What to Expect the Toddler Years (195 page)

Be honest about upcoming shots. Don’t say there isn’t going to be a shot when you know there is going to be one—this ploy will work only once, then backfire indefinitely. Mistrust isn’t something you want your toddler to associate with doctors—or you, for that matter.

Let your toddler know that it’s okay to cry, but encourage him or her to be brave. Explain that a shot doesn’t hurt much (a lot less than banging a knee or
scraping an elbow), and it only hurts for a second. You can even practice timing a second to show how brief that really is.

Keep your cool. Seeing a needle headed for your child’s tender skin can also bring on the parental empathy—served up with a side of anxiety (and maybe even a few tears on your part). In fact, sometimes it’s hard to tell who’s dreading the shots more—the parent or the child. That’s normal, and easy to understand—after all, no parent wants to see their child in pain, even for a quick second. But if you’re a nervous wreck each time the needle appears, your toddler is likely to be, too. If you’re the model of mellow, your toddler is likely to be calmer.

If it’s okay with your doctor, allow your toddler to choose the site of the injection (the right or left arm, for example) in order to give your child a sense of control over the process.

Bring along lots of distractions—a teddy bear for the toddler to clutch, a favorite book to read out loud, bubbles to blow (also teach your toddler to blow during the shot)—to help minimize the pain. Having the doctor “examine” a doll or teddy first, while the toddler holds it, can help ease anxiety, too.

Pretreat. See the box on page 307 for ways to stop the ouch with an anesthetic cream.

Offer lots of after-shot accolades (even if your toddler yelled, kicked, and screamed the whole time). This is a big deal for a little kid, so for best results next time, pump up the praise this time.

Consider a post-shot treat—promise a trip to the playground, the children’s museum, the ice cream shop, or the toy store for a little ticket item. Don’t withhold the treat if your toddler wasn’t cooperative—having had the shot should entitle him or her to the treat, no best-behavior strings attached.

Never use shots as a threat—as in “If you don’t stop crying (or don’t get into the tub . . . or don’t get ready for dinner) now, I’m bringing you to the doctor for a shot!”

And if you find that
you’re
the one who’s anxious or worried, talk to your doctor about your fears or concerns. Or arm yourself with the most up-to-date information on vaccines available for your child by logging on to the CDC’s website (cdc.gov/vaccines/) or WhatToExpect.com.

Though immunization is a safe procedure, it is safer when both parents and professionals take appropriate precautions:

Remind your child’s doctor about any previous reactions to earlier vaccinations.

Be sure your child receives a checkup before an immunization to be certain no illness is present that isn’t yet apparent. If your child has been showing any signs of illness, inform the doctor.

Observe your child closely for 72 hours after the vaccination (and especially during the first 48), and report severe reactions to the doctor immediately (see page 559). Be on the lookout for a delayed reaction a week or two following an MMR (these are rare). Note any reactions in your child’s immunization or health record.