Comfort positioning information sheet

Contact

Child Life Therapy, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick

Phone: (02) 9382 0007

Child Life Therapy, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Phone: (02) 7825 3369

Introduction

Comfort positioning helps your child feel safer during a medical procedure. These positions provide reassurance through touch. 

When children undergo medical procedures, it鈥檚 important to create a supportive and calming environment. Comfort positions can help ease anxiety, provide reassurance, and enhance their sense of security.

This information sheet outlines comfort positions that can be beneficial for children during medical procedures. 

Questions to ask your doctor

To ensure your child feels comfortable and supported, consider discussing the following questions with your doctor:

  • Can topical anaesthetic be used?
  • Can sucrose be used? (may be suitable for infants under 18 months)
  • Is a Child Life Therapist available to help?

Types of comfort positions

Sitting on bed with parent/carer鈥檚 support from behind

  • Parent/carer and child sit on bed with parent/carer supporting child from behind
  • Swaddling may be used for infants
  • Child life therapist or other staff member distracts the child on the opposite side to the procedure

Sitting on parent/carer鈥檚 lap with distraction

  • The child sits on the parent/carer鈥檚 lap on the bed or chair facing outwards
  • The parent/carer supports the child鈥檚 body hugging them to their side
  • The nurse supports the arm to allow the doctor/nurse complete the procedure
  • A child life therapist or other staff member distracts the child

The koala cuddle

  • The child is placed on the parent/carer鈥檚 lap facing the parent/carer
  • The parent/carer supports the child鈥檚 back with their hand
  • The nurse supports the arm to allow the doctor/nurse complete the procedure
  • A child life therapist or other staff member distracts the child on the opposite side to the procedure