Tips for taking baby for immunization

I was in Bangalore this weekend to spend time with Geeta and Ahan. I had never been with them for his immunization visits and we planned this to coincide with my travel there. Baba often said that the pain of a parent when their child is hurt cannot be explained but only experienced. Over the weekend I realized what he meant.

Geeta and I knew fully well that he would be fine in a couple of days but both of us had our stomachs in knots seeing him in pain. The little fella on his part was very brave. It didn't take him long to realize that the pain intensifies if he moves the leg where he was given the injection and he quickly adjusted making sure the leg is kept as immobile as possible.

Regular Medomol drops ensured fever didn't stay on for too long and we kept him distracted from the pain. He loves going out and we kept him distracted by taking him out. When we got back home, we put him to bed at the earliest and he too seemed to cooperate. He woke up energized but the leg was still hurting. Through the day the fever and pain subsided and he seemed to be getting back to his natural rhythm and antics!

My advise to all parents taking their child for immunization dose -

• Don't panic, the child will be uncomfortable for some time but there is nothing that your love cannot cure. Cuddle and comfort them.
• Keep them dressed comfortably. The area where the syringe was used will hurt and so make sure there is no further irritation due to tight clothes.
• Keep them cool, don't overdress them. Especially with fever, it is better to keep them open.
• Keep Medomol or your paediatric prescribed fever medicine at hand.
• Keep track of what distracts them, when they cry due to the pain, this is what will come to your rescue.
• Take turns in taking care, else both of you will be exhausted at the same time.