Procedure distraction tips information sheet

Contact details

Child Life and Music Therapy, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick

  • Child Life therapy: (02) 9382 0007
  • Music Therapy: (02) 9382 1533

Child Life and Music Therapy, The Children's Hospital at Westmead

Introduction

Here are practical distraction tips to help children stay calm and engaged during medical procedures.

Your child might undergo a medical procedure or test, such as a blood test, stitches, injection, X-ray, or other medical imaging.

As a parent or caregiver, you play a crucial role in supporting your child through these experiences. Knowing your child helps you give them the comfort and reassurance they need to feel less scared and stressed. These strategies can make the experience more comfortable and less intimidating.

This information is for educational purposes only. If you have any questions about this information, would like to get more ideas or feel that you or your child may need some support during a procedure, contact Child Life Therapy.

0 to 1 year

Distraction:
  • Sucrose or breast feeding
  • Lullabies and nursery rhymes 鈥� CD or sung
  • Touch and massage
  • Parents calm voice 
  • Bubbles 
  • Rattles and shakers 鈥� rain sticks
  • Simple board books
After:
  • Cuddles 
  • Praise for parents 
  • Singing 
  • Soft voice 
  • Simple stories 
  • Their own toys

1 to 3 years

Distraction:
  • Lullabies and nursery rhymes 鈥� CD or singing 
  • Light and sound toys 
  • Pop-up toys 
  • Simple story books 
  • Bubbles 
  • Counting 
  • Devices 鈥� music/apps/movie
After:
  • Cuddles 
  • Praise for what was done well 
  • Stickers 
  • Toys 
  • TV/movie 
  • Stories 
  • Singing

3 to 6 years

Distraction:
  • Talking about favourite things
  • Favourite music 
  • Bubbles 
  • Story books 
  • Focused breathing 
  • Devices 鈥� music/apps/movie
After:
  • Cuddles 
  • Praise for what was done well 
  • Stickers/certificates 
  • Craft activity/ drawing/colouring 
  • TV/movie 
  • Stories

6 to 10 years

Distraction:
  • Favourite music 
  • Focused breathing/ guided imagery 
  • Jokes 
  • Stress ball 
  • Talking about favourite things 
  • I spy style books 
  • Devices 鈥� music/apps/movie
After:
  • Praise for what was done well 
  • Stickers/certificates 
  • Craft activity/ drawing/colouring 
  • TV/DVD 
  • Stories

10 to 15 years

Distraction:
  • Favourite music 
  • Chatting 
  • Jokes 
  • Focused breathing/ guided imagery 
  • Search and find books 
  • Stress ball/ fidget toys 
  • iPad/iPhone apps, music, movie
After:
  • Praise for what was done well 
  • Certificates 
  • Calming activities eg. mindfulness colouring 
  • Debrief 鈥� ask if they have any questions regarding what just happened

15 years and over

Distraction:
  • Relaxation 
  • Jokes 
  • Focused breathing 
  • Stress ball/ fidget toys 
  • Devices 鈥� music/apps/movie
After:
  • Praise for what was done well 
  • Ask if they have any questions regarding what just happened  
  • Calming activities eg. mindfulness colouring