babies first shots

SerenaFisher

OK. Am I the only one who cried when they gave my baby her shots? It was awful and worse I am at work and cannot be with her tonight... anyone have any suggestions what mommy can do to make the pain less? They suggested children's Tylenol and warm wash cloths to her legs which I already told my fiance (he's home with her) but any other things would be appreciated. Feel free to tell me how your babies first shots went.


And she is my second. But my son is ten and I forgot what it WaS like!

SwimFan1981

I remember mine as if it were yesterday....:drinker:

Shanellz

The warm towel & massage it softly. Your baby is probably over it already. I have 2 kids and I always got tears eyed when they got shots.

SerenaFisher

I remember mine as if it were yesterday....:drinker:

:laugh:

See I am not the only one @Shanellz. I sure she will be over it much sooner than I. They made me hold her legs while they stabbed her :sad:

triciab79

It is way more traumatic to us than it is to them usually. I have cried with the first shots for all of my boys. It hurts me to just think of it. I'm sorry you have to work tonight, we often don't realize how hard some days will be before they happen. Watch the little one (or have fiance) close for about 24 hrs to ensure she doesn't get a fever. Fever after vaccine is fairly common and not usually anything to worry about but you always want to treat it right away to reduce the risk of febrile seizure. Babies can be funny like that fine one minute and 102 the next. Fever does not mean they have any part of what they were being vaccinated against it just means the body is not happy with the foreign liquid so once the 24hrs passes all should be fine.

SerenaFisher

It is way more traumatic to us than it is to them usually. I have cried with the first shots for all of my boys. It hurts me to just think of it. I'm sorry you have to work tonight, we often don't realize how hard some days will be before they happen. Watch the little one (or have fiance) close for about 24 hrs to ensure she doesn't get a fever. Fever after vaccine is fairly common and not usually anything to worry about but you always want to treat it right away to reduce the risk of febrile seizure. Babies can be funny like that fine one minute and 102 the next. Fever does not mean they have any part of what they were being vaccinated against it just means the body is not happy with the foreign liquid so once the 24hrs passes all should be fine.

Thank you for that they never told me to check her for fever, or that it could be so quick to change I actually just sent her daddy the message I hope he is awake to check her.

Chubbyhulagirl

Nothing to really add that hasn't been posted already.
Its so sad to see them hurting, especially if they need multiple shots.
I try to have the doctor space them out as much as possible.
For me, the heel prick the day after birth was agonizing to watch and I am considering refusing it for my fourth (currently preggo).

SerenaFisher

Congrats on number four! I didn't see the heel pricks, luckily they did that when I wasn't there

Chubbyhulagirl

Congrats on number four! I didn't see the heel pricks, luckily they did that when I wasn't there

Thank you! Lucky you. My brother is more organic in lifestyle and refuses all shots, heel prick, vitamin k shot after birth, eye drops, etc. My niece is three now and growing wonderfully.
Our first two we did it by the book or actually by the doctor's orders, got everything, all the shots, etc.
We were much more relaxed with our third. I work from home and my husband was a SAHF so we didn't need to have our youngest two in childcare and decided to put a hold on the shots for her first year. She didn't receive one shot (except for the vitamin k after birth) until she turned one. We are spacing them out also, since she won't be in childcare until preschool for another two years.
Some shots are required for the child to be in outside provided care but if you get private care or stay home with baby, you should really consider having the doctor space the shots so that they don't have to get multiples during one visit.

SunShineGirly11

It is heartbreaking to watch! I usually give my baby some Tylenol right before we go to the doctor so it kicks in sooner, he still cries when they give them to him but it usually helps him soon after so his legs aren't to sore. Sometimes they can be even more sore the day after and I usually do the warm washcloths and message, with a couple of baths if he has seemed like it is really bad.

It is hard to watch but I just have to remember this way they won't get some horrible sickness that would make them more miserable than the shots. My first had the flu when he was six months and that was the most traumatic thing I have had to watch, because he was throwing up every five minutes for almost 3 hours. iIt was so sad!!

