Nobody likes getting shots when they go to the doctor. But as a parent, it can be even more difficult when it’s time for your baby to receive one. Sometimes a baby will have a mild reaction to a vaccination, such as soreness where the shot was given or fever, and might have trouble sleeping as a result. But serious reactions are rare. However, the risks of vaccinations are small compared with the health risks associated with the diseases they’re intended to prevent.
Some parents may hesitate to have their kids vaccinated because they’re worried that the children will have serious reactions or may get the illness the vaccine is supposed to prevent. Because the components of vaccines are weakened or killed — and in some cases, only parts of the microorganism are used — they’re unlikely to cause any serious illness.
Children receive up to twenty immunizations during their first 18 months and receive more boosters throughout childhood. There are possible side effects that may occur after immunizations, so it is important to know how to care for children after their vaccinations.
These are some tips how to care your baby after their vaccinations.
1. After vaccination, wait fifteen minutes before leaving the pediatrician’s office. Many times a reaction occurs during the first few minutes after the vaccination. If a serious reaction occurs, the trained medical professions will ensure proper treatment.
2. Administer acetaminophen to prevent fever and ease discomfort. Ask the doctor how much to give your child. Acetaminophen can be taken every 4 to 6 hours for 24 hours after the vaccination.
3. Give the child plenty of fluids. One out of six children will get a fever after an immunization. Drinking plenty of fluids will help reduce a fever.
4. Apply a washcloth to the vaccination site. A clean, cool washcloth over the injection site will help reduce pain and swelling.
5. You might find your baby is more fretful and restless and refuse to eat following a vaccination. If you can keep the commotion down at home, and cuddle and hold your child when he needs it, it will help him feel more comfortable and relaxed when it comes to bedtime. Also make sure he has plenty of liquids.
6. Keep the house and the room baby sleeps in at a comfortable temperature, as he’s more likely to be fussy and restless if he’s too warm. You can help decrease your baby’s discomfort by making sure he’s comfortable and well-rested when visiting the doctor’s office and you can use home treatments to help relieve some of the more common minor reactions to vaccinations.
Keep in mind that if your baby first year does become a bit restless in the night that the discomfort is only temporary, and he’s most likely to get right back on track with his sleeping and eating schedule soon.