Injection Technique

first, make sure you have the right sized needle-my mentor in nursing school did her doctoral thesis on the fact that we frequently get skittish in giving im's to babies and use a needle that's too short. assess the child before deciding.

if a parent can hold the child securely, its great--ditto for having the baby nurse [breastfeed] or get glucose water to calm them. next best is mummy wrap, leaving only the leg you want exposed, as vastus lateralis is usually best bet in a pre-walker.

once baby is secured (after you have drawn up injection, have all supplies, etc.) i hold the thigh firmly in my non-dominent hand, swab, and inject firmly and quickly--the more you dally, the more nervous baby and/or mom gets!):bbykck:

after--cuddling is best if possible. babies are very forgiving and don't hold grudges. just don't ask me to give a four year old girl her kindergarten vaccinations...:chair: