For some children injections can be stressful and an emotional challenge. The items below are interventions that may help your child master and cope with injections.

Comfort positions
Comfort positions are ways to help support the child in a secure, safe and non-threatening manner. For example, the child could be held on a caregiver’s lap versus lying the child down on a bed. For some children, lying down may increase their anxiety and loss of control.

Creating Choices
Children having choices gives them a sense of control over the situation. Some examples would be asking where the child would like the injection on his or her body, offering to hold a comfort item, asking if they want to watch or look away.

Preparation
Asking questions and listening to your child is important. Do they know what an injection is and why they need it? Explain to the child the importance of the injection.  Ask the child if they want to know step by step what he or she will be doing.

Medical Play
This is a positive way to help children learn about injections. It helps children to become more familiar with medical equipment and teaches children about what to expect. Some suggested items to use are band-aids, gauze, syringe, alcohol wipes and tourniquet. Then watch your child do medical play with a doll or stuffed animal so you can answer questions and clear up misunderstanding.

Distraction/Coping items
Distraction items may help your child reduce stress and anxiety during the injection. It also allows your child to cope in a positive and supportive manner. Some suggestions of distraction items are a pin wheel, stress ball, squeezing a hand, singing, telling a joke, and counting.

Tips
-Remember to praise your child
-Reassure your child that it is okay to cry or to be scared/nervous