taking blood from a 4 year old ??

[sparkle1977]

My just 4 year old has to have blood taken for some tests next week.

We have been given cream to rub on both elbow insides an hour before the appointment.

Is there anything else we can do to lessen the pain/scaryness for him tho ?

He is usually OK with doctors but has never had blood taken before and its not nice from my own experience.

[bruffin]

The cream will numb the area, just make sure he is distracted when they take the blood.

[oricella]

I think key thing is not to get too hung up on it in advance - my DD had bloods taken at nearly 4 for the first time and she was fascinated! The nurse was fab in distracting her, but really - all she wanted to do was see the needle... fact is, she actually wanted to go again

the cream does help - do make sure to put clingfilm over it to prevent a mess (and pretending to be a sandwich was another idea that tickled her fancy and made it not scary)

[littleshinyone]

if she's got any veins you can see on the back of her hand, put some cream there too, as taking blood from hands is a bit less intrusive and less 'looming' for the child sometimes than over the ones in their elbows...

and the more you stay calm the easier it'll be for both of you. The docs and nurses do it all the time. maybe plan something nice for after

Good luck!!

[paddyclamp]

My DS had blood taken when he was 5 and they took it from his hand...tbh he wasnt at all tramatized by it..i just kinda played it down and the doctors and nurses on the childrens ward where he had it done were so good with him..he was quite fascinated by the whole thing really!

[elbie]

the cream will work very well, don't rub it in, just cover it with clingfilm and make sure you leave it on for at least an hour, when you get there the nurse will help with disraction techniques, maybe take a fave book or toy to help stay relaxed. good luck!