SerenaFisher

Congrats on number four! I didn't see the heel pricks, luckily they did that when I wasn't there

Thank you! Lucky you. My brother is more organic in lifestyle and refuses all shots, heel prick, vitamin k shot after birth, eye drops, etc. My niece is three now and growing wonderfully.
Our first two we did it by the book or actually by the doctor's orders, got everything, all the shots, etc.
We were much more relaxed with our third. I work from home and my husband was a SAHF so we didn't need to have our youngest two in childcare and decided to put a hold on the shots for her first year. She didn't receive one shot (except for the vitamin k after birth) until she turned one. We are spacing them out also, since she won't be in childcare until preschool for another two years.
Some shots are required for the child to be in outside provided care but if you get private care or stay home with baby, you should really consider having the doctor space the shots so that they don't have to get multiples during one visit.

I would love to have them space the shots but since we both work I will probably have to get them asap. I know it would be easier for her if I did..

@sunshinegirly I couldn't imagine that! I would probably rush her to the ER! Poor baby!

paperpudding

I give babies vaccines as part of my job.

I agree it is worse for the parents - the babies are in blissful ignorance until the moment it happens and then they arre usually fine within a few minutes afterwards - although is good to keep an eye on their temperature afterwards and give baby panadol (or equivalent brand) if needed.

I agree its not much fun but would be way worse if your child were to get whooping cough, measles, meningitis, etc

Those advocating spacing out shots - why?
I dotn see how that is any easier for the baby - better to get it done as infrequently as possible - medical recomendations re timing of vaccinations aside, I would prefer to have the experience as few times as possible rather than spreading it out.


Hope your bub is fine OP - most babies have little or no side effects.

triciab79

I work for a company that makes software that tracks and forecast immunizations. You do not want to skip any of the shots your baby is suppose to get or mess with the schedule. I know its hard but these diseases are so much worse than the shots. Your child might be healthy enough to survive but if she gets measles and spreads it (disease take days to have symptoms) to a baby who is too young to have had that shot, it may very well cost someone else their baby. I know I could never live with myself if knew I caused the death of someone else's baby and I certainly couldn't live with myself if I went against medical advise and caused the death of my own child.

wolverine66

i didn't cry. my wife didn't cry. my son didn't cry.

we monitored his temp, but never needed anything. he was fine.

1ConcreteGirl

What country do you live in? In the US, you have to be 21 for this.

emtjmac

The sooner they learn that life is pain, the better off they'll be.

ed. 4 sp.

sixpacklady

OK. Am I the only one who cried when they gave my baby her shots? It was awful and worse I am at work and cannot be with her tonight... anyone have any suggestions what mommy can do to make the pain less? They suggested children's Tylenol and warm wash cloths to her legs which I already told my fiance (he's home with her) but any other things would be appreciated. Feel free to tell me how your babies first shots went.


And she is my second. But my son is ten and I forgot what it WaS like!

The tylenol should help with fever or muscle pain. For my DD, the muscle pain usually kicks in after around 3 hours, so I give the meds around 2 1/2 hours after the shot. other than that she should be fine, babies have such short memory, thank God

Ashwee87

It doesn't bother me. In fact, my son is more pissed off about having to lay down than he is getting the shots. lol Once they are done and I pick him up, he is fine. :P

5ftnFun

Ah, shots. I remember when my son was about 3 or 4. We'd literally have to drag him in to the doctor's office for his shots. Husband would grab one end, and I'd grab the other. Our kid screaming bloody murder, kicking and thrashing with all his might. He was a strong little booger!

Funny part. We remember it very well, the kid doesn't remember it at all. No tips, but like someone else said, I think it's harder on us parents then it is the children.

Some good tips offered ^^, just know you're not alone feeling so bad about it. It is hard, for sure.

Chubbyhulagirl

I give babies vaccines as part of my job.

I agree it is worse for the parents - the babies are in blissful ignorance until the moment it happens and then they arre usually fine within a few minutes afterwards - although is good to keep an eye on their temperature afterwards and give baby panadol (or equivalent brand) if needed.

I agree its not much fun but would be way worse if your child were to get whooping cough, measles, meningitis, etc

Those advocating spacing out shots - why?
I dotn see how that is any easier for the baby - better to get it done as infrequently as possible - medical recomendations re timing of vaccinations aside, I would prefer to have the experience as few times as possible rather than spreading it out.


Hope your bub is fine OP - most babies have little or no side effects.

