Less tears during immunisation thanks to sugary solution

The experts from Toronto University say newborns are less likely to cry if they are given something sweet before immunisation.

The research based on clinical data from 14 studies of babies up to a year old suggests that infants who are given a glucose solution are 20% less likely to cry following a jab.

The study found that between a few drops and half a teaspoon of sucrose and glucose also led to a small reduction in the amount of time a baby spent crying.

Lead researcher Dr Arne Ohlsson said: “Healthcare professionals should consider using sucrose or glucose before and during immunisation.”

The findings support existing research about the pain-relieving properties of sweet solutions working for babies undergoing painful procedures such as a hell prick.

Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, said: “Anything we can do to minimise the discomfort of immunisation for children is to be welcomed, and I would like to see more research in this area.

“On the one hand parents are more likely to return if the experience is not distressing.

“But more fundamentally, children don’t agree to have vaccines, so we need to be sure we are making it as painless as possible for them.”

By Deepika Dudakia