Keep baby calm during their vaccination appointment

Going for your baby’s scheduled vaccinations can be stressful for both baby and mom! The good news is that there are a few ways you can help make vaccination day less frantic.  

We chat to registered midwife, Philippa Hime, on her top 10 tips to make vaccination day as stress-free as possible.

1. Stick to your appointment time or clinic day for vaccinations.
2. Dress your baby in something that allows for easy access to the upper thigh.
3. Have your vaccination card with you so that it can be updated.
4. Remain calm. Babies pick up on your stress and will become unnecessarily anxious and scared at the clinic.
5. If you are breastfeeding, ask the nurse to administer the vaccines while your baby is on the breast. If this is not possible, breastfeed immediately after the injection to comfort your child.
6. Have a form of distraction, such as a book or a favourite toy, for your baby afterward.
7. Ask the nurse to explain the possible side effects once your baby has been vaccinated, so you know what to look out for and how to manage these at home.
8. Don’t plan anything else for that day. Take your baby home and keep him calm.
9. Allow for around 24 to 48 hours to recover, in which time your baby may be more irritable.
10. Apply arnica cream to the injection area to help the bruising. If you still have concerns, contact your doctor.