If your kid’s due for a vaccination, try these tips from Stefan Friedrichsdorf, M.D., a medical director at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.
Ask for numbing cream
Certain sprays and creams can help take the pain out of a jab. When you book the
appointment, find out what your doctor recommends.
Let your child be in charge
The more control he has, the less scary the visit will be. Ask which arm he’d like the shot in or if he wants to sit on the table or in your lap.
Provide distractions
Give your kid a bottle of
bubbles during the injection. The act of blowing will relax him and give him something else to focus on.
Stay calm
Don’t use high-anxiety words such as “hurt” or “needle.” Instead, talk about something fun: “Do you want to go to the library after this?”
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