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 Clinics, we want to help provide an emotionally safe experience for your child and for you. Whether it's a simple examination, a vaccine or another procedure, these comfort positions can help calm and reassure children and teens.
Little ones are often easier to contain during moments of tension or stress. It's important to talk calmly to your child during the hold and procedure. Pacifiers have been studied and recommended for pain relief for infants having minor procedures like vaccinations. Many doctors' offices also have a sucrose (sugar) solution available that address additional pain relief for infants, so please feel free to ask.
Different comfort positions for newborns and infants (ages 0-6 months) include:
Comfort positions for infants and toddlers (ages 6 to 24 months) include:
Children may receive injections in either their arm or leg. Boys Town Child Life recommends the same holds for either injection, with some minor modifications to account for the injection site or your child's size.
Older children most often receive injections in their arm, however sometimes a leg is chosen. Boys Town Child Life recommends the same holds for either injection, with some minor modifications to account for the injection site or your child's size.
There are lots of teenagers who also experience anxiety with needle procedures and that's okay, we're here to support you.
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