A blood test buddy is a soft, cuddly toy, that your child can carry with them to doctors appointments, and blood tests. This buddy will be there to support them, providing a place to bury their nose when the impending blood test gets a little scary… Someone to cry into, when the needle hurts… And it’s especially helpful with bigger kiddo’s, who might still be scared, but are too big to sit on your lap and be held…

The buddy should be small enough to fit in one arm, and not get in the way of the phlebotomist (the person drawing the blood), while still being big enough to snuggle into (because the last thing you want, is to be asked to take the toy away as it’s in the way).

Our girl is great with needles now (well, as good as any kid can be), but in the early days, it was hard! Often, there is very little space in the room, and you have to stand back a little so you don’t get in the way of the person doing the blood draw, but your child still needs comfort. So holding their hand, or squeezing their shoulder while they snuggle a favourite toy, is one way to make the best of a tough situation.

And as we know with Coeliac, it’s all about making the best out of a tough situation!