Take a look at the following ideas and try using them before yourchild's next immunizations. They definitely make the experience gobetter for you and your child.
Dr. Olson Huff recommends asking your pediatrician about using anumbing cream called EMLA (a generic brand may be available). This canbe a great asset because it numbs the arm or leg just enough to takeaway some of the pain. It works best if applied about 40 minutes beforethe shot is scheduled. This gives the cream enough time to penetratedeep enough to numb the area. Obviously, you will have to talk withyour pediatrician to see where she prefers to give the shots, so youcan apply the cream before you arrive. I have done this with both of mychildren, and it has worked remarkably well. There is also a spray-onversion of the EMLA that works much faster. So it may be worth yourwhile to look into this as well.
Don't just rely on the cream. For a really successful result, youshould also incorporate role playing to prepare your child for thesequence of events. I was lucky enough to have trained as a playtherapist (Child Life Specialist) for children in hospitals and knowhow to role play these situations with my children. I can'toveremphasize just how helpful it is to do it! First, gather some basicmedical things. You'll need a little antiseptic wipe, a few Band-Aids,and a pretend syringe (those found in a pretend doctors bag). Role playthe whole event from beginning to end. Shots can be given to you andalso to stuffed toys.
Now for the "sequence of events". Children love to know what willhappen to them and how it will happen. Tell them they'll be called intothe doctor's office. See if you can hold and cuddle your little oneduring the immunization process. Discuss all of this with the nursesand doctors before the day of the immunizations. Tell your child thatthey will wipe the skin with the small, cold, wet and sometimes smellyantiseptic wipe. Use descriptive words that are simple and honest. Thedoctor 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 bepracticed beforehand, so your child is familiar with them. The point isto distract your child during the shot. Tell him when it is over andgive him a big hug. I usually give my children a little treatafterwards, 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. Someexamples you can use are: it will take as long as it takes to count tofive; as long as it takes to blow out the candles on your birthdaycake; or as long as it takes to jump up and down twice. These exampleslet your child know that it only takes a short time for the shot to beover and done with. This is very reassuring.
Some children develop misconceptions about the reasons why they arehaving shots. Young children have active imaginations. If they're nottold why they are having a shot, it is not uncommon for them to thinkthat they are having the shots because they misbehaved and arereceiving a punishment. Make sure you explain to them in simple termsthat all children have these shots and that they need to have them tokeep healthy. Keep it simple. Young children don't need a longexplanation.
Some children can't be distracted--this is okay. More than likely, theycope by crying, and this is perfectly okay too. Good for them forknowing the best way to cope during this stressful experience. Alwaysoffer lots of praise and do something fun and positive afterwards, likegoing for a visit to the park.
Photo Source: CDC/ Judy Schmidt
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