Taking my little one for 2 Injections. How can i keep him calm ?

Question

She's 3 years old. Taking her for 2 Jabs.

How can i make it less stressful for her ?

She'll be sat on my lap - so how can i hold her still ??

Answer 1

my mom did a little reverse psychology thing, she would act like she was really jealous that I was going to the doctor to get a shot and she didn't get one. and then if that didn't work she would tell me I could have my favorite dinner if I didnt put up a fight.

Answer 2

If she's sitting on your lap, face her away from you and hold her in a big hug, she may cry and fight but the nurse needs to get the injection in the right spot. Most likely the leg is where she'll get the shots. its traumatic no matter what, but you must hold her still. She'll feel better real fast and take her out for a treat afterward. My poor 4 year old thought she was just getting a flu shot (so did I) but we were told by the nurse that she also needed her 4yr shots as well. so believe me, when she got 4 instead of one, it was bad but it was over quickly.

Answer 3

Distract her.

First be honest with her - don't lie and say there's no shots involved. She'll be MAD when she finds out you lied. Let her know she won't like them but getting sick is WAY worse!! Thinking about it is a LOT scarier than doing it. Tell her they're going to pinch for a second - like a beesting. Kids like to know exactly what to expect. But then you're going to go do something special afterwards. (Have a good reward ready. Okay, it's a bribe. It works though!)

When they're getting ready to give her the injections, have her look away from them and tell her to pretend blowing out a candle. (practicing for her birthday cake is a good analogy) or to try to knock over your hand that you're holding up in front of her - meaning that she takes a deep breath and at the exact moment they stick her, she blows out as hard as she can. Not only is she distracted by the action, but the deep breathing is calming.

Answer 4

This isn't nearly as difficult if mommy is calm herself. Don't be nervous and look at it like this; you have to do this, it's really important for your child's health and if you don't hold her tight she will probably feel more hurt as she will be able to move when she gets jabbed. Sot it's definitely in her best interest that you hold her as tight as possible, without hurting her. And that really isn't so hard. First, make sure that her entire body is as close to yours as possible, the position really depends on exactly where the jab is going. The important thing is that that body part is held tight, she shouldn't be able to move it or else she will hurt herself. Also secure her arms by putting the around you f.e. and holding them tight with your arms, and the same with the legs, if necessary, holding them with your elbows. This should be really quick and if you're calm and show your daughter that you know what you're doing, she'll be just fine. After the jab distract her attention from the pain immediately by talking about the jab and how brave she was to handle it right. I know it contradictive, but it works. Good luck and don't worry about it.

Answer 5

First off, you can't hold her still short of putting her in restraints.
So the only other option is to be honest with her and don't lie to her.
Does she realize that she is going to get two shots? If so, let her know that the shots are important; if not, then tell her that she is getting the shots and why she needs them (kids are smarter than we think).

My daughter was just about three when she cut her finger and it needed stitches. We went to the ER and she was nervous and was looking at her finger and mentioned it looked like ketchup. Then the nurse was prepping her and had to give her an injection of Novocain in her finger. Now I'm sure anyone can imagine how that is going to hurt. Not just a quick poke but the needle had to go in and the Novocain injected. Well, I looked at my daughter and told her that they were going to have to give her a shot in the finger to numb it before they could sew it up. Then I said, "Sweetheart, I'm not going to lie to you. this shot is going to hurt like crazy but it's important that you hold still." She looked at me and nodded and the nurse gave me the dirtiest look I ever got. Well, she held still and I could see her little lip a quivering and I told her "But it's okay to cry." and she let loose with one hell of a wail but she didn't move.

So remember, only your daughter can hold still. You can't do it for her so be honest with her. You will be amazed by what your children can do when they know the importance of something.

Since then, I have never told a lie to my daughter and I have one of the most wonderful relationships with her to this day. She even listens to me and sometimes agrees with me. She is now 22 years old. Now is the time to start with being honest with her and never make a promise you can't keep. If they ask you to promise and you're not sure you can, be honest and say you can't promise but will do all that you can. They will accept it.

Answer 6

I will answer this how I brought my child,when she got her shots.Now, I've got to tell you,she was a trooper. I told her straight forward,this will pinch,but only for a minuet. She was pretty cool until she saw the shot.She went pale.What I did was immediately said "Your a big girl,and big girls get shots,just like (Her older sister/cousin/etc), but I promise you its good for you. And If your good I will let you go to the toy shoppe!"
Her face lit up at the sound of 'toy', and she told me I'll do it,but I want you to hold my hand. She cried a little, because it startled her,but she stayed still,and did not whine,or whimper!
Tell her exactly whats going to happen,don't butter it up,straight forward,toddlers do not understand metaphor es.
Good luck!
~Mac

Answer 7

My nurses usually have my son lay down and I hold his hands and hug him tight......You should hug her tight........DO NOT LOOK AT HER FACE....Trust me!

Call ahead of time and ask for two nurses who do it at the same time....also give her tylenol 30 minutes before.

My son (4) just got 5 in November...He was crying horribly....he could have taken one or even two, but after the third he lost it and he was so scared when they made him lay down.......

When it was over I just sat there trying to comfort him and not sob......My husband drove him home and I had to make a stop.....I sobbed the whole time (Once he was gone)

He doesn't even talk about it now.

Answer 8

Take the child's favorite toy too. Let the child tell the favorite toy your a big kid now.Hold the head away from the side that will get the shot.

Answer 9

You could try to EMLA patch. Ask doctor or pharmasist. You put it on the injection site and it numbs the area so they don't feel needle. I used it for my son who needed and IV for operation. Otherwise just distract her - it only hurts for a minute.

Answer 10

I would have a treat in my pocket. I have 5 kids, and have been through this so many times! Have a treat in your pocket and offer it to her immediately and comfort and hug her right away. She will cry, but with that treat, the pain should be forgotten!