What should I do if my baby is afraid of injections?

Dec 29, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lv Aiming
Introduction
First, when a child is afraid of injections, emotional guidance is essential—this involves acknowledging and naming the child's emotions. Parents need to recognize that they understand their child's fear of injections, and should not scold or belittle the child for being afraid. Nor should they deliberately downplay the experience of getting an injection. Parents should avoid increasing their child's fear. Unless it is absolutely impossible, they should not allow their child to avoid necessary injections.

Taking your baby to the vaccination center for routine immunizations can help prevent diseases. However, in real life, some babies are very afraid of injections. What should you do if your baby is afraid of shots?

What to Do If Your Baby Is Afraid of Injections

First, emotional guidance is essential—this means acknowledging and naming your child's emotions. Parents need to recognize that their child is genuinely afraid of injections. Avoid scolding or belittling the child for being fearful, or deliberately downplaying the injection process. Parents should not intensify the child’s fear of injections. Unless absolutely necessary, do not allow the child to avoid vaccinations altogether. Avoid showing excessive concern about the child’s fear. Parents should simply intervene calmly and quietly explain what will happen in a low-key manner.

If offering something the child likes helps them accept the injection, parents may try this method if it proves effective. Meanwhile, parents can also distract the child during the injection by telling jokes or using other engaging techniques.

Parents can teach children how to use their imagination to stay calm and confident during the injection. For example, when receiving a shot, let the child imagine walking away afterward with a lollipop. A child's fear of injections may stem from previous negative experiences. We hope this answer is helpful to you. Wishing you good health and happiness!


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