Be Sweet to Babies at Vaccination Time: less than 6 months old
How to reduce crying and pain during babies' immunizations!
About this Resource
This wonderful video from Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario demonstrates a simple strategies for reducing pain and distress for babies (and parents!). Learn the research proven way to reduce babies’ pain during needle pokes like heel pricks, blood tests, and vaccines.
Research shows – for infants less than 12 months old, breastfeeding before, during and after a needle poke reduces pain and stress in babies. For the most impact, begin breastfeeding 2-5 minutes before the needle. If your baby requires another poke in the other leg, change is up and position your baby on the other breast. Make sure the your baby has latched and is sucking well before the next needle poke. If you are not breastfeeding, giving small amounts of sugar water before and during pokes reduces pain in babies. You learn more about that strategy in this video.
A really big shout and thank to Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), CHEO Research Institute, University of Ottawa Be Sweet to Babies team (led by Dr. Denise Harrison)
Who This Is Meant For
This resource is for parents and providers.
You Might Also Be Interested In
Video
How to Get the Best Help from Your Child's Doctor
Dr. Jody Thomas and CHYP get together to discuss how parents and healthcare providers can join forces to give kids with chronic pain the best care possible.
Video
How to hack your brain when you're in pain
"Have we misunderstood pain?" Researcher and physician Amy Baxter unravels the symphony of connections that send pain from your body to your brain, explaining practical neuroscience hacks to quickly block those signals. Her groundbreaking research offers alternatives for immediate pain relief — without the need for addictive opioids.
Video
Breathing for Comfort with SuperMeg!
Deep breathing is the ultimate hack of your nervous system. Discover how it can help you feel more calm and comfortable by letting Super Meg guide you to find that pace that is right for you.
Video
Athlete's Voices | The Zen of Sport: Mental Health, Wellness, and Social Connections
Examining the role of sports in addressing, supporting and managing mental health challenges, emotional and physical well-being, and life transitions.
Help fund more groundbreaking research and resources for parents like you by supporting the Meg Foundation