Sometimes a trip to the hospital is planned well in advance, and sometimes it happens with no warning at all. Either way, it can be a nerve-wracking experience for both you and your child. Here are some top tips for preparing a child for hospital, shared by parents who’ve been through it.
The key is making your child as comfortable as possible and finding small ways to ease their stress and anxiety, because a hospital brings a lot of new sights, sounds and smells all at once — and that can be a lot for a child to take in.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Tips for Talking to Kids About Hospital
Preparing Your Child for Hospital for a Scheduled Procedure
If your child has a planned procedure coming up (having their tonsils out, for example), you have some time on your side. Use it to pack for the day and make sure you have everything you both need.
#1. Be Prepared for Fasting
Read through the information the hospital sends you carefully, especially anything about fasting. Children are often asked to fast from the night before, which means you may arrive at the hospital in the morning with a hungry — and understandably grumpy — child. Knowing this in advance means you can plan the morning around it rather than being caught off guard.
#2. Bring Something to Watch
A tablet or phone loaded with familiar shows or a favourite movie is one of the handiest things you can pack. One small tip: try to avoid anything that features characters eating on screen (Peppa Pig manages to have a snack in almost every episode!) if your child is fasting. Variety helps too — a few different options mean you can keep switching things up if the wait is long.
#3. Bring Some Toys
Pack a few new toys or small games and bring them out one at a time rather than all at once, so you have something fresh to offer if there’s a lot of waiting around. And whatever you do, don’t forget their favourite cuddly toy or blanket — familiar comforts matter more than ever in an unfamiliar place.
#4. Bring a New Colouring Book
[[IMG: https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/colouring-book-and-pencils.jpg]]
A new colouring book with a small pack of pens, pencils or crayons in a tin or case is an easy, quiet distraction that travels well and doesn’t take up much room in your bag.
#5. Tuck in a Pack of Playing Cards
A simple pack of cards can go a long way. A round of Snap or Go Fish is a great way to keep little hands and minds busy, and to take their focus off hunger, waiting, or nerves.
#6. Bring New Pyjamas to Make Them Feel Special
[[IMG: https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/preparing-your-child-for-hospital-new-pyjamas.jpg]]
A new pair of pyjamas can make the whole experience feel a little more special for your child. If you’re the parent staying overnight, pack something comfortable to sleep in too — a tracksuit rather than jeans, as beds (or reclining chairs) for parents aren’t always guaranteed.
#7. Bring Bedtime Story Books
Choose one book with several short stories inside rather than packing a stack of separate books.
“When our child had her tonsils and adenoids out, the lifesaving book was the Usborne Book of Little Stories that we had brought. The stories are not too long and one of them was even about going to hospital, which was great.” — Jill
#8. Explain a Little About the Anaesthetic
[[IMG: https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/poison-prevention-child-in-hospital-1.jpg]]
Simple, gentle language helps. Many parents find it useful to call the anaesthetist the “sleepy doctor” and explain that this doctor will help them fall asleep for a little while so the operation doesn’t hurt.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 5 Useful Tips on Helping Your Child Cope with Pain
#9. Don’t Promise Food Straight After Recovery
Nursing staff will often want to check everything is settled before your child eats or drinks, so it’s best to avoid promising food the moment they wake up, even if they ask for it.
#10. Keep It Low-Key During Recovery
[[IMG: https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/preparing-your-child-for-hospital-keep-it-low-key-for-recovery.jpg]]
Your child may feel disoriented, sore or tearful after their procedure. Rather than reaching for new toys or excitement, let them snuggle their favourite teddy and take things slowly until they feel more like themselves. You can save the new toy for later, as a “well done for being so brave” treat.
It’s also worth remembering to be kind to yourself here — seeing your child groggy or upset after a procedure can bring up a lot of emotion for parents too, and that’s completely normal.
#11. Visit the Playroom if You Can
Many children’s wards have a playroom, though opening times can be limited (often weekdays only), and children in isolation may not be able to use it. If your child is in for a longer stay and can’t get to the playroom, ask about play specialists — they often bring toys and activities directly to children on the ward.
Preparing for Unplanned Trips to Hospital
An unplanned trip to hospital is stressful in a different way — there’s no time to prepare, and both parent and child are likely to be upset or anxious.
Know Your Options for Emergency Care
Before you need it, it’s worth finding out what emergency and urgent care options are available near you, as some areas have urgent care clinics that can be quicker than a general A&E for less serious injuries or illnesses. Check with your GP or local health services for what’s available in your area, as options and requirements vary by location.
Arrange for a Backup Person
If you’re heading in alone with a sick child, see if you can arrange for someone to bring a change of clothes for both of you, and to help with childcare for any other children at home. Even a short delay in arranging this can be one less thing to worry about once you’re there.
Try to Keep Calm
Every emergency visit is different, but staying as calm as you can and reassuring your child that the doctors and nurses are there to help makes a real difference to how they experience it.
YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: 35 Calming Strategies for Kids to Ease Anxiety and Stress
[[IMG: https://www.mykidstime.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Top-Tips-for-Preparing-a-Child-for-Hospital-–-Mykidstime.jpg]]
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I help my child feel less scared about going to hospital?
Simple, honest explanations in language your child understands help a lot, along with familiar comforts like a favourite toy, blanket or story. Letting them know what to expect — without overwhelming detail — tends to ease anxiety more than avoiding the topic.
What should I pack for a planned hospital stay?
A few small toys or games, a tablet or phone with shows loaded, a colouring book, a pack of cards, comfortable pyjamas, and a short story book are all popular choices among parents. Pack light but varied, so you have options if the wait is long.
Can I stay with my child in hospital?
Most children’s hospitals encourage a parent to stay, though facilities for parents (such as a bed or reclining chair) vary by hospital and ward. It’s worth checking directly with the hospital in advance so you know what to expect.
What should I do if my child needs to go to hospital unexpectedly?
Try to stay calm and reassure your child that the staff are there to help. If possible, arrange for someone to bring supplies or help with other children at home, and don’t hesitate to ask hospital staff questions if you’re unsure what’s happening.
Related Articles
- Tips for Talking to Kids About Hospital
- 5 Useful Tips on Helping Your Child Cope with Pain
- 35 Calming Strategies for Kids to Ease Anxiety and Stress
Save These Tips for Later
Heading toward a hospital visit — planned or not? Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you have these tips to hand when you need them most.
Want More Parenting Tips Like This?
Sign up for the MyKidsTime newsletter and get practical parenting ideas, activities and tips delivered to your inbox every week — no pressure, just useful stuff when you need it.
