Infusion Site Help for Toddlers Using an Insulin Pump
From: MM
My granddaughter is 3 years old and uses the pump. Unfortunately, the only place she can use right now is her bottom. Is there any cream made that can help soften injection sites? At this point, she has no fat available on the tummy or otherwise to use different areas. We would appreciate any help.
Choosing the Right Infusion Set for Toddlers
John:
Hi MM,
For a young child like your granddaughter, I always recommend a short, straight-in metal infusion set such as the Contact Detach, Sure-T, or Rapid-D. These sets are thinner than Teflon cannulas, easier to insert by hand, and much less likely to fail, especially for active toddlers. Metal sets also allow for a broader range of usable skin areas, which becomes important when site rotation is limited.
Tips to Keep Infusion Sets Secure
Keeping infusion sets attached is essential, especially in young children. To help secure the set:
- Place a strong adhesive like IV3000 or Tegaderm over the metal needle site after insertion.
- Use Skin-Tac on the skin before inserting the needle if extra adhesion is needed (especially for water exposure or sweat).
- Cover the tubing with additional tape to prevent pulling.
One of the benefits of using metal sets is that if the set falls off or is pulled out, it can often be cleaned with alcohol and reinserted in the same spot.
Expanding Infusion Site Options as Children Grow
In toddlers, the bottom is often the most reliable site due to limited subcutaneous fat elsewhere. However, as your granddaughter grows, areas such as the flanks, thighs, or abdomen may become viable. Using short metal needle sets now can help prepare for this transition by preserving skin health and avoiding scar tissue.
Are There Creams to Soften Infusion Sites?
Currently, there’s no medical cream designed specifically to “soften” insulin infusion sites. However, to care for the skin:
- Use gentle moisturizers like CeraVe or Eucerin between site changes (not before insertion).
- Allow skin to fully heal by rotating sites frequently—even within the same general area.
- If any bumps or hardness develop, give that spot extra time to heal before reusing.
Managing infusion sites in young children using insulin pumps takes some creativity, but with the right tools and strategies, you can keep the process smooth and safe.
Hope this helps,
John