Comfort Positions for Lab Draws 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 blood draw 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 a blood draw. 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 a lab draw include:
- Cradle
- While your child is lying flat in your arms, cuddle them close to you
- Leave your child's arm out for the lab draw
- Snuggle your child's other arm and legs close to your body
- Swaddle
- Have your child swaddled in a blanket but leave one arm out for the lab draw
- Snuggle your arm around your child and hug their body close to your chest
