Comfort Positions for Immunizations for Older Children, Ages 9-12 Years

Reviewed by Child Life​

​As hard as you try, it can be difficult to reassure a child that the doctor's office isn't something to be afraid of. At Boys Town National Research Hospital and Medical Clinics, we want to help provide an emotionally safe experience for your child and for you. Whether it's a simple examination, a vaccine or another procedure, these comfort positions can help calm and reassure children and teens.

Comfort Positions for Older Children (Ages 9 to 12 Years)
Older children most often receive injections in their arm, however sometimes a leg is chosen. Boys Town Child Life recommends the same holds for either injection, with some minor modifications to account for the injection site or your child's size.

• Back-to-Chest
• Your child can sit, leaning up against you for support
• Hold hands and arms of child in tight hug with your arms and hands, providing support as needed
• For leg injections, use your leg to wrap around the lower half of your child's legs to help prevent movement
• Hug your child firmly and offer some form of distraction if needed

• Chest-to-Chest when exam table is nearby
• Tuck your child's arms in front of them and hold them against their chest
• Have your child's legs straddled around your hips
• Ensure your child cannot kick up against objects behind you
• Hug your child firmly and offer some form of distraction when possible
• A nurse or provider can lean against your child's legs to prevent kicking if needed

• Side-sit
• Younger children may want to sit sideways on your lap, either in a chair or on exam table
• Tuck your child's arms in front of them and hold them against their chest
• A nurse or provider can lean against your child's legs to prevent movement
• Hold your child firmly and offer some form of distraction when possible

• Side-hug
• Sit next to your child and wrap one arm around them behind their back
• Use the arm wrapped around them to help secure their arm receiving the injection
• Use your free hand to hold their second arm close to their body and out of the way
• If your child is getting the injection in their leg, you can use both arms to give a supportive hug and even hold their hands