Pain Control for Toddlers

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Do toddlers have pain?

Yes. We know that toddlers do have pain. They cannot tell us clearly with words, so we have to watch how they behave. You can help us by letting us know how your child usually acts when he or she hurts, and what helps him or her get more comfortable.

How can I tell if my child is in pain?

Some behaviors that tell us when toddlers are in pain include:

not playing.
not sleeping well.
crying more than usual.
not eating or drinking as much as usual.
lying very quietly and not moving.
being irritable and restless.

What is the best way to help my child get relief from pain?

Medicines are available to relieve your child's pain. Each child's needs and medical condition will affect what pain medicine the physician will order.

Pain medicine is usually given in ways that don't hurt. Our patients usually swallow pain medicine or get pain medicine through their IV and not a shot. Your child will stay more comfortable if he or she is given pain medicine when the pain first begins. It's harder to ease pain once it gets worse.

Ways you can comfort your child include:

bringing your child's favorite toy or object that provides security to the hospital.
holding and cuddling your child. Your child's nurse will help you safely hold your child without increasing his or her comfort.
touching or rubbing your child's skin, or holding his or her hand.
swaddling your child snugly in a soft blanket.
giving your child a pacifier to suck on.
rocking in a rocking chair with your child.
stimulating your child's other senses by listening to music, watching, TV, or blowing bubbles.
letting your child know when you're leaving, and how soon you'll be returning.
recording your voice or favorite music to play when you're not there.
approaching your child in a calm, comforting way.

These are only a few things you can do to help your child. You may find other ways that help your child be as comfortable and pain free as possible.

For those times you are not with your child, your child's nurse will keep him or her as comfortable as possible.

How can I tell if the pain is going away?

If your child is acting like he or she is comfortable the pain medication is making a difference. He or she may eat better, move around more easily and rest better.

Can my toddler become addicted to pain medication?

Drug addiction means that a person is taking a drug to get a mental "high" instead of relief from real pain. When children are in pain, they need relief from their pain. Once the pain is gone, the medication is no longer needed and it is gradually stopped. Addiction is very rare when medication is taken for pain control.

Please talk to your child's nurse if you have any questions or concerns about how to keep your child comfortable.

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