Vaccination shots can be tough for your child, but it is all worth it in the end. Babies usually become clingy after a vaccination shot, and this is normal because they experience pain and discomfort. Their intense crying and eyes flooded with tears can make you anxious, because as a parent, you just want your child to be happy and loaded with smiles.
But there are ways that can be used to calm down the crying baby after the vaccine. And for that, you can use the 5S method, which includes swaddling, slushing, side position, swinging, and sucking. Even this is the most recommended method by pediatritians, and also backed by some popular studies.
According to Cradle Children’s Hospital, vaccination is necessary for every child, but some techniques to handle the baby after the immunisation shot are important too. Sweet treat, using numbing cream, distracting them, using a hot, damp towel on the injected site, or giving them their favourite food are some of the common methods.
Let’s understand some technique what parents should use for their crying baby after the vaccine.
The 5S Method- Every Parent Should Do?
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Swaddling
It is a technique of wrapping a baby using a breathable blanket to mimic the warmth of the womb. This helps to feel secure and calm their mind through a sense of safety. Also, it aids in sleeping them by limiting their reflexes. While visiting a paediatrician for a vaccine, you can swaddle their hands and leave their legs free so they can get the vaccine easily. Along with that, you can put a pacifier in their mouth, so that through constant sucking, they will not feel threatened, and it will keep them distracted, which might end up with less crying.
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Slushing sound
While in the womb, babies constantly listen to the rhythmic sound like blood flow, and this is the most common noise that is relatable to them. Slushing voice mimics the familiar sound. During and after, babies feel overwhelmed, and slushing noise acts like a blood flow, preventing overstimulation, controlling their breathing, and lowering the stress response. But start with a louder noise so that they get the familiarity of the voice, and then gradually lower it. This helps them sync wth the baby and calm them faster.
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Side or Stomach position
Newborn babies have a reflex called the Moro reflex, and this happens when they lie flat on their back, making them feel as if they are falling, which triggers crying and distress. But when you lie your baby on its stomach, then it reduces reflexes and calms them down. Also, it mimics the womb-life comfort, putting slight pressure on the tummy, and supports them, giving them an instant soothing effect. In short, you can say that, through this position, you can make them comfortable and keep them relaxed.
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Swinging
As a parent, you are definitely aware of this. Most of the parents use a baby swing so their baby can sleep comfortably. You can either swing them while holding them in your arms, or you can use a swing. It is often unsettling to newborns, and it soothes the baby. In the first, you can swing them lightly vigorously, but then reduce to gentler movement. Vaccination makes babies feel sleepy and fussy, and this method can help them drift off from discomfort.
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Sucking- Breastfeeding, milk through a bottle or pacifier
This includes a sucking process, and this is a great way to distract your baby from pain. Not completely, while drinking breastmilk, the sweet texture of the milk releases endorphins, which work as a natural pain reliever. It is a combination of three actions: physical closeness, sucking, and sweet taste. You know what, breastfeeding is also a great option if you are comfortable. A study stated that babies who are breastfed at the time of vaccine cry for only 38 sec or less than the babies who weren’t breastfed. Also, they have a lower heart rate and a higher oxygen saturation value, which are plus points.
Manage Pain and Fever.
Is paracetamol safe to use for children?
Yes, paracetamol is generally considered safe for children, and it can be given after a vaccine. It helps in reducing fever and pain to some extent. But in that case, the dosage of the medicine matters the most. Usually, the fever goes away within a few days. But if you feel that your baby’s fever is not dropping, then you can give PCM to your baby, but only after consulting with a doctor.
But it is crucial to know that do not mix this medicine with other medicines, because it can react and cause issues. Along with that, keep them hydrated and let them wear comfortable clothes.
Can a child be bathed after vaccination?
Yes, it is completely safe to bathe a baby after vaccination, and even paediatricians recommend bathing them using lukewarm water. It also soothes the body and reduces pain. But make sure not to rub the injected area, as it can cause rashes and worsen the injected site. If the fever is gradually increasing, then it is safe to wait for at least 24 hours.
Is feeding the baby after vaccination safe?
Although there are no specific restrictions on what to give to your child after vaccination. But spicy and oily food usually causes discomfort even on normal days, so it is safe to avoid these things.
Vaccines sometimes cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, and these kinds of symptoms can aggravate the symptoms.
What kind of food items can be given to a baby after a vaccine shot?
Spicy food is known for inflammation in the body, and also increases metabolic rate.
Spicy and oily foods can also stimulate dilation of blood vessels, which can cause redness and itching in the injected area and worsen the situation.
Tips to make future vaccination easier
Here are the practical tips by paediatricians to ensure a smoother future vaccination easier-
Hold them closer-
During and after the vaccine, make sure that you are holding your child closely to provide them a sense of comfort. This helps them to give a sense of calmness and provide reassurance. For young children, let them sit on your lap facing you, chest to chest, or, if they want, let them sit beside you. This technique creates a big difference in how they experience.
Distraction-
During vaccination, carry their favourite toy, and after the shot, you can play with them using their favourite toys, listen to their music and dance, tell them stories, or watch their favourite cartoon or video.
Talk to them-
With younger children, you can talk to them about the importance of vaccines and why it is important for them. Also inform them about how the vaccine will react, and tell them that if they feel anything unusual or feel uneasy, then they should talk to you.
Conclusion
From infancy to adulthood, vaccines help to protect health at every stage of life. As a parent, you need to make sure not to get anxious, because with simple tips and tricks, you can easily calm down your baby. Mostly, the 5S method is recommended by paediatrics. Swinging, swaddling, using a calm tone, and breastfeeding are the most common methods.
Cradle Children’s Hospital guides and supports parents, which helps them ease the pain of their child’s vaccination. Their prime motto is to make children happy and healthy. So, if you are looking for a children’s hospital that can guide you with accurate information, the Cradle Children’s Hospital is the one.
