How to Hold a Child During Vaccination
Holding your child properly during their vaccination appointment will comfort them and allow the vaccinator to properly administer the vaccine.
Children can be placed in a number of positions to receive their vaccine, depending on their size and yours. As a parent, you know your child best. Out of the three methods featured below, place them in the position they’re the most comfortable in to receive their vaccine. Try holding your child in the different positions at home before they get their vaccine. This way, both you and your child will know what to do when it’s time for them to receive the vaccine.
Keep in mind that these positions are meant to relax and get your child comfortable to receive the vaccine. As a parent, you want to ensure that your child’s arm is secure without overly restraining them as doing so could make them anxious. And remember, there’s no need to hold your child tight until a few seconds before they get their needle.
In addition, it is recommended that your child wears a short-sleeved shirt to their vaccine appointment. This way, they won’t have to remove their clothes.
And lastly, if your child is overly anxious or too upset to receive their vaccine on the day of the initial appointment, they can take a break. Remain calm and try calming down your child using one of these distraction methods. If they remain agitated, the vaccinator will not give your child their vaccine as it could create a fear of vaccination and make future experiences more difficult. When this is the case, it’s best to put it off to another day when your child will be calmer.
Check out this video to learn about the three methods you can use to hold your child when they receive a vaccine in the arm:
Three methods you can use to hold your child:
Method 1: Child sitting sideways on your thigh
- Place your child on your thigh, facing sideways.
- Raise the sleeve on their t-shirt to expose the vaccination site.
- Place your child’s other arm around your back or under your arm so they don’t try to reach for the needle.
- Place your child’s legs between your thighs and hold them firmly so they don’t move.
- Hold the arm where your child will receive the vaccine at the elbow, firmly enough to prevent them from moving it.
Method 2: Child sitting on your lap with their back against your chest
- Have your child sit on your lap and lean their back against your chest.
- Raise the sleeve on their t-shirt to expose the vaccination site.
- Place your child’s other arm under your arm so they don’t try to reach for the needle.
- Hold the arm where your child will receive the vaccine at the elbow, firmly enough to prevent them from moving it.
Method 3: Child sitting on your lap facing you
- Have your child sit on your lap facing you.
- Raise the sleeve on their t-shirt to expose the vaccination site.
- Place your child’s arms around your back or under your arms as if they are hugging you.
- Turn your child’s head away from the arm to be vaccinated (unless they want to see the needle when they get it).
- Hold the arm where your child will receive the vaccine at the elbow, firmly enough to prevent them from moving it.
