Comfort Holds
Why Comfort Holds?
When children come to the doctor, they may be distressed. Comfort positions can help keep children calm during procedures as they are being comforted by a trusted adult. Comfort holds benefit the child, parent, and medical staff.
- Child can choose to look at procedure or refocusing activity
- Child feels safe during procedures
For the Parent
- Gives parents an active role in their child's care
- Provides positive support rather than restraining the child
For Medical Staff
- Keeps child still during procedures
- Requires less staff to hold children down
Bear Hug
Good for:
- Hand and arm procedures.
- Allows the child to look away from the procedure.
- Keeps the child immobile but allows them to feel comfortable.
How to:
- Hug the child's upper body and hips. Place arm on top of child's and have child straddle adult to minimize movement.
Sideways Lap Sit
Good for:
- Leg injections
- Gives the child more control.
- Allows the child to watch the procedure and/or refocusing activity.
How to:
- Child sits on adults lap sideways while adult wraps their arms around the child.
- Adult can also sit beside the child and wrap your arm around their shoulders. Holding their hand can also make them more comfortable.
Back to Back
Good for:
- Hand and arm procedures.
- Allows the child to see the procedure and/or participate in refocusing activities.
How to:
- Hug child around their stomach, immobilizing their arms. Wrap adult's legs around child's to minimize movement.