What Do Kids in Hospitals Need?

When a child is in the hospital, they need more than just medical care. They need the right resources that can provide comfort, play and emotional support to help them heal.  Here’s what kids in hospitals need and how you can help make a child’s hospitalization a little easier:

Comfortable & Familiar Items

Children can feel overwhelmed in the hospital’s unfamiliar setting. Bringing personal items from home can help children feel more secure and helps make the hospital feel more familiar. Consider packing:

1. Their favorite blanket or stuffed animal 

2. Cozy pajamas or slippers 

3. A small pillow from home 

4. Family photos or a familiar scent 

Play & Distraction

When kids feel stress or fear in the hospital, play provides a much-needed escape. Play is essential for a child’s well-being, development and growth in and out of the hospital. Items to bring to promote play: 

1. Favorite toys or dolls 

2. Coloring books, crayons, or activity books 

3. Board games 

Emotional Support & Connection

Kids can feel isolated and lonely during long hospital stays. You can help boost their spirits by keeping kids connected to family and friends. Ways to provide emotional support: 

1. Video calls with loved ones 

2. Letters or handmade cards from friends 

3. Journals for self-expression 

4. Support from Child Life Specialists who can provide emotional guidance 

Healing Through Creativity 

You can give your child an outlet for their emotions and help them express themselves with creative activities. Ideas for creative expression: 

1. Art supplies like markers, stickers, and paper 

2. Music playlists with their favorite songs 

3. DIY crafts  

Starlight’s mission is to deliver happiness to hospitalized kids, providing crucial programs kids need to help them endure and cope during their stay. Starlight also has its free Starlight Families Program to help families at home in-between care at the hospital.