How to Help Your Baby Through a CAT Scan

Finding out that your baby has to have a CAT scan can be a scary thing, but have you thought about how your baby feels? Your baby is just this little guy or girl that has to go in this big machine. Even though the scan will actually only take 10 to 20 seconds. That is a long time for your son to hold still. There are different ways to help your child through this process. The best thing to do is make him as comfortable as possible.

Make the Appointment Early:

If the appointment is scheduled early in the morning your baby will be more tired and possibly be able to fall asleep during the CAT scan. If the appointment is for 9:30 in the morning wake him up at 6am. Give him a bottle right before the CAT scan. This will help to get your little to sleep and relax him.

Use Lights and Toys:

She will be very interested in lights and toys. Most CAT scan operators have these available as a convenience to you. Playing with the lights while she is getting her scan done will peek her interest to you.

Talk and Gently Pat Your Baby:

The tone in your voice will help soothe your little guy; letting him know everything is okay. Talk in a way that you are not playing with him, because his head needs to be perfectly still. Pat him gently on his side or his stomach. This is also a great technique for helping him to get to sleep. Start at a moderate pace then work your way down till you do not need to pat him anymore.

The Use of Head Stabilizers:

Most of the time there will be a Velcro wrap that will hold your child's head straight during the scan. If your baby is 11 months or older then most likely a neck brace will be used. These methods might startle your baby but they are necessary for keeping them still and not falling off of the table during the scan.

Some babies are just in awe of all of the new things to look at so they never have a problem. Others can be scared to death, but with a little time and patience they will get through it. If there are problems there are multiple things you can do for your little guy. This experience should be a fast a painless one.