The Australian Immunisation Handbook 10th Edition 2013

Children ≥12 months of age
Cuddle position for an older child
Sit the child sideways on the lap of the parent/carer, with the arm to be injected
held close to the child’s body while the other arm is tucked under the armpit and
behind the back of the parent/carer.
The child’s exposed arm should be secured at the elbow by the parent/carer, and
the child’s legs should also be secured by the parent/carer (see Figure 2.2.3).
Figure 2.2.3: Positioning an older child in the cuddle position
Photo courtesy CHW Photography
Straddle position
An older child may be positioned facing the parent/carer with the legs straddled
over the parent/carer’s lap. The child’s arms should be folded in front, with the
parent/carer hugging the child’s body to the parent/carer’s chest. Alternatively
the child may be positioned to ‘hug’ the parent/carer with the parent/carer’s
arms holding the child’s arms in a reciprocal hug (see Figure 2.2.4). This position
allows access to both deltoids and both anterolateral thighs.
PART 2 VACCINATION PROCEDURES 77
2.2 ADMINISTRATION
OF VACCINES