On the day of the Vax - Page 2

[Science Mom]

I would skip the pre-prophylactic Tylenol. That should be reserved if your child becomes very uncomfortable post-vaccinations. I have used just an ice pack for injection site reactions. Perhaps others will come along that swear by EMLA cream prior to vaccinations.

SM

[Trillian]

I would wait on the tylenol until you think it is needed. DS never had fever or pain following his vaccinations, so tylenol would have been medication for nothing.

I'm not convinced the EMLA cream is useful. We used it a few times, but it only masks the prick of the needle, not the pain of the injection into the muscle, so for some shots he cried anyway.

Our doctor advised us to massage the injection site a few times per day for the next day or two to help with soreness.

[delphiniumpansy]

I would also wait until after to give the tylenol. My dd's never needed it really. I use arnica gel on the site of the shot if there is a bruise. It helps.

[amnesiac]

Originally Posted by Trillian

I'm not convinced the EMLA cream is useful. We used it a few times, but it only masks the prick of the needle, not the pain of the injection into the muscle, so for some shots he cried anyway.

I do agree with that. Some of the vaccines to tend to sting in the tissue & EMLA isn't able to help that.

[huggerwocky]

I use EMLA cream. Even if it helps a little I'll take it. Personally I don't think the fact it only takes away some of the pain is an argument against it.

She never seems to even notice the shot itself, let alone crying.

[veganone]

Thanks all! I guess we'll try ice and I'll get some anica gel for after. I wouldn't be comfortable using EMLA, having read the warnings when I've used it...

Ugh - this is hard!!! I spend 99% of my life right now trying to keep her happy and out of pain and now we're doing something that will hurt...

[guestmama9904]

i realize you have already made this decision so please do not be offended when i ask this; is there anyway you could find a home daycare or family care for your baby? she is only 3 months old right? it just seems young to go to a daycare center. i did vaccinate my son for some vaccines at 4 months. he fared just fine. i would also recomend arnica for afterwards but 3 months seems too young for tylenol. breastfeeding can have analgesic affects on baby so i would just do that.

[veganone]

DD will actually be staying at home with my dad (lucky me!) for the first few weeks, and I'm home this month, so she'll be 4 months (January). But we also go to a mom's group with a lot of other babies and get out and about a lot.

[prettypixels]

I think holding her, nursing her afterwards, and cuddling are the best things you can do. I did give tylenol post-shot once when I could see my baby was sore in her leg... other than that, I didn't do anything. She's never had any kind of reaction other than that little bit of soreness... no fever, nothing.

It is hard, but it will be ok. I wish shots didn't have to hurt!!! I am with you though, my baby is not in daycare but we are out at playgroups with many other babies and children all the time.