How to Prepare Your Child for a Hospital Visit

Visits to the hospital can be scary and intimidating for young children. But with the support of a caring adult, children can feel more comfortable with the different sights and sounds as they explore the hospital.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Baby Blankets
• Baby Toys
• Infant/toddler Toys
• Travel Toys

1. Call the hospital you are planning to visit and find out about scheduling a tour.
2. Accompany your child on the visit in the hospital.
3. Consider the child's age and maturity when you discuss the visit to the hospital.
4. Talk about what they see, hear and smell, particularly with very young children.
5. Answer children's questions honestly and simply. If you don't know the answer, tell them so and explain that you will try to find out.
6. Ask staff if it is OK to touch equipment. Children learn through exploring. Often, there are separate pieces of equipment that staff use for this purpose.
7. Inquire whether there is a Child Life Department, and if so, introduce yourself to the child life specialist. A child life specialist will help children and family members learn about the hospital.
8. Inquire whether there is a playroom for young children or a teen room for adolescents to connect.
9. Reassure the child regarding policies about family members staying close to a child who is being admitted. Often, parents can be nearby when children are anesthetized and in the recovery room when they wake up.
10. Inquire about a child bringing personal belongings for admittance to the hospital. Children are usually encouraged to bring favorite pajamas, special blankets, toys or whatever they need for comfort.
11. Respect a child's reaction to the hospital. Some are very interested, while others are passive. Each is processing information in his or her own individual way.

Tips & Warnings

• Parents recommend reading a book with their children about another child's experience in the hospital prior to and after the visit.