Surviving infant vaccinations

The first time our baby had his vaccinations, it was tough. His temperature climbed all the way up to 39.2°C (102°F), and it left us feeling anxious, exhausted, and unsure if we were doing everything right. So when it came time for his second round, we wanted to approach things a little differently.and thankfully, the experience turned out to be much smoother.

This time, his fever never went above 38°C (100.4°F). It was a noticeable difference, and while I can’t say for certain whether it was luck or the small changes we made, I do know that the whole experience felt far more manageable, for both him and us.

Here’s what we did differently.

1. Kept things calm and familiar

His vaccinations were scheduled for a Friday morning, and instead of carrying on with our usual routine, we made a conscious decision to slow everything down. We stayed home all day Friday and most of Saturday, avoiding unnecessary outings or stimulation.

The goal was simple: keep his environment calm, predictable, and comforting. Looking back, this felt like a really important step in helping him settle more easily afterward.

2. More intentional with medication timing

The first time around, we followed the general advice to give Calpol (baby Tylenol) every four hours, but this time, we adjusted our approach slightly. Since it can only be given three times in 24-hours, I wanted to space it out more strategically.

We gave his first dose about an hour after the vaccinations, then monitored him closely, checking his temperature and feeling for any signs (particularly the back of his neck) that he was getting warmer. After about six hours, we gave the second dose, and continued observing him before giving the third.

This approach gave me a bit more confidence as we had that third dose available if we needed it (we never did!). Instead of sticking rigidly to a schedule, I felt like we were responding to his actual needs while still keeping medication available in case his fever spiked.

3. Dressing him lightly from the start

Another thing we did differently this time was how we dressed him. Previously, he had been in a full outfit for much of the afternoon and early evening, which in hindsight may not have helped with regulating his temperature.

This time, we kept things simple, just a light undershirt and his diaper from the moment we got home. It made it easier for his body to stay cool and for us to quickly notice any changes in his temperature. The weather was nice that day too so I opened the windows for a few minutes to let the fresh air in.

A gentler experience overall

 Babies can respond differently from one set of vaccinations to another. If I’m honest, I don’t know how much of the improvement came from these changes versus just how his body reacted this time, but what I do know is this: the experience felt calmer, less stressful, and far more manageable. He seemed more comfortable, and we felt more prepared.

Sometimes it’s about making small adjustments, paying close attention, and doing what feels right for your child. This time around those little changes made a big difference for us.