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The following tips may be useful for parents of children who need to have injections of any kind:
- Explain ahead of time that the shot will sting a little, but that it will help a lot more.
- Consider telling your child exactly what to expect and why he should, for example, keep his arm still. You can use a teddy or doll to mimic the experience at home before you visit the doctor.
- Reassure your child that you’ll remain with him while he gets his injection or his blood drawn. Hold his hand, give him a hug or let him sit on your lap while getting the shot (if possible).
- Let the nurse or doctor know ahead of time that the child is afraid of shots. Ask them to consider using a local anaesthetic.
- Take the child’s mind off the shot by bringing along a favourite toy or book.
- Encourage your little one to count, talk, sing a song with you, or distract him with a picture on the wall. He should know, however, that it’s okay to cry if he wants to.
- Let the child wear earphones and listen to his favourite song.
- Try not to look upset or concerned.
- Encourage your child to breathe deeply and relax.
- Encouraging the child to cough as the needle enters the skin may also help to reduce pain.
- Have something fun planned for after the appointment.
- Explain ahead of time that the shot will sting a little, but that it will help a lot more.
- Consider telling your child exactly what to expect and why he should, for example, keep his arm still. You can use a teddy or doll to mimic the experience at home before you visit the doctor.
- Reassure your child that you’ll remain with him while he gets his injection or his blood drawn. Hold his hand, give him a hug or let him sit on your lap while getting the shot (if possible).
- Let the nurse or doctor know ahead of time that the child is afraid of shots. Ask them to consider using a local anaesthetic.
- Take the child’s mind off the shot by bringing along a favourite toy or book.
- Encourage your little one to count, talk, sing a song with you, or distract him with a picture on the wall. He should know, however, that it’s okay to cry if he wants to.
- Let the child wear earphones and listen to his favourite song.
- Try not to look upset or concerned.
- Encourage your child to breathe deeply and relax.
- Encouraging the child to cough as the needle enters the skin may also help to reduce pain.
- Have something fun planned for after the appointment.