Show Notes
In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital Podcast, Katie Taylor sits down with Dr. Amy Baxter, pediatric emergency physician, researcher, inventor of Buzzy®, and founder of Pain Care Labs, to explore how childhood experiences with needles can shape a lifetime of healthcare interactions—and what parents and healthcare professionals can do to help. After watching her own son develop a fear of needles despite her expertise in pediatric pain management, Dr. Baxter began researching why children experience pain differently and how simple, evidence-based strategies can reduce pain during vaccines, blood draws, IV placements, port access, and other medical procedures. Her work ultimately led to the invention of Buzzy®, a device now used by families and healthcare professionals around the world. Katie and Dr. Baxter discuss the science behind pain, why multiple painful procedures can have a lasting impact on children, and how connection, preparation, and developmentally appropriate support can help children build confidence instead of fear. They also share practical strategies parents can use during medical procedures, the role of child life specialists, and why helping children feel safe matters just as much as reducing physical pain. Whether you're preparing your child for routine vaccines, navigating frequent hospital visits, supporting a child with a chronic medical condition, or caring for pediatric patients, this episode offers compassionate, research-informed insights that can help make medical experiences less overwhelming for children and families. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why children develop pain memories from medical procedures
Reducing pain during vaccines, blood draws, IVs, and port access
The research behind Buzzy® and vibration therapy
Helping children feel safe during medical procedures
Child life strategies that support coping and resilience
The importance of caregiver connection during painful procedures
Developmentally appropriate preparation and distraction techniques
Practical ways parents can advocate for pain management
Dr. Amy Baxter's journey from pediatric emergency physician to medical innovator
The future of non-medication approaches to pediatric pain management
Episode Timestamps 00:00 Meet Dr. Amy Baxter 02:15 Why Buzzy was created 03:40 Understanding childhood needle pain 06:00 Why multiple shots matter 10:20 Child life and helping kids feel safe 12:15 The story behind Buzzy 20:20 Using Buzzy for vaccines, IVs, and ports 24:30 Distraction that actually works 28:20 Building safety and resilience during procedures 31:40 The future of pain management research 38:10 Where families can find Buzzy 41:00 Lessons from innovation and advocacy Resources Mentioned Pain Care Labs
Buzzy®
Buzzy Helps (Instagram)
Dr. Amy Baxter (LinkedIn)
TED Talk by Dr. Amy Baxter
Pain Care Labs Resources & Downloads
"What Works for Pain" Guide
"What Works for Needle Fear" Guide
Connect with Us Instagram: @childlifeoncall + @insidethechildrenshospital Watch Today's Episode on YouTube Subscribe: Never miss an episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Visit: insidethechildrenshospital.com to search stories and episodes. Leave a Review: It helps other families discover the podcast and access these free resources. Medical information shared in this episode is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare team for guidance specific to your child and family.
YouTube Description How can parents make shots, blood draws, IVs, and other medical procedures less painful for their children? In this episode of Inside the Children's Hospital Podcast, Katie Taylor, CCLS, sits down with Dr. Amy Baxter, MD—pediatric emergency physician, researcher, founder of Pain Care Labs, and inventor of Buzzy®—to discuss the science behind pediatric pain management and how small changes can make a big difference during medical procedures. After realizing sh
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