Caring for your Baby after Immunizations

Nobody likes getting injections when they go to the doctor and as most parents will tell you it can be even more difficult when it’s time for your baby to receive one.

Sometimes a baby will have a mild reaction to a vaccination and might be a little off colour or have trouble sleeping as a result. You can help decrease your baby’s discomfort by making sure he’s comfortable and well-rested on the day you visit the doctor’s and you can use home treatments to help relieve some of the more common minor reactions to immunizations.

• If your baby develops a slight fever, try giving him some children’s Panadol or Ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). This can help reduce a fever and alleviate any discomfort felt in the location of the shot.

Remember to never give aspirin to your baby because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

• The injection site might become slightly red and swollen.  A cool compress or ice pack applied to the site for approximately 10 to 20 minutes can provide relief.
• A mild skin rash might develop 7 to 14 days following the injection, particularly with the chickenpox or measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.  Though this type of rash can last for several days, it usually disappears on its own without treatment.

• You might find your baby is more fretful and restless and refuses to eat following an immunisation.

• Also make sure your baby has plenty of liquids.

If you can try to keep the noise down at home (easier said than done especially if you have older children), plenty of cuddles will help him feel more comfortable and relaxed.

Try to keep in mind that if your baby does become a bit restless in the night that the discomfort is only temporary, and he’s most likely to get right back on track with his sleeping and eating schedule soon.

And remember that if you are at all concerned about your baby after an immunization contact your doctor.