The process of drawing blood from babies can be stressful and emotionally difficult for any parent. While the responsibility mainly lies with the medical professional performing the procedure, you can also play an important role in making the experience as comfortable as possible for your child.
It’s important to remember: children cry during blood draws not because of pain — but because of fear. And fear can be eased with the right approach.
1. Stay Calm
Your child can sense all your emotions. If you're anxious and tense, they will feel the same. Your nervousness can also distract the nurse, increasing the chance of mistakes. So stay calm and reassuring — your child will mirror your energy. Remember, children are emotionally more sensitive than adults.
2. Bring Their Favorite Toy
Having a familiar toy nearby can help ease your child’s stress. It reduces fear and helps distract their attention from the needle.
3. Talk Honestly With Your Child
Don’t say the procedure is completely painless — if they feel a little sting, it might break their trust. Instead, tell them they may feel a small pinch, but it will pass quickly. Let them know you’ll be there with them, and explain that the test is important for their health.
4. Explain the Tourniquet
A tourniquet is a thick band placed around the arm before drawing blood. The nurse may ask your child to open and close their hand to help locate the vein. While this is routine for adults, it can be scary for children — especially if they weren’t warned. Many parents explain the needle but forget the tourniquet.
5. Dress Them in Long-Sleeved Shirts
Long sleeves that can be rolled up are best. This helps avoid tight pressure from the tourniquet directly on the skin, which can bother children more than the needle itself. On warm days, you can bring a soft cloth to place under the tourniquet for comfort.
6. Use Numbing Cream (Emla)
If your child has frequent tests, you can apply Emla cream to both arms about 30 minutes before the procedure. Make sure they wear long sleeves afterward to avoid rubbing it into their eyes or mouth. Do not apply on irritated or broken skin. This cream can significantly reduce pain.
7. Hold Your Child During the Procedure
When sitting on your lap, your child feels more secure and protected. It also helps prevent sudden movements during the blood draw.
8. Reward Them Afterwards
To make future visits easier, give your child a small reward — a toy, an outing, or something they enjoy. This helps them associate the experience with positive emotions rather than fear or punishment.
Note on Bruising:
Sometimes a bruise may appear at the injection site, which may concern parents. This can be caused by individual factors like vein structure, skin elasticity, or thickness. However, in many cases, bruising occurs due to improper care of the site after the procedure.