Comfort Positions for Lab Draws for Older Children, Ages 9-12 Years

Reviewed by Child Life

​As hard as you try, it can be difficult to reassure a child that the doctor's office isn't something to be afraid of. At Boys Town National Research Hospital and Medical Clinics, we want to help provide an emotionally safe experience for your child and for you. Whether it's a simple examination, a blood draw or another procedure, these comfort positions can help calm and reassure children and teens.

Comfort Positions for Older Children (Ages 9 to 12 Years)

Studies have shown that children report feeling less pain during needle procedures when they're allowed to sit up or be held by their parent or caregiver. Boys Town Child Life recommends the following comfort positions for lab draws, with some minor modifications to account for your child's size.

• Back-to-Chest
  • Place your child in your lap facing forward
  • Wrap your arms around your child and hold their hands and arms with yours
    • Allow the arm they will use for the lab draw to come over the top of your arm and make sure you hold on to it so your child doesn't try to reach for the needle
  • Hug your child firmly and offer some form of distraction when possible

• Side-sit
  • Sit next to your child and wrap one arm around them behind their back
  • Use the arm wrapped around them to help secure their arm for the lab draw
  • Use your free hand to hold their second arm close to their body and out of the way

• Side-hug
  • Stand next to your child and wrap one arm around them behind their back
  • Use the arm wrapped around them to help secure their arm for the lab draw
  • Use your free hand to hold their second arm out of the way

If you are an outside organization that is interested in learning more about our CARES Emotional Safety Program, please fill out this form​.