How to comfort infants after vaccines: The "5 S's"

Vaccinations are a necessary but stressful event for infants and their parents alike. Infants are bound to experience pain and some suffering in the process, but a new study shows that some methods of comfort work better than others. The study, published in the April 16 online edition of Pediatrics, looked at more than 200 infants during their 2- and 4-month well-child visits. The infants received comfort measures including pacifiers and distraction, as well as the "5 S's" plan.

The "5 S's" plan was developed 10 years ago by Dr. Harvey Karp, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the USC School of Medicine in Los Angeles.

Using a pain-scoring tool, the researchers found that babies in the "5 S's" group experienced significantly less pain and crying compared with the other group. What are the 5 S's? Keep clicking to find out...

How to comfort infants after vaccines: The "5 S's"

1. Swaddling

swaddle, swaddling, baby, infant, cuddling, mother, child, stock, 4x3

Tight swaddling calms babies because it creates a womb-like environment. Blankets should be kept snug, because loose blankets are a choking/suffocating risk. Wrapping babies with their arms at their sides also prevents them from flailing their arms.

How to comfort infants after vaccines: The "5 S's"

2. Side/stomach position

Although sleeping on their backs is safest for babies, being in a side position or on their stomach has proven calming following a shot.

How to comfort infants after vaccines: The "5 S's"

3. Shushing

mom, kid, child, baby, sad, crying, autism Sometimes telling your baby to "shhh" is the simplest way to get him or her to stop crying. The sound is soothing in the face of loud noises - including the baby's own crying.

How to comfort infants after vaccines: The "5 S's"

4. Swinging

baby, carried, forward, facing, facing forward, scared, infant, stock, 4x3, sling Swaying a baby to a calmer state is effective for calming a child following a vaccine. This can be done using swings, slings, and car rides, among other methods.

How to comfort infants after vaccines: The "5 S's"

5. Sucking

Whether by pacifier or breastfeeding, giving a baby something to suck on is an effective way to comfort him or her.