Comfort Positioning for Children during Procedures

Comfort positioning helps reduce pain and anxiety during medical procedures by keeping children close to their caregivers.

Choose the position that works best for your child's age, procedure type, and comfort level.

Avoid holding child down.

These positions provide security and comfort while allowing medical staff safe access for procedures.

• Chest to Chest
  • Allow the child to straddle the parent and have a secure hug.
  • Use underarms and forearms to hold child and keep child’s arms still and safe.
• Infant Swaddle
  • Close contact with gentle patting, soothing rhythmic voice/sounds
  • Swaddle leaving limb out for procedure
  • Consider：
    • Sucrose or breastfeeding 2 minutes before
    • Offer pacifier if appropriate
• Back to Chest
  • Wrap both arms around the child in a comforting hug.
  • If sitting on the bed, the adult can also wrap their legs around the child to keep child’s legs and arms still.
• Side Lying
  • Trusted adult leans over to embrace the child, keeping their hands above the waist. The gentle pressure of the adult's body helps the child stay calm and still.
  • Adult can place their top leg over child’s legs to keep child’s body calm and still.

How to help children cope during medical procedures:

• Involve the caretaker
• Educate the caretaker before the procedure
• Stay calm and relaxed. Speak slowly and in a gentle tone
• Position the child so they can see or touch caretaker
• Be honest with the child
• Hold the child's hand
• Provide distraction (individualize the plan)

For more information, please speak with your healthcare provider.

Created by Sedation Committee, last updated July 2026