Blood tests for a 5yo

[28tsw]

I have to take my son for a blood test the week of his 5th birthday.

I’m aware they give a cream shortly before to numb the area.

What I want to know is how other people explained or got through the test? I’m expecting anxiety from him and screaming during it. Not sure how honest to be in advance with him.

What are other people’s experiences? Doesn’t seem to be much guidance on the topic about.

My son had bloods and that age. The cream was brilliant and he didn’t feel a thing. Smiled at me while I held him. Over in a few seconds.

There’s not much guidance because it’s not a big deal.

He’s had injections before right? Just say it’ll be like that but that they leave the needle in a bit longer. It won’t hurt and it’s really really not a big deal at all.

Give chocolate or sweets after.

You should be grateful a blood test is the only procedure you have to put your child through.

He'll get emla cream which will totally numb the area. Just take a book or buy a special magazine and make sure he's not looking at what they're doing. He won't feel a thing, my dd wasn't even aware they'd done it!

Maybe a lollipop to suck during? But try not to get anxious yourself - he'll pick up on it. Just be calm and matter of fact. Would it be better for his dad to take him?

buy the emla cream from the chemist.
put it on thickly on both arms and cover with cling film just before you leave for the appointment.
is is a paediatric clinic? if yes, they probably have a play therapist to distract.

At 5, I'd say the screaming group is the minority. You have the too absorbed in the distraction to notice group, the eurgh blood, can I look, that is so awesome group, and the upset group. Which is the smallest one.

You should be grateful a blood test is the only procedure you have to put your child through.

That's a bit harsh. You've no idea what OP has been through or might be about to go through with her DS. She's not even complained about the procedure, just asked for advice on what might help!

The numbing cream really works (had some left over from DD2’s blood test and tried it when giving blood!)
If it’s like our local hospital they have a play team on hand to distract - eg getting him to point at things on an iPad. Don’t make it a big deal but don’t lie.

Don’t make it a big deal but don’t lie.

Yes, don't whatever you do say 'It won't hurt!' - you can't promise that even with cream and if you do, and it does, it'll shake his trust. Just distract him with something fun. Bblowing out helps so see if you have one of those party blowers lying around anywhere and let him blow it while he's having the blood drawn (check with nurse that it won't distract her!) if you don't want to go the lolly route.

My DD is 3 and recently had 2 sets of bloods, one with cream as they were expected and one without, she did not notice a thing with the cream so it does work.
She sat on my lap with her legs to the side and arm closest to me tucked under my arm so it was behind my back and the play nurse kept her busy while it was done, even I didn't know it had happened until they said it was over.

The 2nd time without cream she did show a recognision on her face that something had happened and you could see she was trying to decide whether to cry, but it was over so quickly there really wasn't the time.