Helping your child cope with injections

Children often fear getting a shot. As a parent or caregiver, we know it’s difficult at times to support your kids during injections. But keeping your child up to date with all recommended vaccinations is one of the best ways you can protect your child from serious illness. Vaccines are safe and effective, and they prevent many of childhood’s most common, and most dangerous, illnesses. 

There are some strategies you can use to help your child cope with getting a vaccine, an IV placement, or another injection. Here are some ideas that may help, from our team of certified child life specialists at M Health Fairview Pediatrics.

General tips for caregivers

• Be calm – If you’re relaxed, your child will be more relaxed.    
• Be positive – Help your child put the injection into perspective. For example, you could say, “You’ll feel a little poke, and then you can choose a sticker.” Giving your child a task to focus on can also help. For example, you could say, “It’s your job to hold still.”
• Focus on the benefits – Talk with your child about why getting this shot is an important part of keeping your child healthy. Your child still may not like the idea but understanding the “why” behind it is helpful.
• Remember the goal – Eventually, you want your child to be able to take injections in stride. But that takes time. Be patient, praise good behavior, and reward progress.   
• You are not alone – We’re here to help. Our certified child life specialists and other care team members can help with ideas and strategies to help your child cope with injections. We’re in this together.

What works for babies

There is a lot you can do to help your baby through the experience of having an injection:

• Try comfort positioning – Being held by their parents or caregivers can help babies feel secure, comfortable, and calm, while still giving the healthcare provider access to the necessary arm or leg for the vaccine.
• Use distraction – Capture your baby’s attention by blowing bubbles, singing, making silly noises, or reading a favorite book. Engaging in a pleasant, calming experience can lessen the brain’s awareness of pain or distress.
• Be calm – Babies pick up on their parents’ or caregivers’ emotions. If you’re calm, they’ll get the message that they are safe.
• Provide reassurance with your voice – Your child knows your voice best and finds it soothing to hear you remind them that you are there.
• Use a comfort item – What calms your little one? Whether it’s a pacifier, a blanket, or some other beloved item, bring it along to help your baby feel comfort.
• Consider a pain reduction tool – There are a variety of pain reduction options (numbing cream, vibrating pain receptor blockers, etc.) Ask your care team about what is available to minimize any pain associated with injections.

What works for children

Toddlers and older children may have questions or be worried about the injection before it happens. Here are some ideas to help you both get through the experience:

• Be honest – Being truthful builds trust. While you can’t honestly guarantee the shot won’t hurt, you can say that your child will feel a little pinch, which will be over in a moment or two. 
• Give your child time to prepare – The older the child is, the more notice you should give of an upcoming injection. While toddlers may only need to know a day before, school-age children may want several days to process the news and plan how they’ll cope. This will give time to talk over how they will feel best supported before the visit.
• Validate your child’s feelings – It’s okay for your child to feel scared or angry about an injection. Letting your child express these emotions helps your child process the information.
• Make a plan – Older children can tell you what would make the injection easier. Some children might want to blow bubbles, do some deep breathing exercises, or watch a video, whereas others might want to have a favorite stuffed animal or sit on your lap. Have your child help you make a plan for what comfort and distraction techniques you’ll use.
• Give choices – Having the opportunity to make choices gives children a feeling of control over the situation, which can help reduce anxiety. Some examples include: “Do you want to sit on my lap or on the chair next to me? Which sticker do you want to have afterward to celebrate?”
• Consider a pain reduction tool – There are a variety of pain reduction options (numbing cream, vibrating pain receptor blockers, etc.) Ask your care team about what is available to minimize any pain associated with injections.
• Practice using medical play – Have your child “give a shot” to a doll or stuffed animal. This can help your child assert control and allow you to gently correct any misconceptions that arise during play.
• Praise your child – Celebrate after the shot is done and offer praise. Focus on what your child did well. For example, “you did a great job sitting still,” or, “you did your deep breathing, just like we planned, and you stayed really calm.” Recognizing what your child did well will help them establish coping strategies for next time.