I have a needle phobia and use the emla cream all the time it's definitely worth it and I've never had issues with my veins being hard and I have really tiny veins. Make sure he is well hydrated, more water than usual because that will make a difference too and I highly recommend the emla I'm thinking it could be really stressful, possibly difficult to keep him still without it. He won't feel it with the emla. Put it on both arms just in case and at least an hr before the needle. You can buy patches or cream, the cream is better because you can put on a good dollop. Good luck & sorry for rambling