Toddlers

Toddlers (12 months – 24 months)

As kids grow, they can be around other kids and adults who may or may not be vaccinated. One of the best ways to keep your toddler healthy is keeping up to date with immunizations.

Immunizing Your Toddler

After the first year of life, your toddler starts to talk, walk, and remember things. One of those things your child probably remembers is a trip to the doctor’s office, which sometimes means vaccines. Below are some tips for dealing with your toddler – although we understand that some are easier said than done!

To Prepare Yourself

• Bring your child’s immunization record to the visit with you.
• Know what vaccines your child should be getting. 
• If your toddler is now walking, talk to the doctor or nurse about giving shots in your child’s arm and not in their leg. It will feel better for your toddler.

Tips that Help your Toddler

Keep you healthy
Try explaining to your older toddler why they are getting a shot; that it will keep them healthy from getting “boo-boos.”

Honesty
Be honest about upcoming shots. Don’t say there isn’t going to be a shot when there will be one. This may make your toddler associate mistrust with doctors.

Fast and Painless
Let your toddler know it’s okay to cry but encourage them to be brave. Explain that a shot doesn’t hurt much (much less than scraping a knee) and only hurts a second. Show your toddler what a second means.

Deep Breath
Keep your cool. If you are stressed, your toddler will pick up on it.

Control
If it’s okay with your doctor, allow your toddler to choose the site for injection (left or right arm) to give your child a sense of control.

Distractions
Consider bringing a favorite stuffed animal, a favorite book, or blowing bubbles. Having the doctor examine the stuffed animal first can ease some anxiety.

Offer Praise
No matter how it goes, praise your toddler. This could help for next time.

Post-Shot Treats
Promise a treat after the shot and deliver on the promise no matter how poorly it goes.

Never Use a Shot as a Threat
As in, “If you don’t stop crying, I’m bringing you to the doctor for a shot.”