Comfort Positions for Immunizations for Newborns and Infants, Ages 0-6 Months

​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 vaccine or another procedure, these comfort positions can help calm and reassure children and teens.

Comfort Positions for Newborns and Infants (Ages 0 to 6 Months)

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 to address additional pain relief for infants, so please feel free to ask.

Different comfort positions for newborns and infants (ages 0-6 months) during an immunization include:​

• Cradle
• While your child is lying flat in your arms, cuddle them close to you
• Leave your child's leg out for the injection
• Snuggle your child's other leg and arms close to your body 

• Swaddle
• Have your child swaddled in a blanket but leave one leg out for the injection
• Snuggle your arm around your child and hug their body close to your chest