Children's Health Programs & Resources

Our Comfort Commitment

CoxHealth offers our comfort commitment to ensure your child feels calmer during procedures. Parents are our biggest partners in making that happen. Together, we can create a positive medical experience for the whole family.

What to Expect

The first thing we like to do is tell your child exactly that – what to expect. Explaining steps in a kid-friendly manner before they happen is a great way to calm their nerves. In addition, we can try many things to help your child feel more comfortable and relaxed during procedures, including: 

  • Breastfeeding your baby to help them feel less pain. You should start 2-5 minutes before the procedure and continue throughout.

 

  • Comfort positions that you or our staff can hold your child in for physical and emotional support.
     
  • Using distractions like rattles, toys, singing, or music to take their mind off of the procedure. Counting games, “I Spy,” phones, and tablets work well, too.

  • Numbing the skin to block pain. Numbing cream works best applied 30-60 minutes before the procedure. You can apply it to your child before leaving home by following the directions on the box, or a provider can do it in office.
     
  • Tools like Buzzy® and ShotBlocker® for easing needle pain and anxiety. Ask a CoxHealth team member to learn more.