What I Wish I Would’ve Known About Baby Shots

When my baby was almost two months, everyone would say something along the lines of, “Oh good luck with the shots!” and it kind of terrified me! I was so nervous about how he would react to those shots! I’d heard people talk about fevers, no sleep, grouchy babies and so much more. I was just barely getting adjusted to having a newborn. I didn’t want to have everything messed up because of a few shots. Worry no more mama, I can share a few tips with you!

My baby actually did pretty well with shots at his two month appointment, but there were definitely some things that could’ve gone better. Here are some things that I wish I would’ve known!

If you haven’t read my post Newborn Products that Make Momming Easier, definitely check it out! These few products seriously saved my sanity.

How Often Do Shots Happen?

I got this awesome sheet from my insurance, so I figured I’d share it here! I keep it on the fridge because it is so handy. It tells you what shots happen and when they happen. It’s important to know this, so that you can prepare for it!

How to Help Your Baby Calm Down

As you should expect, your baby will cry pretty hard after the pokes. There are some ways to calm them down though. Right after my baby got his shots, I had a blanket laid out. I swaddled him and held him really tight. I also gave him a binky! THESE BIBS BINKIES are my favorite ones for him! They stay in his mouth even if he has it slightly open while crying.

If you are breastfeeding, be prepared to feed your baby after their shots. I was able to calm my baby down without feeding him, but I know a TON of other babies just want food.

As your baby gets older, toys and treats can be a great distraction after shots as well.

What to Expect in the First Few Hours After Shots

If your baby is anything like mine, the shots will make him soooo sleepy! My baby slept better that night than he had in a while, haha. When he was awake though, he was in so much pain! Babies usually get shots in their legs, if you didn’t already know. We were unaware that we were supposed to rub his legs pretty consistently during the first 12 hours after the shots. Because we didn’t do this, he would scream every time he moved his legs or any time we held him a certain way. It was so hard to see him in so much pain.

This is when TYLENOL came in handy! Tylenol is good to have after shots anyway, but if you rub their leg(s), it will be a lot more bearable for you and baby. When you rub their legs at first, they’ll probably fuss and cry, but they more consistently you do it, the better it will be later. Be sure to have medicine on hand, and be sure to rub those little chubby thighs!

Hopefully this simple post will help you feel a little bit better about your baby’s shot appointments. Shots can save your baby from a lot of deadly diseases. Even though watching them be in pain will hurt your mama heart, think of what could happen if they didn’t experience that little bit of pain! It might be rough for the first few hours after the shots, but it’ll go by fast! You go this mama!

Do you have any other things that helped you get through shots with your baby? Tell me in the comments!