Prepare for your Toddler’s Jab with expert advice from the NHS.
As a parent, taking your toddler for a jab can be stressful. At 1 year old, your baby will have already had a few vaccines. But the older they get, the more they understand what’s going on, and the more guilty we feel when the tears come!
When your baby cries you’ll want to too! But we all want to ensure the health and wellbeing of our children. Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting your little one from potentially serious diseases like measles. We have been through it all ourselves and are here to help give you some tips on getting through one of the vaccines your toddler will need at 1-year-old (the MMR vaccination) with as few tears as possible.
Why the MMR Vaccine at Age One?
At the age of one, your child is scheduled to receive their first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. This timing is strategic; newborn babies have antibodies passed on from their mum at birth, which helps protect them for a short time. However, by the time a child is 1 year old, these antibodies are almost gone and the MMR vaccine is needed to make sure they are protected against serious illness in the future.
The vaccine provides early protection against measles, mumps and rubella (German measles)– all highly infectious conditions that can easily spread between unvaccinated people. By getting your child vaccinated, you not only safeguard their health but also contribute to community immunity, protecting those who may not be able to receive the vaccine.
You can find out more about the MMR vaccine through our recent Q&A with Dr. Oge Ilozue: “Is Measles Just a Rash?”
Prepare for your Toddler’s Jab: Tips for Parents
Eeek! We know it can be scary, and you can’t always avoid some tears or sad faces if you are taking your child for a vaccination. But there are a few ways you can approach it that might make things go a little smoother.
Here are 7 easy tips to help you and your child prepare for their jab.
1. Learn About the Vaccine:
Knowledge is power, and it will give you the confidence that (despite how difficult it is to take them there!) you are doing what’s best for them. Take some time to understand the vaccine in question (in this case, it would be the MMR vaccine), its importance, and how it works. Knowing that you are making a well-informed decision can help reduce stress.
2. Your Toddler’s Jab – Talk to Your GP or practice nurse:
If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccines, then it’s best to talk to your GP practice. No question is a silly one to ask: just do your research so that you are 100% comfortable with your choice.
3. Stay calm:
We’ve been there, and we know that it is incredibly nerve-wracking taking your child to their jabs. But children often pick up on their parents’ emotions, and it helps them to figure out whether the thing they’re about to go through is good or bad.
Try to stay calm and reassuring, presenting the situation as a good thing. Your confidence can be comforting to your child, and can reassure them that what you’re doing is for good reason.
4. Explain in Simple Terms:
With toddlers it can be difficult to explain anything; let alone sticking a needle in them.
You could say, “This will keep you healthy” or “This is to protect you from the yucky germs”. Offering some kind of insight as to why this is happening in their own terms will help them understand and feel less stressed, so don’t try to keep them in the dark. Offer your words in a calm tone and offer help to reassure them.
5. Bring Comfort Items:
Consider bringing your child’s favourite toy, blanket, or dummy to provide comfort and distraction during the jab. They can keep a hold of this, and keep their eyes on you through the jab, and will help them to get through it easier. Their favourite treat for after is also a good way to help to distract them.
6. Prepare for your Toddler’s jab – Dress for Success:
Dress your child in clothing that is easy to remove, as the vaccine is typically administered in the thigh. Good choices might be skirts or shorts made of material that’s easy to roll up.
7. Distraction Techniques:
Remember, no matter what, you are one of your child’s favourite things in the entire world! If anyone is able to distract your little one through a jab, it’s you.
While the nurses are doing the jab, try to engage your child in an activity you know they like. Maybe blowing bubbles, singing a favourite song, or reading their favourite story. If you can think of a game they like to play (that doesn’t involve them jumping around everywhere!) then try playing that. This can help keep their attention off of what your doctor is doing and keep them focussing on you.
Preparing yourself: What’s The Process For The MMR Vaccine
During the vaccination:
- The nurse or healthcare provider will clean the injection site.
- A small needle will be used to administer the vaccine into your child’s thigh.
- The process is quick, lasting just a few seconds, and will be over before you know it.
After the vaccination:
- Your child might cry for a short while, which is a normal response to receiving a jab (and that doesn’t just apply to toddlers!).
- You can comfort your child with a cuddle, soothing words, or a small treat if your healthcare provider allows it.
Some children experience mild side effects like a sore arm or leg, a low-grade fever or a rash after the vaccine. This is usually a sign that the body is building immunity. If your child develops a high temperature make sure they’re not wearing too many layers of clothes or blankets, give them plenty to drink and liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen to bring their temperature down. If you have any concerns then you can contact your GP or 111 to check.
Do You Have Questions About The MMR Vaccine?
As a parent, you want the best for your child, and that includes their health and well-being. By following these tips and ensuring your child receives their vaccines on schedule, you’re taking an important step in protecting them from diseases and its potential complications. While a few tears may be shed during the vaccination, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your child is safe from this preventable disease is well worth it.
For more information, here are some useful links:
Disclaimer: The NHS have paid a fee towards this post and helped us to advise on the best ways to prepare for your toddler’s jab. This fee will go towards helping more parents find classes and support near them.
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If you found this post useful, you may also like:
Is Measles Just a Rash? The Importance of Measles Vaccination for Your Child
5 More Genius Tips to Soothe Teething Pain (And Get Your Baby Smiling Again)
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