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How to Hold Your Child During VaccinationEspañol (Spanish)										Related Pages
										Parents can hold their child during vaccinations in recommended ways, which may reduce the child’s stress and help healthcare professionals more easily administer shots.Mother holding infant son.
Benefits of holding your child
Parents and caregivers play an important role when children receive vaccines.
A parent’s embrace during vaccination offers several benefits. A comforting hold:
Safely prevents children from moving their arms and legs during injections
Avoids frightening children by embracing them rather than overpowering them
Encourages parents to nurture and comfort their child
Allows the health care professional steady control of the limb and the injection siteSuggested holds or embraces
Use a different hold depending on the age and size of your child. Please note that the comforting holds shown below are suggestions, not guidelines. Some health care professionals may prefer to use different holds or have the child on the exam table when administering vaccines.Mother holding child while getting vaccinated.
Older Children
If the child is getting a shot in an arm:
Hold the child on your lap or have the child stand in front of you as you sit.
Embrace your child during the process.
Anchor both of the child’s legs between your thighs.mother holding infant while getting vaccinated.
Infants and Toddlers
If your child is getting a**shot in a leg**, you can:
Hold the child on your lap.
Place the child’s arm under your armpit and apply gentle pressure with your upper arm for a secure, hug-like hold.
Use your lower arm and hand to hold the child’s other arm gently but securely.
Anchor the child’s feet firmly between your thighs or hold securely with your other hand.Baby sitting on mother's lap playing with a laptopBefore, During, and After Shots
Mother comforting sick childVaccines When Your Child is SickIllustration of child sitting on mother's lap while talking to a doctorMake Shots Less Stressful
							
					
						Page last reviewed:  August 5, 2019					Content source: 	National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases homeParents
Why Vaccinateplus icon
Making the Vaccine Decision
Strengthening Your Baby’s Immune System
Combination Vaccines
Vaccine Scheduleplus icon
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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
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Resourcesplus icon
Infant and Childhood Immunization Resources
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Maternal Immunization Resources Vaccines & Immunizations


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