TIPS AND TRICKS

How to Calm a Child for a COVID Swab
COVID rapid test swabs are only available in one size, which is awful for kids who have, you guessed it, kid-sized nostrils. So, although your child’s instinct to run when you bring out the nasal swab may be understandable, it’s critical for sample collection and safety to keep their head stable during testing.
 
Try harnessing the power of co-regulation by encouraging your child to breathe deeply with you and count out loud as you swab their nasal passages. Make sure items they use for self-soothing, such as a blanket or stuffed animal, are close at hand.
 
Christina Johns, MD, a pediatrician & senior medical advisor at PM Pediatrics encourages kids to stand up against a wall as you swab their nose. “That way they can’t pull or tilt their head back,” she says.
 
And although restraint might be necessary, she notes that positive reinforcement can motivate kids to sit still and help them recover more quickly following a swab. “This is the time for fun, positive rewards when the task is complete: special time with a parent, or a sweet treat,” she says. “Any positive incentive to help make the process more palatable is worth it.”
 
Here’s some more COVID testing advice to keep in mind.