How to Hold Babies During Vaccination?

Why vaccinate babies?

Vaccination is a procedure that helps to build the body's natural defense mechanism to protect the body from various existing diseases. When a newborn baby is delivered, it is exposed to several types of germs, which cause infection to the baby. The baby's body is protected by the antibodies that were developed during the pregnancy period. But these act as a temporary guard, which cannot be helpful when exposed to some harmful diseases in the long run. Hence, vaccinating the baby helps to fight against these diseases and also helps to improve immunity during the growing phase.

How to Hold Babies During Vaccination?

Newborn babies are vaccinated with a Hep B birth dose on the anterolateral thigh region within 24 hours of delivery. During this vaccination, the babies can be placed on the bed or the examination table as instructed by the doctors. New parents need not be worried, as the nurses in the hospital will guide them to place the baby. Most babies under 5 months can be treated this way for immunisation.

Once the babies start rolling or sitting up, vaccinating them needs much more effort. Parents or caretakers holding the baby during the shots play an essential role. Holding their arms and legs steady, from not moving during the vaccination, will help the doctors inject in the right spot. Some paediatricians suggest keeping them differently or making them lie on the table before vaccinating. Visiting the paediatrician as a couple during this process is always beneficial. The little ones can be pacified soon if their favourite persons are in sight. 

Vaccinating in the arm:

When a baby is getting shot in the arm, the baby can be held sitting on the lap of the parent facing towards them. Lock both of the child's legs between their thighs so that the child is held steady during the injection. Keeping eye contact and encouraging them with praiseful words will always help the kid to undergo this process easily. Some doctors may suggest lying on the exam table, and parents must hold their legs and arms during the shots.

 Vaccinating in Leg:

When a baby is given shots in the leg, parents can make them sit on the lap, hold their leg between their thighs, and secure their arms gently without causing any discomfort to the babies. Older kids can stand and face their parents during vaccination. Holding them, like hugging and speaking some comforting words, will always assure them that everything is fine. Always Secure both the arms and legs of the babies before undergoing vaccinations.

Oral Vaccination

During oral vaccination, the baby can be placed on the lap and inclined backward to administer the dosage into the mouth. Initially, the parent can help by squeezing the cheeks of the babies so they can open their mouths before giving the drops. Once the drops are given, the baby may spit or regurgitate them, which is expected. Parents need not worry about it; a backup dosage will be provided at the same visit. Most oral vaccines are given within 18 months of the baby, and all the baby needs is cuddling and caring from parents.

Before visiting a vaccination centre, parents must always be ready to provide support to the child undergoing the vaccination process and prepare them well for a visit. For much older kids, parents can chat with them about the vaccination procedure and how it keeps them fit in the long run. Motivating them to take the shots will lessen the stress they accumulate.

What happens to a baby post Vaccination?

After the baby's Vaccination schedule, it is common to observe tiredness followed by mild fever, vomiting, or Diarrhoea (mostly on oral vaccines). A swell or lump may also be seen in the injected site. Babies can also be restless or sleepyheads after the vaccination. All these side effects will not exceed more than a day or two.

How to handle baby post-vaccination? 

After vaccinations, babies may experience pain and discomfort that may upset them. Some may have mild fever, redness, or swelling in the injected area. Some may feel agitated and lose their appetite. However, certain steps after the vaccination schedule can prevent all these.

• Comfort the Baby

After the vaccination shots, gently soothe them by swaddling and shushing or even allow them to breastfeed or help them suck in, which may reduce their crying. This may not work for toddlers or an older baby. Try to appease them with their favorite toys or distract them with their favourite song or book. Make the day more fun for them by visiting parks or some favourite places. Parents' encouragement and rewards will always make it easier for the following visit. 

• Common side effects and precautions:

A few common side effects after vaccination for children include soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, Low-grade fever, Tiredness, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhoea. These signs indicate that the kid's body is building its immunity against the disease-causing germs, and these signs may go away in a few days. 

Try to apply gentle pressure and rub the skin around the injection site, which may reduce the pain. Applying a cool compress towel bath to the injection site also reduces swelling. Allow the kids to take a complete rest. Provide them with a calm environment that helps them feel relaxed. By consulting your doctor, you may also give pain-relieving or fever medications.

Make sure to keep the baby hydrated by feeding them breastmilk or formula milk for babies or water and other fluids recommended by doctors for much older kids. Hydrating the body prevents the body temperature from rising high, and it also helps the immune system respond to vaccinations.

• Bringing to Doctor’s Attention:

Generally, the symptoms after vaccinations are mild and do not have any severity. But as parents, we must always pay attention to the kids after the vaccination schedules. If something feels like a high fever that extends for more than three days, allergic reactions, or shortness of breath, such things need immediate attention from the doctors. 

Taking care of a child after the immunisation process is always important. All parents can know how to handle a child's vaccinations by following the above steps. Let our children stay fit and healthy.