WWYD 3.5 year old needs covid test

[Dayrider]

Hello, I’m feeling stressed about what to do. My 3.5 son has runny nose and slight cough which I’m 90% is a common cold.
However I can’t take him to nursery unless he has covid test which is nigh on impossible. He doesn’t want it (had it before and still traumatised no doubt) however if he doesn’t then no nursery, and I can’t work therefore won’t get paid.
It’s such a difficult place to be in.
Any advice? Words of wisdom?

Just do it. I know what you mean about it being traumatic, my 3 yo kicks and screams but we’ve just had to have one of us hold him and the other do the swab. It’s not pleasant but we didn’t have a choice (also turned out he did have covid!)

I took my 4 year old recently. She did it all herself. Just put it up both her nostrils. Do you think your son will do that?.

Been in this situation a couple of times. It’s not great but we didn’t it. First time I thought I could manage we did it but it was a massive struggle. Second time one held him down the other side the swab. He didn’t like it but it was over quickly (unlike the first time).
Maybe get an at home kit and do it whilst they’re asleep?

Don't over think it op, he'll soon forget!
Sweet treat for after and some cuddles.

If you are in Wales by any chance there’s no requirement to test under 5’s.
I agree it’s very traumatic for lots of little ones.

@Moonopoly

If you are in Wales by any chance there’s no requirement to test under 5’s. I agree it’s very traumatic for lots of little ones.

But her problem is nursery won’t take him without a test.

Take him to a drive through test, do it while he's in the car seat and give him a biscuit afterwards

I just wish there was another way, a sputum sample or something. He turns into hulk whenever I’ve tried to hold him down for something (pre school jabs), he’s so strong it is really hard even with 2 of us

I think the new lateral flow tests only need a swab from just inside the nose. See if he’ll tolerate that of it he’ll do it himself.

All this constant testing is overkill IMO. I wouldn’t pin a small child down for something that is largely unnecessary.

It's not fun. But it is necessary. Between my sickly offspring, I think we've done about 20 PCR tests now... only my primary school kid will tolerate them. The other 2 cry and squirm around... I have them strapped in car seats, arms held down, quickly get it over with, then give them a snack pot with their favourite treat in (mini marshmallows, chocolate buttons, etc). Honestly within seconds they've recovered enough to be grinning about their bounty. Now when I tell any of them we have to go for a test, they start planning their treat and grab the pot for me..!

Good luck. You can do it! I think if it like their childhood injections - they obvs don't enjoy it, but it's over so quickly.

• by necessary, I mean required! I do think a lot of the testing on small kids is a bit brutal, and probably not necessary...

Keep him in his car seat strapped in and then one of you holds his forehead and the other swabs.
It is rubbish but if the alternative is you can’t work then there’s not much choice. Plus this could happen every month over the winter so I just think we have to lump it or they’d never be out of the house!

Agree with pp, in the car seat at a drive thru test centre is what we always do with my 3.5 yo. Don't even try the throat - one hand on his forehead and swab nostrils as best you can with the other. Not fun but over quickly, then plenty of choc buttons.

I gave my 3.5 year old my phone and got him distracted. Also gave him with choccy buttons afterwards.
Could you try doing it in his sleep? I sympathise with you my 8 year old is far worse than my 3 year old and he is really big and strong!

I’d be tempted just to test myself and show them that

Thank you for all words of advice, I did it…
I held him as tight as I could, not hurting but tight around his upper body and 1 hand holding his head still and my DP did the swab.. the look on his little face was one of horror and he screamed and wriggled but sweets after and big big hugs and he forgave us
Now the wait