Making Injections Easier for Infants and Children: How Digivibe Supports Pediatric Comfort
When it comes to pediatric healthcare, one of the most underestimated challenges is managing procedural pain—particularly from needle pokes. In fact, a 2021 cross-sectional study published in the Canadian Journal of Pain found that needle procedures were the most frequent cause of moderate to severe pain in children across pediatric wards, emergency departments, and maternal services. Despite available protocols, pain management remains inconsistently applied, especially in newborns and infants.¹
At Suthe, we believe that preventing pain early in life isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s why the Digivibe by Suthe Kit is designed to support infants and children through injections, heel lances, blood draws, and other routine skin-breaking procedures.
Why Procedural Pain in Infants Matters
The Canadian study found that over 80% of children experienced pain in the past 24 hours, and 93% of newborns undergoing routine procedures such as vitamin K injections or blood draws cited needle pokes as their worst pain. Perhaps more concerning, less than one-third received sucrose, topical anesthetic, or swaddling to reduce discomfort—even though these methods are supported by evidence and widely available.¹
This under-treatment isn’t just a momentary problem. Research shows that early painful experiences can shape how children perceive and respond to medical procedures for years to come, potentially creating anxiety, needle phobia, and avoidance of medical care.²
How Digivibe Helps: The Science of Vibration and the Pain Gate Theory
Digivibe works by leveraging the Pain Gate Theory—a neuroscience-backed model that explains how non-painful input (like vibration) can “close the gate” to painful signals in the spinal cord. When placed on the skin just before and during a needle poke, Digivibe’s targeted sonic vibration helps interfere with pain signals, reducing the intensity and distress associated with the procedure.
For infants, this means a more comfortable experience for:
- Routine vaccinations
- Vitamin K injections
- Heel lances
- At-home injections for metabolic or growth-related conditions
Designed for Pediatric Use: Comfort Meets Safety
- A battery-powered vibration handle
- Small and large sonic tips to accommodate different injection areas
- Our Lancing Device for optional finger pricks
The small tip is ideal for newborns and toddlers, designed with gentle surface contact to avoid overstimulation. For busy pediatricians or parents managing at-home care, Digivibe is non-invasive, reusable, and easy to integrate into any routine.
Addressing the Gap in Pediatric Pain Protocols
The Canadian study concluded that many hospitals fail to consistently assess or document pediatric pain, and protocols like numbing cream or sucrose are underutilized or omitted entirely.¹ Digivibe helps bridge this gap, offering a drug-free, parent-friendly tool to enhance comfort—whether in clinical care or at home.
If you’re a caregiver, pediatric nurse, or clinical director looking for a simple, effective way to reduce procedural distress, Digivibe may be the solution you’ve been seeking.
Additional Resources
Conclusion
Needle pain doesn’t have to be a rite of passage for infants or children. With tools like Digivibe and adherence to evidence-based strategies like those in the Canadian study, we can reduce fear, improve clinical outcomes, and foster healthier relationships with medical care—starting from day one.
To read the study in full, access here on Acadamia’s Website.
