Soothers for Shots
(This is a Small Study)
For fewer tears during multiple immunizations, follow this recipe: Give baby 2 teaspoons of water mixed with a packet of sugar 2 minutes prior to the shots. Then give her a bottle or pacifier and hold her close in your lap during the injections. In a Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh study of 116 healthy 2-month-olds, those who got this soothing combo cried 67% less than babies who received no special treatment – 19 versus 58 seconds. In young infants, researchers suspect sugar acts on pain pathways in the brain to provide temporary relief. Snuggling and sucking are well-known soothers. — SL
June 2004. Prevention. Page 157. www.prevention.com