Skip directly to site content Skip directly to search


Español  Other Languages


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC twenty four seven. Saving Lives, Protecting People
 Search
		×
			Vaccines site
			Vaccines site
				All CDC
				Submit
			For a full list of topics:A-Z Index
			Advanced Search
		Advanced Search


Vaccines for Your Children


Section Navigation
			
			CDC Home








Make Shots Less Stressful						Español (Spanish)							Print
																Related Pages
										9 Things You Can Do for You and Your Baby
**Learn about simple ways you can support your child before, during and after shots.**woman holding an iPad in her right handDo your researchTake a moment to **read about** how you can prepare before your visit**,** and review any vaccine information provided by your child’s doctor.  If you want to do additional research, use CDC’s vaccines for parents web site.doctor talking with a mother holding her child and a teddy bear in her left arm Ask for a sweet solution**Tasting something sweet can help reduce your little one’s pain response.** If your child is two years of age or younger, ask your child’s doctor to give your child a sweet solution of sucrose or glucose one to two minutes before the shot. Even a very small amount can help reduce pain during shots.mother breastfeeding her babyIf you can, breastfeed**Breastfeeding can be a great way to calm and relax your baby, as it can help distract him or her and provide comforting close contact.** Additionally, breastmilk has a slight sweetness, which can help reduce your child’s pain during shots.doctor talking to a mother holding her child with her left armAsk for a pain-relieving ointment or sprayAsk your child’s doctor for a pain-relieving ointment, which blocks pain signals from the skin. Because the ointment takes time to work, ask about it before your next well-child visit. Or, request a cooling spray (vapocoolant), which is applied on your child’s arm or leg right before the shot**. Using an ointment or cooling spray may reduce your and your child’s stress** during a well-check visit.mother talking to her child sitting on her lapBe honest and calm**Kids are smart, so take time to explain in simple terms what to expect.** Explain that your child may feel a little pinch and it will go away very fast. Use words like “pressure” or “poke” rather than “pain” or “shot.” Even if your baby can’t understand your words, your calm voice will be reassuring. Remain upbeat and relaxed before, during, and especially after shots.mother sitting with her child on her lap and a teddy bear in her right hand talking with a doctorBring your child’s favorite thingsBring anything your **child finds comforting, like a favorite toy, blanket, or book, to help** them focus on something pleasant. Make sure to check with your doctor before bringing items into the room with you.mother singing with her child on her lap holding a teddy bear in her right handDistract your childRight before the shot, call your child’s name, sing your child’s favorite song, tell a story, or just act plain silly to **pull your child’s attention away from the shot giver**. Keep the distraction going after the vaccine is given.mother reading a book to her childBig kids need support tooIf your child is older, you can take deep breaths with them to help “blow out” the pain. Have them imagine the pain is leaving their mouth as they breathe out. Tell a story or point out interesting things in the room to help **create distractions**.mother holding her baby on her left arm and a towel on her right arm Care after the shot**Calm young infants by swaddling them. Hugs, cuddles and soft whispers can help soothe older babies after a shot.** Your child may have mild reactions, such as pain and swelling where the shot was given or a fever; these are common and will soon go away.  Contact your child’s doctor if anything concerns you.Watch the video, what you should expect when your child is vaccinated.Related pagesMother holding her childHow to Hold Your Child During a VaccinationMother comforting sick childVaccines When Your Child is SickSee also
Before, During, and After Shots
							
					
							Last Reviewed:  July 27, 2020						Source: 	National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
					Facebook
        Twitter
        LinkedIn
        Syndicate homeParents
Why Vaccinateplus icon
Making the Vaccine Decision
Strengthening Your Baby’s Immune System
Combination Vaccines
Vaccine Scheduleplus icon
Child Schedule
Teen Schedule
Who sets the Vaccine Schedule
Reasons to Follow the Schedule
Vaccines by Ageplus icon
Pregnancy
Birth
1-2 Months
3-4 Months
5-6 Months
7-11 Months
12-23 Months
2-3 Years
4-6 Years
7-10 Years
11-12 Years
13-18 Years
Diseases that Vaccines Preventplus icon
Chickenpox (Varicella)
Diphtheria
Flu (Influenza)
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Hib
HPV (Human Papillomavirus)
Measles
Meningococcal
Mumps
Pneumococcal
Polio
Rotavirus
RSV
Rubella
Tetanus
Whooping Cough (Pertussis)
Diseases You Almost Forgot About
Your Child’s Vaccine Visitplus icon
Catch Up on Recommended Vaccinations
Before, During, and After Shots
How to Hold Your Child
Make Shots Less Stressful
Vaccines When Your Child is Sick
Vaccine Ingredients
Questions About Vaccines
Vaccine Recordsplus icon
Keeping Track of Records
Adoption and Vaccines
Before you Travel
Resourcesplus icon
Infant and Childhood Immunization Resources
Preteen and Teen Vaccine Resources
Maternal Immunization Resources Vaccines & Immunizations


About CDC
					Contact Us
					800-232-4636
 Facebook Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Youtube Pinterest Snapchat
 CONTACT CDC
				Contact Us
							Call 800-232-4636
							Email Us
			ABOUT CDC
				About CDC
							Jobs
							Funding
			POLICIES
				Accessibility
							External Links
							Privacy
							Policies
							No Fear Act
							FOIA
							OIG
							Nondiscrimination
							Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			CONNECT WITH US
				Facebook
								Twitter
								Instagram
								LinkedIn
							Youtube
								Pinterest
								Snapchat
								Email
			LANGUAGES
				Español
							繁體中文
							Tiếng Việt
							한국어
							Tagalog
							Русский
							العربية
							Kreyòl Ayisyen
							Français
							Polski
							Português
							Italiano
							Deutsch
							日本語
							فارسی
							English


U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
			Accessibility
			External Links
			Privacy
			Policies
			No Fear Act
			FOIA
			Nondiscrimination
			OIG
			Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
			USA.gov


Exit Notification / Disclaimer Policy Close
 Links with this icon  indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website.
				Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.
				You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link.
				CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Website Disclaimers
 Cancel Continue