Comfort Promise

Most children and teens tell us that numbing cream really helps. We encourage your child to tell us what they think after the needle stick is over.

Your child’s skin may turn white or pink by the cream or patch. Although uncommon, please let us know right away if your child complains of itching or burning, if the site turns very red or if your child gets cream in their eyes or mouth. We will help you remove it.

Use the Comfort Promise steps to help make your child’s lab draw a better experience. We coordinate with Sonora Quest Laboratories. At this time, they can’t offer topical numbing cream, however, it can be applied before you go to the lab. If you are going directly to the lab from a clinic visit, ask your care team to apply the cream before you leave the clinic. If you are returning for labs on another day, ask your team about application instructions and whether a prescription is needed. You can find more information about how to apply numbing cream for planned needle sticks such as labs, injections (ages 2 and below), injections (ages 3 and older) and port access.

Sonora Quest Laboratories can offer a Buzzy device to help minimize pain.

You are welcome to breastfeed during a blood draw at our Sonora Quest Laboratories, but you may not use a bottle during a blood draw.

You may also use comfort positions to help minimize pain.

Sucrose (sugar water) isn’t bad for your baby. Because it only takes a few drops to work, it’s safe for your baby and their teeth (if they have any).

No, your baby won’t associate breastfeeding with a needle stick. Breastfeeding actually works like a pain medicine during shots. It helps your baby relax and be more comfortable.

No, your child won’t choke while breastfeeding during a needle stick. Breastfeeding during a needle stick has been proven safe by many studies, as babies stop sucking before they cry.

No, you are your child’s best source of comfort. Most children do better when their parents or caregivers are holding them or nearby.

Buzzy’s cold wings help to numb your child’s skin and the area where the medicine goes. The vibrations trick your child’s brain so they feel the buzz and not the poke.

If your child is older, let them take the lead on what choices they want to make for each Comfort Promise step. For younger children, think about what helps them feel better or what they enjoy doing at home. We can also help provide some choices that actively engage your child.

To better understand what can help your child feel better during a needle stick, ask lots of questions, such as: Would you like to try something to decrease the pain? Where would you prefer to sit? Do you want me to count first? Do you want to watch or look away?

To help your child with memory framing, ask them questions after the needle stick is over, such as: What was helpful or not helpful about what we did? What would you like to use next time so we can help you be less worried? Do we need to do anything different next time? Remind your child that they can always ask for what they need to make things better.