"Is That X-Ray Safe for My Child?": A Radiologist Answers Your Questions

Your pediatrician just ordered an X-ray for your child, and your stomach drops. Is it safe? How much radiation are we talking about? Will it hurt? These questions flood every parent's mind, and they're exactly the right questions to ask.

As a radiologist who's spent years imaging children, I want to give you honest, practical answers. Not medical jargon, not dismissive "it's fine," but real information you can use to make informed decisions about your child's care.

Let's Talk About Radiation, Honestly

The word "radiation" sounds scary. It conjures images of nuclear disasters and cancer. But here's something most people don't realize: you're being exposed to radiation right now. Natural background radiation from the sun, soil, buildings, and even bananas gives each of us about 3 millisieverts (mSv) per year.

Now, let's put pediatric imaging in perspective:

A limb X-ray, the most common pediatric X-ray for suspected fractures, delivers less radiation than eating a banana. I'm not being flippant; I'm trying to provide honest context.

Why We Love Ultrasound for Kids

Here's a secret from the radiology world: when we can use ultrasound instead of X-ray or CT, we're thrilled. Ultrasound uses sound waves, the same technology that's been monitoring pregnancies for over 50 years. There's no radiation. None. Zero.

It's also painless, doesn't require any preparation in most cases, and lets your child stay comfortable with you right beside them.

Conditions We Often Diagnose with Ultrasound

• Abdominal pain: Appendicitis, constipation, kidney issues
• Hip problems in infants: Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
• Pyloric stenosis: The condition causing projectile vomiting in newborns
• Testicular issues: Torsion, hernias, hydroceles
• Thyroid and neck lumps: Enlarged lymph nodes, thyroid nodules

When X-Rays Are Actually the Best Choice

Sometimes ultrasound simply can't see what we need to see. Bones appear as bright white on ultrasound, so we can't evaluate fractures well. For these situations, X-ray remains the gold standard:

• Suspected fractures: Did they break something after that fall?
• Chest infections: Pneumonia shows up beautifully on chest X-ray
• Swallowed objects: Kids put things in their mouths (and sometimes swallow them)
• Scoliosis evaluation: Spine curvature assessment

The Real Challenge: Keeping Kids Still

I'll be honest: the hardest part of pediatric imaging isn't the technology. It's convincing a scared, squirmy toddler to stay still for three seconds. This is where experience matters enormously.

For Babies and Toddlers

• We time the image for the exact moment between wiggles
• Feeding right before ultrasound often puts them in a cooperative mood
• Colorful distractions: bubbles, light-up toys, videos
• Warm blankets and dim lights for ultrasound

For Older Children

• We explain exactly what will happen (no surprises)
• Let them press buttons to feel in control
• Show them the images afterward (most kids think it's cool)
• Rewards: stickers are still magical at any age

MRI for Children: The Sedation Question

MRI scans present a unique challenge. The scan itself is completely safe because MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves, not radiation. But it requires lying still in a narrow tube for 30-60 minutes while loud clicking and banging noises happen all around you.

Children around 6-7 years and older can often complete an MRI awake if properly prepared. For younger children or longer scans, sedation might be the kindest option, which simply means your child sleeps peacefully through a scan they wouldn't otherwise tolerate.

How to Prepare Your Child

Your attitude sets the tone. If you're anxious, your child will pick up on it. If you're matter-of-fact and calm, they'll likely follow your lead.

What to Bring

• A favorite small toy or comfort object (no metal for MRI)
• Comfortable clothes without zippers or metal buttons
• A snack for afterward (especially if they fasted)
• Your phone loaded with their favorite show for distraction

Questions You Should Always Ask

You have every right to understand what's happening with your child's care:

• "Is this imaging test necessary, or is it precautionary?"
• "Could we start with ultrasound instead of X-ray/CT?"
• "Can I stay with my child during the procedure?"
• "When will we get the results?"

The Bottom Line

I understand the anxiety that comes with your child needing medical imaging. But modern pediatric imaging is remarkably safe. Ultrasound has zero radiation risk. X-rays deliver doses so small they're measured in fractions of what you receive naturally.

When imaging is medically indicated, the benefit to your child far outweighs any minimal theoretical risk. Your job is to ask questions and help your child feel comfortable. Our job is to get the clearest images with the least possible intervention.

Together, we'll take good care of your child.

Frequently Asked Questions