Buzz
Needles are never fun, especially for children. As we've mentioned before, distractions like cartoons and video games can help both kids and adults cope with the pain of a shot, but there are plenty of other techniques that can help too, such as using a numbing cream.
These creams are often overlooked but proven to be both safe and effective at reducing injection pain, as shown in a 2007 study published in Pediatrics. Before using one, be sure to consult with your doctor: they need to be applied 30 to 60 minutes beforehand, and they can pose risks if not used properly, such as when applied to large areas of skin.
This is just one of the tips shared by Today’s Parent for reducing injection pain, but there are many more. For instance, babies appear to experience less pain when sucking on a pacifier dipped in sugar water or when breastfeeding during the shot. For additional methods, including distraction techniques for older children, check out the link below.
Photo by Matt McDaniel.
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