What is the preferred site for administering IM injections in infants?

The preferred site for administering intramuscular (IM) injections in infants is the vastus lateralis muscle. This muscle is located on the lateral aspect of the thigh and is well-developed even in neonates. Administering injections here minimizes the risk of injury to nerves or blood vessels and provides adequate absorption of the medication. The vastus lateralis can accommodate larger volumes of medication compared to some other muscle sites, which is particularly important in pediatric care.

In contrast, options such as the deltoid muscle are not ideal for infants due to the limited muscle mass in that area, making it less suitable for IM injections. Similarly, the gluteus maximus is typically avoided in young children because of the risk of hitting the sciatic nerve and the variability in muscle mass. The rectus femoris muscle, while accessible, is also not the first choice due to potential complications and a smaller volume capacity compared to the vastus lateralis. Thus, using the vastus lateralis muscle ensures safety and effective administration of vaccines and medications in infants.