When your child’s doctor tells you they need an infusion, it can feel overwhelming. This guide from pediatric infusion expert Katie Ruane, RN, Nurse Manager, will walk you through the process so you know what to expect and how to support your child.
💡 Answers to your biggest parenting questions
Get the latest on childhood health, safety, and development from trusted experts.
Why would a child need infusion therapy?
At Connecticut Children’s, we give special medicine through an IV to babies, kids, and teens who need it for different health problems. This is called infusion therapy.
These include stomach issues, arthritis, infections, weak immune systems, and hormone disorders, among others. Our doctors, nurses, and medical helpers have lots of experience using these treatments. Connecticut Children’s is among the leading pediatric health systems to offer infusion therapy for children of all ages.
Before the infusion: how to talk to your child
Here are some steps you can take:
1. Talk to them in an age-appropriate way
It’s important to explain the process in a simple and reassuring way. Let your child know that the infusion will help them feel better. You can say something like, “You’ll be getting medicine through a tiny straw in your arm. It might pinch for a moment, but we’ll be right there with you.”
2. Pack comfort items together
Your child might want to bring their stuffed animal, blanket, book, or tablet to help them feel safe and distracted during the infusion.
>>Related: Choose from these 16 comfort items to your child’s doctor appointment
3. Help them choose a comfortable outfit for the appointment
Short-sleeved shirts or loose clothing are good options and helpful to the infusion nurse placing the IV.
4. Allow entertainment—and some screen time
Infusions can take an hour or more, so don’t feel guilty about bringing an iPad or tablet. Coloring books, puzzles or screen-free audio boxes with headphones are also great options.
5. Bring snacks or drinks
Check with the clinical team first, but if allowed, your child might appreciate their favorite snacks and beverages during this time.
During the infusion: what to expect
1. When you check in, a Connecticut Children’s infusion specialist will:
- Ask about your child’s health and any recent illnesses.
- Check their weight, temperature, and blood pressure.
- Explain the infusion process again and answer any questions.
2. Next, the nurse will insert the IV.
- First, they clean the area of the skin where the IV will go.
- Then, they use a small needle to insert the IV tube.
- After the IV is in place, they tape it down so it stays still.
There might be a slight pinch when the needle goes in, but it should only last a second. This is where their comfort items will be helpful.
Once the IV is in, the medicine will start flowing into their vein. The care team will check in regularly to make sure everything is going well. Now, your child can sit or lie comfortably during their treatment. Everyone is different, but some infusions take more time than others to finish. Some can take 30 minutes, while others can take up to several hours.
3. Your child might be nervous if it’s their first time. That’s ok.
Staying calm and positive helps; model the behavior you want to see in them, and this will help your child feel safe. Offer praise and encouragement by telling them how proud you are, and how brave they are. You can also take deep, slow breaths together for a grounding exercise.
>>Related: Here are ways to manage your own anxiety when your child is watching.
After the infusion: what to expect
Once the infusion is finished, the nurse or medical assistant will carefully remove the IV. They will place a small bandage on the area. Some kids may have slight bruising or soreness where the IV was placed, but this should go away in a day or two.
With love, patience, and encouragement, you can help your child get through their infusion with confidence and strength.