Richard Soper MD on How to Help Your Child Remain Calm When Getting Shots

Getting shots is a part of life, particularly if you want your little tot to be healthy. As a pediatrician, Richard Soper, MD, knows firsthand how tricky it is to soothe a crying child. However, needle vaccinations are necessary to keep your children in the pink of health. 

It might be easier if you’re dealing with infants and toddlers, as you can carry them to the pediatrician and support them as they are getting a shot. But what can you do when you are dealing with an older child who is petrified of needles? They can ground their feet and insist on giving you a hard time as you drive to the clinic, sowing resentment, and a sense of betrayal in your bond. 

Of course, no parent wants their child to suffer, but vaccinations are a necessary evil. Richard Soper, MD, has some tips to help you keep your child calm while getting the required shots:

Teach your child coping strategies 

If your children are old enough to learn, then you can help them practice coping strategies. These are taking deep breaths, squeezing their hands, listening to music, or practicing imagery. When enough practice, your child may have the skills they need to distract themselves when they are getting that dreaded shot. 

Embrace them

The CDC is an advocate of holding children during vaccinations. Doing so prevents them from moving their legs and arms during injections, soothes them, and gives healthcare professionals a steadier limb to inject on. To do so, you can have your older child stand in front of you or sit on your lap, and then embrace them as you anchor both of the child’s legs with your thighs. For infants, securely hold your child using gentle pressure. 

Learn the art of distraction

Richard Soper, MD, always wiggles the site of the vibration as he is administering the vaccine to distract children from the pain. Once the injection is over, he gives his young patients the freedom to choose among his colorful bandages. He also encourages parents to talk to their children to explain why vaccines are important so that the children will be less afraid in the future. 

While not everyone is a fan of needles, there are ways to get over the fear, particularly in young children. As for Dr. Soper, he ensures that he is doing his best to give his patients the care that they deserve.