Preparing Children for the Dreaded Blood Draw

As parents we hope to avoid ever having to see our children go through painful procedures but there are times when they are needed. Whether it be as simple as an vaccination or something more complicated like a blood draw.

Needles can be scary for young children, especially when they don't understand what is happening. To help ease the fear and the pain of the procedure the following tips should make giving blood easier on not only your child, but yourself.

Infant blood draws tend to be easier on parents than blood draws for children who are older. Preparation for a blood draw with a child under the age of one is simple, make sure your baby is well hydrated. They will draw blood from your child's heel and although this will be uncomfortable for your baby, it will not require a needle being inserted into the arm. As a parent it is important that you remain calm and collected during the draw, your child will feed off your energy. If the technicians decide to draw blood through the arm using a needle, this will be a bit more traumatic for the child due to the fact that the child must be restrained to properly take the blood. Once again remain calm during the procedure to help your infant remain calm.

Toddler draws and beyond become more complicated for a parent. Children who are not old enough to sit still and not move their arm will need to be restrained. Often times restraining can be done by a parent without any additional help, but for some additional help will be needed which can frighten a child.

The day of or day before the blood draw sit down with your child and explain the procedure to them in terms they understand. Prepare them for the restraining aspect of the procedure in particular, since this can be one of the more scarier aspects of the procedure. Let them know that a needle will be inserted into their arm but that it will only hurt for a small amount of time. Even take the time to explain the need for the blood draw to be done. Are they testing for sickness or just in general? Let the child know that the blood draw is being done to help them get better or stay healthy.

Remember also to keep your child hydrated so that finding a vein will be easier for a technician. Also call ahead and ask what if any special things you need to do before you come, as well as what the best time is to bring your child. In the morning before your child's first nap would probably be the best time because your child will not be tired and cranky during the procedure.

Check with the facility as well and ask if they offer lollipops or stickers to the children after the blood draw. If they do you can use either as an incentive to being good during the procedure.

If all else fails and your child still seems scared or uncooperative, offer a bribe, be it candy or a toy, for good behavior. Often times children only will do things that benefit them in a good way, and stickers, candy, toys can persuade them to sit still, not cry, and in general just be good during the blood draw.

Know in the end, the blood draw will take less than ten minutes and your child will probably forget about it within a few hours of the event. Preparation though for the blood draw can make the experience better so that should another draw need to be done your child will be prepared and not scared anymore.