4 yr old needles..to numb or not to numb

[Nai]

I used the Emla patches with DD1 as I know what she is like. She is likely to get nightmares etc when she is worried so I didn't build it up, just said that we would put the special patches on and it wouldn't hurt. She didn't feel a thing! She had seen DD2 get her immunisations and cry so she had been anxious and it really helped. Now she isn't worried about needles at all - if I hadn't done it then I think she would have developed some anxiety about them if that makes sense.

[Rach75]

I had to do both boys 1 yr and 4 yr in oct I was real worried bout Jack (4) as he was saying it would hurt he was scared etc, went in got lukes done then Jacks turn well he stood in front of me didn't even flinch nothing no tears he turned around and said needles dont hurt so I after that I wouldn't be too worried

[Visitor7]

We prepared Nina as much as we could with the needles. So she knew exactly what she was in for. We treated her to a lollypop straight afterwards, then Macca's for lunch that day. And the nurse gave her and bravery certificate and a 'special 4yr old book' (aka - a book the government have publised for 4yr olds). She thought she was very special lol

[MantaRay]

Both my boys were fine with the 4yo needles. Once they are old enough to understand what is happening it seems to be easier - or at least it was for us.

Good luck for tomorrow.

[kawazuki]

as an immuniser i say dont as the most pain is from the fluid being injected not the needle puncturing the skin ITMS???

so she may not feel they needle but the stingy fluid will hurt as emla only numbs the topical side of things..
if you explain they may hurt a bit but the pain will only last a second and all will be ok once they have been done, she may be fine.

[kawazuki]

as an immuniser i say dont as the most pain is from the fluid being injected not the needle puncturing the skin ITMS???

so she may not feel they needle but the stingy fluid will hurt as emla only numbs the topical side of things..
if you explain they may hurt a bit but the pain will only last a second and all will be ok once they have been done, she may be fine.

[Mother Goose]

my DD is a massive sook... so she will be getting the emla! She is likely to pull away as soon as she feels the *****.

[Visitor7]

MG - DD1 is a huge sook as well. The slighest sight of blood and she almost feints. We have to hold her up and get a washer for her face to calm her down lol. I found explaining everything to her the best way. The nurse was really surprised at how much she understood about the needles, but there was no way she was going in there without not knowing. Once the first needle went in and she realised what it was all about she was ok. I had to hold her leg pretty tightly, but considering, she did really well. We just had to make sure the bandaid was a big one to cover up any blood!

[Mother Goose]

oh DD will want to know about it! But she also thinks that anyone with blood needs to go to the hospital, that anyone in an ambulance is going to die, and that going to the Dr means you must be dying. Drama Queen anyone? I have no idea where she gets it - I'm upfront on all things medical and health. I'm dreading the needles!