Hi. I space out my daughter's shots because I do believe its easier on her than getting two-four at one time. Not just the pain during the shots but the side effects she deals with afterward. Her pediatrician and I discuss and agree on the time table and it doesn't make a difference vs not spacing them out. I also waited with my third until she was a year old to begin shots. I don't like giving medication to infants just out of fear of overdose and not knowing long term side effects.
I don't tell other people how to raise their children but I do like to tell them what works for me and try to encourage them to explore their options instead of blindly following the popular crowd. I always find it funny that alot of parents put 100% trust and faith of their children's life and well being in so many others and don't do any research. Especially considering the current debate over children's vaccines.
Since you give vaccines, are you aware of the argument over them (autism-related arguments, mercury and other chemicals in vaccines with no apparent reason for them to be in there, etc) and what is your opinion? Have you ever experienced any of these problems with vaccines first hand? Or at all? Do you believe they are mis guided or untrue? Im very interested in this.

Chubbyhulagirl

I work for a company that makes software that tracks and forecast immunizations. You do not want to skip any of the shots your baby is suppose to get or mess with the schedule. I know its hard but these diseases are so much worse than the shots. Your child might be healthy enough to survive but if she gets measles and spreads it (disease take days to have symptoms) to a baby who is too young to have had that shot, it may very well cost someone else their baby. I know I could never live with myself if knew I caused the death of someone else's baby and I certainly couldn't live with myself if I went against medical advise and caused the death of my own child.

I was just wondering what you meant by mess with the schedule? Does that include working out a schedule of spaced out shots? Thats what I do and my pediatrician helped me make the time table and never said that it would risk her getting the diseases if we did it this way. She is the pediatrician for all three of my kids (9, 3 and 20 months) and will be for my fourth due in September. I'd really like to know what tracking and forecasting immunizations is. Does that mean you track and forecast the timetable that shots should be given? Would you be able to share that information? Thanks for any info you can share!

Mummyadams

I laways make my husband to take my son for his shots. Pamol (not sure what the equivalent is in the US - baby paracetamol) and keep an eye on their temperature, some babies react.

triciab79

I work for a company that makes software that tracks and forecast immunizations. You do not want to skip any of the shots your baby is suppose to get or mess with the schedule. I know its hard but these diseases are so much worse than the shots. Your child might be healthy enough to survive but if she gets measles and spreads it (disease take days to have symptoms) to a baby who is too young to have had that shot, it may very well cost someone else their baby. I know I could never live with myself if knew I caused the death of someone else's baby and I certainly couldn't live with myself if I went against medical advise and caused the death of my own child.

I was just wondering what you meant by mess with the schedule? Does that include working out a schedule of spaced out shots? Thats what I do and my pediatrician helped me make the time table and never said that it would risk her getting the diseases if we did it this way. She is the pediatrician for all three of my kids (9, 3 and 20 months) and will be for my fourth due in September. I'd really like to know what tracking and forecasting immunizations is. Does that mean you track and forecast the timetable that shots should be given? Would you be able to share that information? Thanks for any info you can share!

If your doctor is helping you work out a schedule then you are fine. Certain shots cannot be given at the same time or within a month of each other so in the beginning when you are getting shots for the baby every 3 months messing with the schedule can throw things off pretty good. Now usually they treat the 9 month check up as make up shots day so if you had to skip any due to fever or availability you can make them up at that point. You always risk the shot you want not being available though. Immunizations are not shelf stable like most medicine and the distribution is very carefully controlled so doctors really only keep on hand what they think they will need. If the state runs into a problem with a distributor a vaccine might not be available at the time of your appointment. It doesn't happen often but its not something I am willing to risk with my little ones. Once again if your doctor is behind you he knows best for your child's individual needs.

paperpudding

What country do you live in? In the US, you have to be 21 for this.

I live in Australia - but I dont understand your comment - what do you have to be 21 for?
obviously not for the infant vaccinations.
In Australia, the parent has to give consent for the baby - regardless of how old the parent is -if the parent is under 21, (or under 18 - 18 being the legal adult age here) they still give consent.

paperpudding

Since you give vaccines, are you aware of the argument over them (autism-related arguments, mercury and other chemicals in vaccines with no apparent reason for them to be in there, etc) and what is your opinion? Have you ever experienced any of these problems with vaccines first hand? Or at all? Do you believe they are mis guided or untrue? Im very interested in this.
[/quote]


The autism arguement has been well and truly debunked - study was found to be fraudulent and author of study, Andrew Wakefield, has been de-registerd by medical board.

There is no mercury in vaccines in Australia.

I'm not sure what other chemicals you think are in there unneccesarily.

I'm not sure what problems with vaccines you are asking if I have experienced? - but have given literally thousands of vaccines to infants, school children and adults and have not personally seen anything more than a mild local reaction - redness, swelling at injection site, mild fever in babies, that sort of thing.
Very occasionally a baby with febrile convulsions -, none of whom had any ongoing ill effects.

