Sugar Solution Can Ease Injection Pains in Babies
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It’s something mothers can’t bear to see – their babies in pain. Unfortunately, babies get hurt each time they get inoculated. There are many reasons why parents opt for no vaccinations and this is one of them.
I, for one, am for immunization but my heart bled with each needle prick that my babies got. And since I have twins, I always had to take another adult with me, my husband, my mother-in-law, a friend. For how could I comfort and cuddle two babies in pain at the same time?
A new research study shows that sugar water can ease babies` injection pains. The solution is very weak (25% sucrose) so that parents don’t have to worry about the sugar’s effect on the babies` weight, blood sugar levels and teeth. Babies aged 2 to 4 months old given sugar water had 78% lower pain scores than babies who received sterile water only during vaccination visits.
During the first 2 years of a child`s life, he or she gets more than 20 injections and multiple shots are usually given in each visit. A simple, cheap and safe way to ease a child`s pain during these injections is necessary. Find out about the CDC 2008 Immunization Schedule in a previous post.
Sources:
Hatfield et al.Analgesic Properties of Oral Sucrose During Routine Immunizations at 2 and 4 Months of Age. Pediatrics, Feb 2008; 121: e327 - e334.
Tags: babies, immunization, injections, pain
Dawn Allcot says...
I don’t understand… do you give them sugar water to drink before they get their shots? Or while they’re getting them? (Sort of as a distraction?)
And why does it work? Can you link to the study? I’d love to learn more.
Dawn
Science-mom says...
Dawn,
Sorry for not being so clear. The babies were given either sugar water or plain water to drink 2 minutes before injection. The pain scores were then checked after injections. You can click on the link (Hatfield et al.) to read more.
Please note that this post`s purpose is to share information and is not intended as medical or nutritional advice.
Dawn Allcot says...
Oh, thank you! I didn’t see the study link at the bottom of the page! I was looking for it in the main article. That is really amazing, can’t wait to read why!