Your Baby and Shots – What to Expect

My baby is due for her first round of shots soon, and I’m a nervous wreck. How can I make my little one as comfortable as possible both during and after the appointment?

Before heading to the appointment, calm your nerves by making a list of the questions you have. Perhaps you have specific questions about the shots, but you’re also wondering about development, sleep, or nutrition. Bring this list with you to the appointment so the pediatrician can address any concerns.

Vaccines are usually given at the end of the checkup. Avoid breast/bottle feeding while your baby is receiving his shots and instead try using distraction techniques such as cooing, smiling and speaking reassuring words to your little one. Keeping the atmosphere as positive as possible will help both you and your baby.

After the vaccines are given, feel free to console your baby in the manner you normally would, again comforting both of you. Nursing or feeding on site is often a comfort to little ones, if this is an option at your provider’s office.

Once home, some babies may become fussy after a couple of hours. A soothing bath can be a helpful way to calm him. You may also notice some redness at the site of the vaccines. Try applying a cool compress several times a day to reduce soreness. You can expect redness to resolve over the next couple of days. Another common occurrence is that your baby may sleep more the day of the shots, as well as the following day. These are very normal and mild side effects of shots and by no means indicate an adverse reaction.

You may have heard of babies developing fevers following their shots. It is possible that your little one may develop a fever within one or two days of this first set of vaccines, but keep in mind that a low-grade fever is considered normal and a good response of the immune system to the vaccines. However, if your baby’s temperature is over 102° F and you have received the “ok” from the pediatrician, you can give her a dose of acetaminophen to take away some of the discomfort. If your baby cries excessively (over 3 hours), contact your health care provider immediately.

Take heart: Many babies breeze right through their visit and never experience any further discomfort with their vaccines. These checkups are usually fun for both the parent and the health care provider because they are an opportunity to see how your baby is growing. Enjoy your new little one and rest assured that, though nerve-wracking, vaccines provide safe and effective immunity against illnesses.

— Dr. Chrystal de Freitas, founder of Carmel Valley Pediatrics, author of the children’s book Jake’s Kindergarten Checkup, and longtime pediatrician in the San Diego, CA area.
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Founder of Healthy Chats, Dr. Chrystal de Freitas is a pediatrician, author and mother of three children who has a special interest in health education. She completed her pediatric training at the University of Washington, in Seattle, WA, and has been in private practice for 22 years. She practiced with North County Health Services in Encinitas, for 6 years. In 2004, Dr. de Freitas opened her solo private practice of pediatrics, Carmel Valley Pediatrics in San Diego, CA.