with this regular occurrence from the start!
- Your newborn baby's best coping aid is YOU! Hold and cuddle your newborn during the immunizations as she will be comforted by your presence. I know this may be difficult but you can do it! Be careful not to tense up as your baby will sense this. Ask your partner to come with you if you feel you need the support. Or just take several deep breaths to calm yourself down.
- If you are breast feeding it can be a good idea to feed your newborn as the immunizations are given - the breast is very comforting to a little baby. (I have done this as well and it helped quite a lot)
- To settle your newborn AFTER the immunizations are done it is good to offer the breast again or a bottle or a pacifier - so your baby can help soothe herself by sucking.
- Check with your Pediatrician and see if they offer combination vaccinations. This cuts down on the number of shots given at any one time
- After the immunizations are finished praise your newborn. They will notice the tone of your voice and you are then essentially setting the tone for all the immunizations to come. Praise her and give lots of extra cuddles and time. Make it as positive as you can.
- Treat yourself afterwards - as these can be emotionally hard to get through! I always had a nice cup of coffee at a cafe to calm my own nerves!
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