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Discover ways to help your child through his or her illness.

Preparing for a child's hospital stay

Most children are able to cope successfully when they know ahead of time what to expect. Adequate preparation can help your child feel less anxious about hospitalization and medical procedures.

A child sits in a bed at a hospital. She is wearing a pink shirt and holding a stuffed teddy bear, and her head is covered by a blue blanket. A caregiver stands to her side, placing a hand on her shoulder.

Preparing for some common hospital procedures

Child Life has developed the following materials to help you and your child prepare for common hospital procedures. Keep in mind that your doctor will determine the appropriate procedures needed for your child. Not all children will have all of these procedures.

Support for children in hospital

Therapeutic play

Playrooms and activity-guided play.

Children's healing garden

Dynamic, nature-based play and learning spaces.