1. Comfort and Distraction Tips for Clinical Staff
The Poke Program

2. INFANTS Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff
Because I am learning through my senses, I like my blanket or other items that are familiar to my sense of smell and touch
It is helpful to talk softly with me during a poke or procedure
Stroking my arm, leg, or head will distract me
A pacifier with sucrose on it may provide comfort to me
I know my parent’s voice, so involve them in my poke or procedure if you can

3. TODDLERS Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff
Talk to me about comfort holds and how I can help!
Choose a distraction: bubbles, wiggle my toes, blow out a candle, or Buzzy
Let me watch while you hold a toy that moves, makes noise or is lighted
Talk calmly in my ear
Reassure me that you’re not leaving!
Praise me for a specific behavior like
reminding me I’m doing a great job of
holding still!

4. PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff
Tell me about comfort holds and how I can help
Remind me to take deep breaths: Breathe 1, 2, 3
Hold my hand or give me a stress ball to squeeze
Hold a light-up toy or magic wand for me to watch
Play simple “I Spy” with me
Ask about my favorite things like pets, toys and places
Praise me! Remind me I’m doing a great job holding still

5. Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN
Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff
Tell me about comfort positions that would make the
poke easier for me
Hold my hand or give me a stress ball to squeeze
Tell me to pretend to blow out birthday candles when you give me the poke
Remind me to take DEEP breaths in through my nose & out through my mouth
Play “I Spy” with me
Ask me about my favorite things, like pets, sports, special places, vacations, etc.
Show me how to hold a magic wand for myself and how to use it for distraction
Praise me! Remind me I’m doing a great job of holding still like a statue, helping make it go faster & better!

6. TEENS Helpful Tips for Clinical Staff
Ask me if I have had something to
eat today
Hold my hand or let me hold yours
Remind me to take DEEP breaths:
In through my nose and out through my mouth
Ask me about my favorite things, like pets, sports, special places, vacations, etc.
Let me listen to my favorite music on my I-Pod
Praise me for doing a great job of holding still, making it go faster and better!