CHILD'S HOSPITAL STAY - 5 Comfort Essentials to Pack

The number of things to consider before a child's hospitalization can be overwhelming, and it's almost inevitable to overlook something. That's not a problem when there is a village to rely on; family members and friends that will bring anything at any time. But if there isn't one... a well-prepared list can alleviate some of the worries.

Button-up clothing

A button-up dress (or shirt) with wide sleeves (short or long) proved to be the most practical hospital attire. Especially if it's a familiar and beloved piece of clothing for the child. While some hospitals provide open-back gowns, we use them only when needed (usually to go to a procedure or a surgery). Wide sleeves and a button-up style offer not only practicality but also ease any fears related to arm movement, especially with a cannula involved. Some children (like mine) will be afraid of bending the arm, if the cannula is placed in the inner elbow. Or, if it's at the back of the hand, the child can be scared it will get stuck (or whatever). So - wide sleeves and easy-to-put-on button-up dress works wonders.

Comfort object

A comfort object or lovey can, in certain moments, provide more solace than a parent. For many babies (and older children), having a blankie, stuffed animal, or a soft and cuddly item helps ease separation anxiety and adjustment to new surroundings. In our experience, Emanuela's giraffe served as a "transition object" - when she was angry at us after her third open-heart surgery (the Fontan), at the age of three and a half. She woke up at the Intensive Care Unit and refused to speak with us. She would turn her head away; she didn't want us to cuddle her, but she did snuggle with her toy. Honestly, as heartbreaking as that was, it was a comfort knowing that even though she was in a way rejecting us, she was not alone in her misery.

Entertainment

Let's be honest - screen time becomes very flexible in a hospital setting. Having said that, maintaining some boundaries (or at least something that resembles them) is crucial. Otherwise, it becomes challenging to reinstate them at home. That is why we always pack favourite books, colouring materials (and crayons, of course) and some simple toys, like soap bubbles (which are, by the way, excellent for lung rehabilitation). For older kids, a magazine or books with riddles and problem-solving tasks can be fun (and it might buy a parent enough time to finish that cup of coffee while still warm).

Luckily, our current hospital in Leuven, Belgium, has a fantastic play area where kids can engage in art and craft activities during opening hours or borrow games to bring back to their rooms for later. However, I strongly suggest considering variety. If I had to play one more game of Uno during our last hospitalization, I would... well, nothing. I'd play it because I'd do anything for my kid, but let's just say my "fake it 'till you make it" joy was on full display after Emanuela's seventh or thirteenth (who's counting?) victory.

(Comfort) Food

While the quality of hospital meals varies from one place to another, it feels like the food available serves one purpose only - to keep people alive. For the comfort, food needs to come from home. We like to pack a mix of junk and healthy snacks. Our goodie bag includes chocolate bars, bonbons, jellies and lolly-pops, but also (pureed) fruit pouches and raw vegetables. Sugar intake management also tends to be flexible in a hospital, but incorporating some raw sugar snaps, baby carrots, and cauliflower might bring a bit of balance.

Medicine

As a parent, I find it crucial to keep track of our daughter's meds. While nurses are dedicated (and often overworked), I prefer them focusing on more critical aspects of care rather than routines I have well under control. Also, as a personal rule, during hospital stays, I like to do as much as I can and as much as I am allowed. It not only makes me feel useful but also ensures familiarity for Emanuela. We bring our own daily meds and administer them. If new medications are prescribed during the hospitalization, we aim to maintain a seamless routine - a nurse brings it, but I take care of it. Flushing cannula and administering an i.v. drug, though, is not (yet) my expertise. However, our girl insists that no one but me changes her bandages and removes the needle from her arm when discharged. She knows who's "the best mama doctor" (her words, not mine).