CristinaL1983

Whenever my daughter had to get shots I held her in my lap. She would cry (as an infant) for about 30 seconds and then be done. I always got a little choked up when she was getting shots but didn't let her know... At her 5 year visit she had to get a few vaccines and she was not happy, I still got choked up. I definitely got her, her shots on time. I don't really know whether it's as big now as it was then to avoid vaccines but there were outcroppings around us of infants getting terrible diseases and quite a few unnecessary deaths.

TBH, unvaccinated kids (without medical cause) kind of irk me. A vaccine is usually only so effective. The strength is in the herd. If most kids get vaccinated then even if one gets the disease it isn't as likely to spread. If a bunch of kids don't get vaccinated and catch a disease, that puts everyone they come into contact with at increasing risk. I think it's just as much a social responsibility as it is a parental responsibility. Obviously, if a kid has some kind of risk factor, that should come first but just as a preference for no legitimate medical reason, grr...

AthenaErr

Shes probably forgotten about it by now. Obv monitor for fever etc but likelihood is shes over it.

gimpygramma

Nothing to really add that hasn't been posted already.
Its so sad to see them hurting, especially if they need multiple shots.
I try to have the doctor space them out as much as possible.
For me, the heel prick the day after birth was agonizing to watch and I am considering refusing it for my fourth (currently preggo).

I was so traumatized by my son's PKU test (the heel prick) that the memory is still fresh some 45 years later. They have to get a dab of blood in several different squares on a card. When the test was first done they didn't get a sufficient sample so we got called in to have the test repeated when he was two months old. Talk about panic and sleepless nights. I understood that the condition they were testing for had something to do with way the baby metabolized protein and that if he had that condition and was not treated immediately for it, it would cause mental retardation. So TWO months later?! How much damage might already have been done?
Then there was the test itself. It had to be done 4 hours after a feed. 4 hours after a feed my baby boy was STARVING! In total distress before that lancet ever touched his heel. Through the whole process he never took his eyes off me. Why wasn't Mommy feeding him? Why was she letting this nasty nurse hurt him? Betrayal! :sad:

robot_potato

I work for a company that makes software that tracks and forecast immunizations. You do not want to skip any of the shots your baby is suppose to get or mess with the schedule. I know its hard but these diseases are so much worse than the shots. Your child might be healthy enough to survive but if she gets measles and spreads it (disease take days to have symptoms) to a baby who is too young to have had that shot, it may very well cost someone else their baby. I know I could never live with myself if knew I caused the death of someone else's baby and I certainly couldn't live with myself if I went against medical advise and caused the death of my own child.

To each his own. Immunizations of any sort are certainly not right for my family. Thanks for the guilt trip though.

skinny_erme

i advise all of you to look up the ingredients in vaccines..you might not ever get them again

nornyb

Nothing to really add that hasn't been posted already.
Its so sad to see them hurting, especially if they need multiple shots.
I try to have the doctor space them out as much as possible.
For me, the heel prick the day after birth was agonizing to watch and I am considering refusing it for my fourth (currently preggo).

I was so traumatized by my son's PKU test (the heel prick) that the memory is still fresh some 45 years later. They have to get a dab of blood in several different squares on a card. When the test was first done they didn't get a sufficient sample so we got called in to have the test repeated when he was two months old. Talk about panic and sleepless nights. I understood that the condition they were testing for had something to do with way the baby metabolized protein and that if he had that condition and was not treated immediately for it, it would cause mental retardation. So TWO months later?! How much damage might already have been done?
Then there was the test itself. It had to be done 4 hours after a feed. 4 hours after a feed my baby boy was STARVING! In total distress before that lancet ever touched his heel. Through the whole process he never took his eyes off me. Why wasn't Mommy feeding him? Why was she letting this nasty nurse hurt him? Betrayal! :sad:

I am a NICU nurse and regularly perform these tests. The heel poke penetrates the skin approximately half of a centimeter (less than 1/4 inch) and we use 0.2ml of blood to fill those circles......there are 3ml in one teaspoon, so we are talking about a tiny bit of blood. Although the test is commonly called a PKU test, it is actually testing for a collection of metabolic disorders, one of which is PKU....the collection differs from state to state. Yes, most of the disorders are rare, but they can cause serious problems, including death, so it seems worth it, don't you think?