Being an adult and having an extended stay at the hospital is bad enough. Being a child or the parent of a child who is going to be spending time in the hospital is even worse. We all like the comforts of home, the things we are familiar with to make us feel safe and secure. When you are packing for your child’s hospital stay, there are some things that you can pack to help your child have some of the comforts of home and to help them pass the time.
The first thing that you need to do is to make a list of their favorite things, including bedtime routines and objects that bring them comfort. If the hospital permits it, bring as much of this with you as possible. If you read a book together every night before going to bed it will be comforting to them to have you read it before they go to bed in the hospital. Thinking of my own children, we couldn’t make it without their snugglies, a few matchbox cars for my son or Dr. Seuss books for my daughter.
Think about their favorite pastimes. Does a coloring book and crayons or play doh keep them occupied for hours? Does your child enjoy crafts or playing cards? Do they like to listen to music or have a favorite DVD? Do they listen to a certain CD when they are going to bed at night? Check with the hospital to see if you could bring a CD player or if they have a DVD player in the room.
Most hospitals will have guidelines as to what you can or can’t bring with you. Of course, whatever you bring will depend on what type of treatment or medical services your child is receiving. Being on bed rest will limit some activities that they can do. As their parent, the best thing you can do is to make sure that you are doing whatever you can to help them feel safe, secure and comforted and to help their hospital stay pass as quickly as possible.
