Background <p>This study aimed to compare three different methods [breastfeeding, skin-to-skin contact (SSC), swaddling + holding] to reduce the pain felt by term newborns during a heel lance (HL).</p> Methods <p>This was a randomized three-group experimental study. The study sample included 90 newborns, 30 in each group. The data were collected using a pulse oximeter, a voice recorder, an Information Form, the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). The newborns’ pain level, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were measured at three different times.</p> Results <p>No difference was found between the groups’ mean NIPS scores before the HL procedure (<i>p</i> &gt; 0.05). The mean NIPS scores 10&#xa0;s after the procedure started and after the HL procedure were the lowest in the breastfeeding group, followed by the SSC and swaddling + holding groups (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). There was no difference between the groups’ mean heart rates before the procedure; however, there was a significant difference 10&#xa0;s after the procedure started and after the procedure (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05).</p> Conclusion <p>Breastfeeding is the most effective method to reduce pain during and after HL procedures in term newborns, followed by SSC and swaddling + holding.</p> Trial registration <p>This study was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov with the registration number NCT05797532 (date: 04.04.2023).</p>