700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posted by: Alana Leever, PsyD on Sep 14, 2026


Needle pokes, whether they are for vaccines, blood draws, or intravenous (IV) placement, can be negative experiences for children. Fortunately, there are research-supported strategies to promote child coping and comfort during pokes.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

Latest Posts

Cami Dammann

Making Lemonade Out of Lemons: Advice from Former NICU Parents

Sep 21, 2026

First published November 2017 Updated September 2026 I still remember the first time I walked into the NICU. It was hours after the birth of my twin girls – 15 weeks too soon. The NICU was loud and unfamiliar. Read More

Teen standing with skateboard at a skate park.

Emergency! Testicular Torsion!

Sep 21, 2026

There aren’t many true emergencies in my field of pediatric urology, but torsion of the testicle is one of the more common ones that I face on a regular basis. Unfortunately, my experience is that most people are unaware of the issue, even though it can happen in 1 in 4,000 males under age 25. Read More

Adult using a drill in the wall.

Furniture Tip-Overs: Tips to Keep Your Kids Safe

Sep 18, 2026

When children are stuck inside, they may try to turn your house into a playground. All parents of young children understand how quickly a trinket on a high shelf suddenly becomes a quest as alluring as the summit of Everest to a seasoned climber. Read More

hand pulling off toilet paper from the roll

6 Signs Your Child May Have Bladder Dysfunction

Sep 18, 2026

Once your child has been successfully potty-trained – ‘taking care of business’ should get easier – but what if the accidents keep happening? Read More

Pregnant woman looking at ultrasound screen during exam.

Microcephaly: Definition and Treatment Options

Sep 17, 2026

Microcephaly occurs when a baby or child has a smaller-than-expected head size due to differences in brain growth or, rarely, skull development. Learn about possible causes, signs to watch for, how it’s diagnosed, and the therapies and treatments that can support a child’s development. Read More

What to Expect When Your Child Needs a Blood Draw

Sep 17, 2026

Blood draws can be scary for kids, but a little preparation can make a big difference. Learn how honesty, hydration, distractions and comfort techniques can help your child feel calmer and more confident before and during a blood test. Read More

Helping Children and Families Navigate the Health Care System

Sep 16, 2026

Dealing with the health care system can be frustrating no matter who you are.  For many families, keeping all those pieces connected can feel like a full-time job.  That is why Partners For Kids (PFK) continues to invest in care coordination programs that help children and families get the care and support they need. Read More

The Red Poop Challenge

Intestinal Transit Time: The Red Poop Challenge

Sep 16, 2026

Your intestines are home to trillions of bacteria that help digest food, absorb nutrients, and keep your body running smoothly. Scientists around the world are studying these microbes to learn what combination of bacteria creates the healthiest gut. Because these bacteria live deep inside your digestive tract, studying your stool (poop) is the easiest way to see how they are doing.   Read More