Sweet Relief: Sugar Reduces Newborn Pain
Sugar helps relieve pain in newborns during venepuncture. A 2026 systematic review found that sucrose likely reduces pain in babies during and just after the procedure. Babies given sugar showed lower pain scores than those given nothing, water, or standard comfort measures. This simple intervention may change how hospitals approach newborn care.
Only a Small Amount of Sucrose is Needed
Newborns often experience multiple needle procedures in hospitals. Their immature pain regulation makes these procedures intense and stressful. Pain in early life can affect brain development and physical growth.
Even a tiny amount of sugar can make a difference. Mariana Bueno from the University of Toronto, USA, explained that small doses of sucrose given just before procedures are fast, simple, and effective. She added that many newborns undergo needle procedures without any pain relief, unlike older children or adults. Therefore, sugar provides an accessible solution for clinicians.
Sucrose Likely Reduces Pain Scores
The review included 29 randomized controlled trials, covering over 2,700 preterm and full-term neonates. Results showed that sucrose probably lowers pain scores during and up to one minute after needle insertion. Interestingly, sugar seemed more effective than pacifiers. Evidence comparing sucrose with skin-to-skin care was limited. No studies reported harmful side effects, such as gagging or apnea.
Implications for Neonatal Care
Sucrose is given orally in very small doses. The exact method and dose varied across studies. Bueno noted that this wide variation highlights the need for clearer guidelines. Hospitals can now use these findings to make neonatal pain relief more consistent. In addition, combining sucrose with gentle touch or swaddling can improve comfort further. As a result, newborns experience less stress, and parents feel reassured.
