Comfort Positioning Basics
What is the primary goal of comfort positioning during procedures?
To promote safety, reduce distress, and provide a sense of control for the child and caregiver
Which comfort position is best when a young child needs to feel secure during a procedure, but the caregiver needs to have access to the child’s upper body, like for an EKG or swab?
Back to Chest position, as it allows the caregiver to maintain close contact and comfort while also providing easy access to the child's upper body for medical procedures.
A 2-year-old child is having their temperature taken under the arm but is upset and sensitive to handling. What is the best comfort position to provide calm and support during the procedure?
Chest to Chest position, allowing the caregiver to hold the child securely and calmly while the temperature is taken.
Name two different types of comfort positions.
Chest-to-chest, back-to-chest, side sitting
Describe the back-to-chest comfort position.
The child sits between caregiver’s legs with caregiver’s arms gently around them for support
A 4-year-old with autism resists a nasal swab. What could help?
Visual preparation/modeling, caregiver back to chest comfort position, choice of distraction, narrate steps and verbal reassurance
True or False: Comfort positioning is effective for children under 5 even when they aren’t visibly distressed, especially when performing routine tasks like vital signs or swabs.
True. It can prevent future anxiety and promote positive experiences with healthcare.
True or false: The caregiver should always be behind the child.
False – positioning varies based on the procedure and child’s needs.
A 15-month-old is upset and squirming while you attempt to measure their head circumference. What is one way to promote cooperation and comfort for the child?
Position the child in a back-to-chest or chest-to-chest hold, with the caregiver sitting behind the child, gently securing the child's arms and torso. Offer a comfort item like a favorite toy or blanket to help distract the child and encourage caregiver to use familiar voice to reassure them throughout the procedure.
Why is offering choices important during comfort positioning?
It helps the child feel empowered and increases coping and cooperation.
Name one modification you can make if a child has limited mobility or sensory needs?
Adjust positioning for comfort (pillow support, caregiver side hold), use of comfort item, or reduce physical contact, and/or auditory/visual stimulation
A preschooler becomes physically combative during a comfort position. What’s the safest next step?
Pause procedure, ensure safety, de-escalate, reassess approach