Baby's Jabs

There are lots of things you can do to reduce the pain and stress of having your baby's jabs done.  Firstly, you should know that if you are nervous or anxious, the babies will pick up on it and it could make them more agitated and fretful.  If you are calm, softly spoken and make baby feel secure, they will be more inclined to settle and will feel less pain.

So, to avoid your anxiety, here are a few tips:

1. Plan ahead.  Make sure you have easy to remove clothing that is not too hot.
2. Get there early so you are not in a rush and arrive calm instead of all flustered.
3. Take along a favourite toy or teddy so you can have a nice play in the waiting room before going in.  This will relax you both!  Laugh as much as you can and have some fun together.
4. Keep smiling at your baby and have lots of cuddles before you go in.  This will reassure them.
5. Remind yourself that every baby in the country has to go through the jabs experience, so take heart, you are not alone.
6. Make sure you remind yourself too, that you are a good parent for going through with the jobs even though they are uncomfortable for both you and baby!  It could save your baby from illness and you from lots of worry by avoiding getting illnesses.
7. When you go in, keep chatting normally to the nurse.  Have lots of tickles, giggles and chat while the nurse prepares.
8. Have some Calpol ready for after the jab to dull the pain and swollen area where it's gone in.

Good luck!