How Do You Handle Shots with a Three-Year Old?

personally I don't get my children immunized because my husband has Crohn's disease, but I do remember getting one when I was little and not being warned at all. I think they even hid the needle inside a brush, or did I just have a vivid dream? In any case, it still kind of upsets me to think about. I think the day of if she is going to have vaccinations she should be told about it. The EMLA cream sounds terrific.

C.,
I called my doc and asked if they would prescribe some EMLA cream. It is a topical numbing cream. you apply a dot of it and cover it with a band-aid,(or you could use some medical tape that is not as sticky)so you can remember where it is and it can soak in, 1 hour before your scheduled appointment. I tried it last month on my 9 month old, he didn't even flinch! No tears, nothing! I numbed my leg too just to see how well it works. It was great, I recommend it. Now it doesn't prevent the thick vaccinations from being uncomfortable, but the initial prick is gone. Which is usually what causes the crying. I am using it today for my five year old, kindergarten shots. She seams less freaked out about it because she saw how well it worked on our baby.
Good luck!
E.

I agree with the other posts, that you wait until the last moment. I also gave them something to look forward to, like an icecream after. My kids know the deal, the Dr. comes at you with a needle, a treat follows the appointment! Now that 2 of my 3 are teenagers, they give me a grin when they have a shot or blood draw and tell me what they are going to get from Starbucks after. So yes, I have kept up the practice! It has become a tradition that makes the overall experience slightly less unpleasant.

I have always told my kids in advance when they are getting shots at their next appointment. They freak out and ask why and I explain the purposes of vaccinations, and tell them that after the shots they get to go to target and pick out an inexpensive toy. So then they are looking forward to the toy more than to the shots. :)

I wouldn't say anything to her. Just let her get stuck. The doc doesn't do it anyways and she will probably connect the shot with the nurse that administered it. I have found with all three of my kids that they really do better if I just bring them and get it over with. Once she gets a bit older, she will probably start asking if it is shot day and then you will have to tell her ahead of time but for now just let it be. Shots are awful whether you know ahead or not.

Good luck.

You know your child best. With my daughter, I explained to her before hand (the day of) what would happen at the dr.s office. But she is the kind of kid that reacts better if she knows what is going to happen. I also explained to her why we get vaccinations and she was really interested in how these vaccinations keep her healthy. My daughter didnt even flinch when she got her shots because she knew what was going to happen. My son on the other hand, isnt so rational. I did tell him the day of what would happen, but after the first shot he freaked and I literally had to hold him down so the very young nurse could finish her job (but she would over react when he got upset, pull the needle out and start over...it ended with me shouting at her to just do it as I held him down, so make sure you ask for someone experienced). Either way, it is going to hurt. You need to be prepared to comfort her but do what needs to be done to keep her healthy. Good luck!

I am as honest as possible with my 2.5 yo about visits to Doctor's office. If she'll get shots I tell her ahead of time. "You might get shots. It will hurt some. The pain will pass though, and I'm there with you the whole time."
Also, "I love you, I'm here with you, and you're very brave for being so cooperative even though it can be scary."
I might also add in how uncomfortable I am with shots, too. But that's it's necessary, and again it will pass.
Good job mommin'!

the anticipation is the worst for my kids. my 5 yr old has been dreading the immunization shots needed for kindergarten for a year. seriously. any time he hears the word kindergarten, he thinks of shots. all because at his 5 yr checkup the doctor explained to me that they would divide up the shots that are required for kindergarten by doing 4 that day and 4 at his next checkup. for a year he is anxious and worried any time he enters a doctor's office (even if he's not the patient) because he thinks it's time for shots. so if i were you, i wouldn't even mention the shots. she's not going to be happy with them either way, but at least this way she doesn't worry for days. good luck! maybe bring a favorite stuffed animal to the doctor for comfort.

I explain it very frankly in the dr office after they've done the exam and they're sending the nurse in to do the vaccine. I just tell my son (two and a half) that they're going to give him a shot. "a shot will help you grow healthy and strong because it helps you from getting sick with bad things. It's going to sting when they do it but it's very quick and then they'll put a bandaid on to help it heal." Bribery afterwards never hurts either "if you're really brave maybe we'll get some ice cream on the way home..." ;) good luck

I agree with the other posts. There's no need to bring it up with her. If she asks, don't lie and tell her no. Just say "you may need to, but the doctor will decide," and then talk about how it keeps her healthy and its really quick, etc. But also keep in mind that the vaccinations are non-negotiable for her. If she freaks out, you are going to have to hold her. Its fast still, but be prepared just in case!

Just a side note, my daughter always freaked out about shots (even as a baby) and is still nervous about shots. My son never really cared, and his attitude is alway "oh well, if I get a shot it's no big deal and it'll be over with."

I never warned my kids about shots until we were actually at the dr. and ready to get one, because I didn't want them to get all worked up about it beforehand. When it was time to get the shot, I just told them that the nurse was going to give them a little poke that would hurt for just a second, and then they would get a cool bandaid. They were always so excited to get the silly bandaid that they rarely made any fuss about the vaccinations. It was good for me to see my oldest kids get shots without freaking out because now I have a two year old who is diabetic and I have to give him several shots each day by myself. I've had a fear of needles my whole life, but I had to get over that really fast! A few months ago my kids who just turned 6 and 4 had to get an actual blood draw from their arms for a diabetes study and they did it like champs. Most times, the fear of the needle is actually much worse than the prick, so as long as they know it will be ok and only last a second, kids are just fine. Good luck!

I dont make a big deal out of it. I treat it very matter of factly and let it pass quickly. I usually wait until we're in the room waiting for the doctor to tell them they get to have a shot that day. I just reassure that it will go quickly and that it's what mommy thinks is best for them.

I think it also helps to pre-treat with some ibuprofen. I give them a dose right before leaving home for the doctor's office.

Hi C.,
I didn't read your other responses so sorry for repeats. She will be looking at your behavior as a cue for how she should feel in the situation. If you are uptight she will know that and will be more worried. The fact is that shots hurt and that she is going to be afraid and cry. Just don't be afraid of those emotions. Be there with her and for her. You need to tell her. If you don't, she will never trust going to the Doctor again. Tell her on the way or at the office not much earlier than that. Tell her that the Doctor has to give her some medicine in her leg/arm. It will be a really fast poke and then it will be over. It will hurt really fast and then be done. Tell her you will hold her and it will be okay. Then stay as calm as you can, no matter how she responds. Let her scream and cry if she needs to. Then make sure you talk about how fast it was over.
I was a wreck with my daughter but she really surprised me and I realized that the fear was my issue.
Take care,
B.

I've always been honest w/my boys about doctor stuff. If it's going to hurt, I tell them. If their meds taste nasty, I tell them. I'd tell her the day she goes, as soon as she wakes up, that she's getting a shot & a bandaid to cover it. I'd say a trip for shots is worth at least a sticker or lollipop-if the doc doesn't provide them, take your own for her.
I'd say only that day's notice if she's going to freak out that bad-why make her lose a night of sleep worrying about it?