Pain Control for Infants during Vaccinations

Infant pain management is becoming an important part of good patient care. Numerous medical studies address the impact pain has on infant’s and ways to reduce that pain. Some suggest that painful episodes during infancy can amplify a child’s pain response later in life. In other words, the more pain an infant undergoes, the more sensitive he may be to it as a young child.

Medical literature has shown “sugar water” to be an effective way to reduce pain in babies less than one year of age. Researchers have found that the correct concentration of sugar triggers pain-killing chemicals in an infant’s brain. It works in the same opioid pathways as the pain-killer morphine. Neonatal intensive care nurseries and pediatric emergency rooms across the country, including those in Cincinnati, are now safely using this solution.

At Northeast Cincinnati Pediatrics, we have been recommending use of “sugar water” with vaccines for several years. If you have interest in using this solution to reduce pain associated with immunizations for your baby, here’s how you do it. Like any painkiller, this will not take away all the pain associated with shots. We do hope it will make things more comfortable for your infant.

Mix 2 small packets of regular sugar (each packet generally contains 3.5 grams) in one ounce (30ml) of tap or bottled water. Bring the solution to your next check-up. Also bring an infant Tylenol dropper.

When we’re done with the exam, give your baby two full droppers of the sugar water. Be sure to mix the solution before filling the droppers. Try to place the solution on your baby’s tongue, as it needs to touch the taste buds. It takes about two minutes to take effect and it last 5 to 7 minutes. If the medical assistant has not come in with the shots by 7 minutes, you can give another dropper.

Remember this is for infants 12 months or less.