Blood draw for a toddler- recommendations?

We had to do various tests on our son when he was about 1 year old, and a lot of blood had to be drawn.  The pediatric phlebotomists at Kaiser Oakland were great.  The pediatric lab is separate from the general lab and they are trained with babies and young children.  It will be fine.  Also, I'm surprised the lead testing hasn't been done earlier - we did ours at about 18 months, I think (he's now about 2 years old), so it seems like she's overdue for the testing at 3 years old.

We had to take both of our twins for multiple blood tests when they were 2 years old.  To be honest, yes, it wasn't fun.  A couple of things seemed to help though -- first, have them drink LOTS of fluids before the blood draw (we gave them all sorts of "special treat" drinks like juice and soda so that they were excited to drink a lot) and second, when you arrive at the medical center, take about 10 minutes to run your kid around like crazy outside, enough so that they are sweating, if possible.  This kind of exercise opens up their veins.  Hope that helps.

I used Oakland pediactric lab for a few blood draws on my son and they were amazing. Just let your daughter know that ahead of time that she will have blood drawn and do what they tell you (to help hold her still for the procedure). Let her know it will be very fast IF she holds still and that afterward there will be a little reward (which you can bring with you). It's not ever fun, but they are professional and good at what they do, so let them lead the show.

I just want to give another recommendation for the Kaiser Oakland Pediatric Lab. I've had several of their phlebotomists draw on both of my kids multiple times between ages 1-4 yrs -- each kid had to get multiple blood draws each year. My kids actually watch the phlebotomist draw their blood now (ages 2 & 4). They cry when they get vaccines, but just stare with curious wonder while their blood fills the little tubes for the draws. It's pretty remarkable -- and only possible because they've had such good experiences with that team.

The thing to remember is that your kid doesn't know what a blood draw is, and therefore isn't scared of it. Your child will respond to YOUR emotions about it. If you are nonchalant about it, treat it just like this thing that you have to do, she won't be worked up about it. The only things she will know are what you tell her. It's not scary unless you tell her it's scary. I know that you're scared! Your job is to prevent her from seeing that! She'll be just fine. (And so will you!)

(And to the previous reply about timing of lead testing---you generally don't have to do lead testing at all if your house was built after 1978.)

We've had great experiences with the phlebotomists at the Kaiser Oakland pediatric department. It's right next to the pharmacy in the Broadway pediatric building. I'm not saying my kids weren't nervous but it was quick and they were really good with little kids. My advice is to just keep it simple and matter of fact and don't talk it up a lot before hand. Just let her know today we're going to the doctor and when you're there let her know what's going to happen and that it will hurt a little but will be quick and she can sit on your lap while they do it. Kids, even at 3, pick up our anxiety and fear easily so if you're freaked out she will be too. I've had to hold one of my kids once for blood draws and the phlebotomists are experienced with this and they make the procedure as quick and cheerful for them as possible. 

Yes, Kaiser Oakland is great. Just go there.

Sorry to hear your child needs a blood draw - it can be overwhelming for them and you! I have had to get blood draw for both my kids and while I don't have Kaiser, we've had bad, ok and good experiences. The fastest and least painful draws seem to be done by people who have to do draws on tough patients. For example, when one of my kids was a baby the phlebotomists at Oakland Children's hospital ended up sticking her four times without success. You would think people who only draw kids would be able to, but they couldn't. We ended up demanding to see a nurse in the nicu at Alta Bates because they are able to do draws and IVs in very small babies. They got it on the first try and with almost no cries! You might want to see if a nurse in the PICU might be a better option than the plebotomist in the lab. 

Also, youtube videos work really well for the toddler age. They don't get screen time very often so it's super engaging when they do.

good luck!

Our son has had a couple of blood draws at Kaiser Oakland in the pediatric building (Mosswood). Your Kaiser pediatrician should be able to easily make a referral for you and direct you to the right place. I was so pleasantly surprised at how well it went. The first time, he was just a baby and still nursing, so he was easily comforted with a little milk afterwards. The second time, when he was about 2.5, we just talked about it a lot beforehand so he was prepared. And we made it very light and fun so it didn't seem scary, telling him how it might tickle and how cool it will be to see his blood. He ended up giggling during the actual draw because he found it so funny. The hardest part was keeping myself relaxed and smiling so he wouldn't see how nervous I was! You could also try practicing with props at home beforehand so she's at least walked through the process. We've found this works well when preparing for the dentist. Good luck!

I previously worked in a children's hospital (I'm  an RN) and we had 3 different types of local anesthetic (one cream and two sprays) to help with numbing the area when doing a blood draw or IV. I don't have a recommendation of a lab or phlebotomist but when you decide where, maybe call and see if they are equipped with some type of topical anesthetic/numbing to help with the pain of the poke. In-patient at the hospital we also used child life specialists to help distract and entertain kids for blood draws. I know parents have differing opinions and rules regarding technology/screens but this is a time when letting your child play a special new or favorite game on the iPad can truly work wonders. Have something planned ahead of time and be prepared to get your child engaged and focused on something other than the poke on their arm. Never underestimate the power of a well planned distraction!  As for educating and explaining I'm a big proponent of telling your child ahead of time (for her age maybe the morning of or the day before if you think she will respond well). You don't have to give her all the details but something like, "We are going to the doctor's office today. It's not going to take too long. You will probably feel a tiny poke on your arm and it might sting a little but I will be with you the whole time and I have some special treats planned."  You know your child best and if you feel she is more sensitive or anxious keep this as short and simple as possible. Answer questions honestly and concretely. Focus on things she will be able to understand and the fact that she still has you for security and comfort.  It's my opinion that you should tell her before and not just spring a surprise doctors visit with a poke which ultimately may make her fearful of doctor visits in the future.  She will be great and you will be great!  Good luck!