Many families worry when their babies receive vaccines. Some of the concerns are the pain and possible side effects from the shots.  I break down normal vaccine reactions into two main types.

The first is a local reaction:  mild redness and/or swelling at the injection site.  This very common, normal reaction will usually subside in the first day or so.  Applying a cool compress may be helpful to reduce the inflammation.  Severe swelling or redness that is spreading is not normal and should be seen by your doctor. 

The second normal vaccine reaction, which is usually more concerning to the family, is a more systemic reaction. This is when the baby’s immune system is “turned on” from the vaccination and the baby might feel cranky and/or develop a fever for the first 24-48 hours after the shots.  This is a normal, expected side effect that does not happen every time, but is not worrisome or unexpected.  If the fever persists, is very high, or the baby seems extremely irritable or lethargic, your doctor should be notified. 

Many families worry when their babies receive vaccines. Some of the concerns are the pain and possible side effects from the shots.  I break down normal vaccine reactions into two main types.

The first is a local reaction:  mild redness and/or swelling at the injection site.  This very common, normal reaction will usually subside in the first day or so.  Applying a cool compress may be helpful to reduce the inflammation.  Severe swelling or redness that is spreading is not normal and should be seen by your doctor. 

The second normal vaccine reaction, which is usually more concerning to the family, is a more systemic reaction. This is when the baby’s immune system is “turned on” from the vaccination and the baby might feel cranky and/or develop a fever for the first 24-48 hours after the shots.  This is a normal, expected side effect that does not happen every time, but is not worrisome or unexpected.  If the fever persists, is very high, or the baby seems extremely irritable or lethargic, your doctor should be notified. 

I do not recommend any over the counter cold medications to children this age.  More importantly is finding out why your baby has a runny nose all the time. It is possible that he has allergies or some other underlying problem that is manifesting itself as a runny nose. This should be brought up to your pediatrician.

All information given is not a substitute for the advice of your pediatrician, primary care provider or trained health professional.  Always consult with your pediatrician or health care professional.

Ever since we had a new baby my 3 year old has become more aggressive, especially towards me.  I have read this is normal, but for how long?

I always tell the parents in my practice that are in your situation that the older sibling’s life is changing much more dramatically than the parent’s lives. The child feels like some of his uniqueness has been taken away.  I use the analogy of going from a rock star to a back-up singer. Hopefully, the change is not that dramatic, but the analogy gives you some insight into what your child is feeling. Also, a 3 year old does not have the coping skills to deal with such a change in his daily life and thus changes in his behavior can occur.  I am not saying that you should not discipline your child if he acts up, just that he is going through a lot in his life, and very commonly a few months of behavior changes are seen until routine is established again.



All information given is not a substitute for the advice of your pediatrician, primary care provider or trained health professional.  Always consult with your pediatrician or health care professional.