Home >  Information A-Z >  All Kids Information Articles >  Fear of Shots - Blood Drawing

Fear of Shots - Blood Drawing

Every child will be required to receive shots, usually in the form of immunizations, while they are young. Some children may even require a blood draw or other invasive medical procedure. These injections and needle sticks can be painful for a child, but more often than not any tears that are shed are usually caused by fear and anxiety.

While there isn't much that you can do about the pain of the procedures, there is a lot you can do about the fear that your child feels. Prior preparation can go along way toward helping your child cope with any medical procedures they may need. The following is guide to help you prepare your child for injections and blood draws.

• Thoroughly explain the procedure to your child. Do not use fancy terms and big words, but instead, choose language that your child can understand. For very young children, you may want to explain the procedure through play. Acting out the experience of a shot or a blood draw with your child and their doll may help your child grasp the concept of what is going to happen.

• Try to explain how the shot or blood draw will feel. If you omit this step, or tell your child that it wont hurt, then the shock of the pain will be enough to scare them and make them forget all of the other things that you have told them.

• Explain the benefits of the shot or the reasons why your child needs to have blood drawn. If your child understands that the procedure will keep them healthy, he or she may be more willing to endure the pain.

• Give your child permission to cry. Let your child know that it is ok if the cry or yell out from the pain.

• Teach your child a few techniques to help them relax during the procedure. Relaxation techniques can ease fears but they can also help the body relax. When the body is relaxed it is less resistant to the needle, therefore the procedure is less painful. Teach your child to count things out loud, breath deeply or think happy thoughts.

• Let your child hold something to comfort them. This item can be a favorite toy, a blanket or even your hand. The calming effects of a familiar object can help reduce pain and relieve anxiety.

• Try to involve your child in the procedure as much as possible. If your doctor allows it, let your child touch or hold a medical instrument before the procedure. If your child is caught up in the new experience they will be more likely to relax.

• Try not to take other siblings or children in for the procedure. It is best if you can give your child your full attention during the procedure. Plus, in case your child cries or needs to receive the shot in a private area, it is best not to give your child cause to be embarrassed.

After you have done your best to prepare your child fro the procedure, it is a good idea to do what you can to minimize their pain. Thirty minutes prior to the procedure, give your child a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. This will help numb the pain of the needle stick and reduce any soreness left over after the procedure.

You can also request that the site of the injection or blood draw be numbed prior to the procedure. EMLA, a topical anesthetic cream used by most hospitals and doctor's offices, can be applied to the skin one hour before the procedure to locally numb the area.



Copyright 2010. All educational materials are the sole property of Kid First Internet and are available for the benefit of our parents. Duplication or use of any material requires the express consent of Kids First Internet.



Browse information articles by category:

Babies
Toddlers
Kids
Health and Safety
Nutrition and Feeding
Bathing
Behavior and Discipline
Diapers and Potty Training
Playtime activities and toys
Clothing
Napping and Nighttime

View All Articles

Kids Bedding Information Center:

Nursery and Crib Safety
Allergy Information
Kids Bedding Gift Giving
Bedding Themes
Crib and Nursery Sizes
Typical Prices
Bedding Production
Cleaning
Materials and Fabrics
Boys Bedding and Girls Bedding

Kids and Baby Bedding Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best kids bedding brands? A look at some of the best kids bedding sets.

What comes in the different crib and nursery sets? Know exactly what you are ordering - before you order.

How do I choose the perfect kids bedding gift? Here are three simple rules for picking out a wonderful kids bedding or baby bedding set!

How can I create a safe nursery? A short article on safety and kids bedding and baby bedding.

How do I clean my kids bedding? Tips and directions to make your kids bedding set last forever.

How long does it take for my kids bedding purchase to arrive? Read about why it is important to order kids bedding several weeks in advance.

Why buy kids bedding or baby bedding online? Learn why we can offer the best prices on kids bedding.