A simple sugar solution may help reduce pain experienced by newborn babies during medical procedures, according to findings from a new research review examining pain relief methods used in neonatal care.
Newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely and treated in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), often undergo multiple medical procedures such as blood tests and injections. Because their nervous systems are still developing, these babies can experience significant discomfort during such procedures.
Health experts say preventing and managing pain in newborns is important, as repeated untreated pain has been linked to slower physical growth and possible effects on brain development.
Sucrose found effective for procedural pain
The review analysed 29 clinical trials involving more than 2,700 preterm and full-term infants who underwent venepuncture, a procedure where blood is drawn from a vein.
Researchers found that giving babies a small amount of sucrose solution shortly before the needle procedure likely reduces pain during and immediately after the procedure when compared with no treatment, water or standard care.
The findings also showed that the pain-relieving effect appears stronger when sucrose is combined with non-nutritive sucking, such as using a pacifier.
Experts say the sweet taste stimulates natural calming responses in newborns, helping reduce distress during brief medical interventions.
Safe and low-cost intervention
Researchers noted that none of the clinical trials reported immediate side effects when sucrose was administered in small doses specifically for pain relief.
Because sucrose is inexpensive, easy to administer and works quickly, it can serve as an effective option in settings where other comforting measures may not be possible.
For example, during certain procedures, methods such as breastfeeding or skin-to-skin contact with parents may not be practical.
Medical researchers say the sugar solution can provide a quick and accessible alternative to help soothe infants.
Need for consistent clinical guidelines
Although sucrose has been recommended in several clinical guidelines for infant pain management, researchers found significant variation in how hospitals administer the solution.
Differences were observed in the dosage, timing and frequency of sucrose use across neonatal units.
Experts say clearer clinical protocols are needed to ensure the intervention is used safely and consistently.
They also emphasise that sucrose should be treated like any other medical intervention and used specifically for painful procedures rather than routinely given to calm crying babies.
Future research directions
While the review supports the short-term effectiveness of sucrose for reducing procedural pain, researchers say further studies are needed to examine potential long-term effects, especially for babies who require repeated procedures during extended hospital stays.
Future research is also expected to compare sucrose with other comfort strategies such as breastfeeding and skin-to-skin care to determine the most effective approaches for managing newborn pain.
Experts say improving pain management practices in neonatal care remains an important step toward protecting the health and development of vulnerable infants.
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