Blood test for 4 year old

[Piningforno3]

Hey, I'm hoping this is the correct place to ask this but I was wondering if anyone has any experiences with blood tests on 4 year olds?
My little girl is 4, a very small 4 and needs a blood test this week but ok super nervous. She is small but very clever for her age so she is very aware of what's going on. They said they would give her numbing cream but does this really work? Has anyone got any experience with this and how did your little ones cope with it?
Thank you

Their arm behind your back while you read them a book. They hopefully won’t notice it’s happening! Dd had a general anaesthetic at just two and this is what they did to get the cannula into her. Put the cream on both elbow creases, don’t rub it in, you need a blob under the tegaderm.

It does work yes. They'll ask you to hold her in a position where she can't see her arm. Lots of distraction and lots of praise when it's done

It works, put it on an hour (i think) before and wrap in cling film. But just because it doesn't hurt doesn't mean she won't be upset. Put everywhere they might try (inner elbows, backs of hands) so they can pick the easiest vein.

If she understands let her decide if she wants to look of not. Let her be nervous, telling her she doesn't need to be is less helpful than acknowledging her feelings and being there for her. But don't show that you're worried.

Take a tablet/phone with her favourite show.

The nurse will generally have some sort of bribe. She might be too scared to take it, if so just get her something after if that happens (or plan in advance).

My ds has had regular blood tests his entire life and half the problem was him knowing what’s coming as she doesn’t know should be easy to distract if it’s in a children’s hospital they’ll have a play specialist the numbing cream works but ds has sensory issues and was more distressed by the putting on if the cream.

Thank you all so much for your replies.

This makes me feel so much better. Thanks for the tips ❤️ fingers crossed it goes okay ☺️ xxx