Pain Relief for Shots

It's been awhile since we've gone through all that, but we always took a favorite toy and an ice pack. We gave her motrin/tylenol when we got back to the car and lots and lots and lots of cuddeling at home.

Tylenol or motrin before hand definitely makes a difference. For the immediate pain its often very psychological. I promise my kids a malt from Steak and Shake(close by) and they can't wait to get the shots over.

You will not be able to eliminate ALL the pain associated with the shots, but our Pediatrician always recommends Children s Tylenol or Children s Motrin for the discomfort AFTER the shots.

I know it sounds strange, but I worked for a plastic surgeon in LA and we administered a lot of botox and collagen. We would use a "numbing cream" before giving the shots which was really a hemorrhoid cream. Of course we never told our patients that was what it was, but it worked!! I hope this helps.

I just gave my kids baby tylenol! It seemed to help with the pain before and after! hth!

I agree with the other moms. Tylenol and rub the shot area. The quicker the vaccines dissipate the less pain in the area. It definitely hurts our hearts to see them hurt and crying. Be there to hug, kiss, and rub the hurt away. Good luck!

I know my son's doctor uses a spray. It is like a dry ice spray and it numbs the area prior to the shots been given. He goes to Coppell Pediatrics if you would like to call and find out the name of the spray.

She also suggested Tylenol or Motrin before or after the shots.

I do Passion Parties, and we have a product called Topical Eaze. It's a numbing cream. It worked great when I got a tattoo and I also use it before I get waxed. I don't see why it wouldn't work for that as well.

I also put it on bug bites, scrapes, etc. It's an awesome product - like $10.

www.YourPassionFire.com or ____@____.com if you have any questions.
:) good luck!
T.

We just have a talk about being brave, then we talk about what kind of reward we want for being brave. (LITTLE rewards...like going to the dollar store and getting a toy or going by Braum's and getting an ice cream.) Then we go in there and before the doctor gives the shot, we chant... "ice-cream, ice cream, ice cream" or "dollar store, dollar store, dollar store..." I also make sure they are looking at me during the shot.

Mine don't even cry anymore. The pain is really minimal.
VickiS

I used a numbing cream on my daughter before she had her most recent vaccinations, and it didn't make any difference. Those creams only function topically, and the pain of immunizations comes when the vaccine is injected into the arm (or wherever).

The creams are wonderful if your child has to have blood drawn, because the pain there *is* topical; it doesn't hurt for the blood to drain off.

Vaccines hurt, and it is a part of life. I like the other suggestions of giving Tylenol beforehand. I am going to try that next time on my daughter as I think it will be more effective.

Good luck!

There was an article in the June edition of Parents Magazine with an article over this exact topic. There is a topical numbing cream called EMLA cream. You could probably look up the article online, but basically it's a topical cream you apply ahead of time, it is prescription, but you should be able to call and have the doctor prescribe it for you.

Boy I wish there was a magic potion to make the shots not hurt.

Actually, most of the pain associated with daughter's shots was after the fact. I just used some Tylenol.

Lastly, your choice for immunizations are YOUR CHOICE. You'll find a lot of people influencing one way or the other. You just do what is right for you.

I find the pain from the body's reaction to the injection to be far more painful than the poke of the needle, so I give my daughters the recommended dose of ibuprofen just after we get settled in the doctor's office. By the time they get their injection, the pain killer is in the blood stream, and their reaction seems less severe. A cool trick to help them get through the injection itself is to bring along a pinwheel; have them blow on the pinwheel to make it spin while they get the injection. It works two ways: (1) blowing out helps the body relax (tension always makes pain worse) and (2) seeing the pinwheel spin around just makes a person feel happier!! Of course, if you do find a numbing treatment to use, by all means, try it...but you may want to try some of these other suggestions, too! Also, the doctor's office will generally have stickers/toys/lollipops to give your child after the appointment is through. Sugar is a great temporary mood lifter, so now would be the time to let him indulge in a little sugary treat! Good luck!!

Hi,
My pediatrician informed me that if I gave my little ones Tylenol at least 1 hour before the shots, it would not be as bad for the little ones. I have never heard of any numbing cream or spray that would help - but would certainly be interested in it!
Good luck!

I read the article in Parents Magazine, too. We have always given our baby tylenol before shots to help with the "after" pain, but the injection IS PAINFUL, no matter what these other moms say. I'd like to see them get the same shots their kids get & then tell me the pain is minimal! The point of the article is that babies & small children do suffer dutring vaccinations & most doctors are not sensitive to this. There is a spray, a cream & a few other holistic things to help (sugar water sends a feeling of euphoria if given right when the injections are given). I recommend googling the article & talking to your ped. about pain management. He/she can write you a prescription for the numbing cream even if they've never done it before. Stick to your guns!