A stay at the hospital can bring a lot of mixed emotions for children, especially if they need to have surgery. We want your child to feel as stress-free and comfortable as possible during their time at Children’s of Alabama, so we have brought in expert help to build a surgery packing checklist. “We want to normalize the hospital environment,” said Leigh Dees, a child life specialist in one-day surgery. “Anything that will help pass the time is great to pack.”
Keep reading for a list of items Leigh and our team of child life specialists believe will bring comfort to your child as they are recovering from surgery.
- Weighted blanket: A weighted blanket is a great way for your child to feel safe while they are at the hospital. Weighted blankets are proven to relieve stress and increase your child’s sense of calm and are known to benefit people with anxiety and insomnia. Researchers have also found that weighted blankets relieve the reception of pain. Resting after a surgery is very important, and a weighted blanket can improve your child’s sleep while they recover.
- Headphones: Noises of the hospital can become very overwhelming for your child, especially if they are recovering from surgery. Noise-cancelling headphones allow your child to block out stressful noises like a beeping machine or unnecessary chatter. Putting on soft piano or jazz music can increase your child’s mood and allow them to focus on something other than the pain.
- Stuffed animals: It’s important to remember how special the connection is between a child and their stuffed animal, specifically in stressful situations. Giving your child something soft and cuddly to squeeze is clinically proven to relieve stress and makes your child feel protected. This a big moment in your child’s, and having a stuffed animal gives your child an emotional support partner to stick with them throughout their hospital journey.
- Coloring book: Once your child is feeling up to sitting up and wants to do an activity, a coloring book is the perfect solution. This permits your child to express creativity and has proven to relieve stress in both children and adults. This is an excellent way to take your child’s mind off the pain and take their mind off the anxiety that comes with a hospital stay.
- New clothing item: Children love sporting their favorite movie character, sports team or favorite color, and this can bring comfort to them during their hospital stay. Surprising your child with new t-shirt, hoodie, bathrobe or sweatpants can bring comfort and joy to them. Sometimes hospital gowns can become uncomfortable for sensitive children, and a soft clothing item will help keep your child feel secure.
- Slippers: Slippers are a wonderful way to warm your child’s feet and bring joy at the same time. Fun character slippers, like bear paws, are great for when your child might begin walking again after their surgery, to keep their feet warm when walking on cold hospital floors. Kids love tacky slippers, so it’s also a great way to make your child laugh or be able to express humor in a stressful time.
- iPad or Tablet: Depending on your child’s age, an iPad is great tool after surgery. They can watch movies or play games during recovery. Distraction is a positive technique for children who are experiencing pain or are overwhelmed by their hospital stay. Keeping your child’s mind occupied helps reduce anxiety and create a positive mood.
If your child utilizes a communication device, be sure to pack this as well. We want each patient to be able to communicate how they are feeling during their stay. The child life team is also equipped with items to adhere to all five senses. “We have a lot of age-appropriate check-out bins for kids,” said Leigh. These might include sticker scene books, Lego boxes or toys.
Children’s also provides the Sensory Pathway, which walks through what you should expect for your child’s surgery and details items child life specialists can supply. Visit the website to learn more about how you can prepare your child for their surgery: https://www.childrensal.org/services/sensory-pathway.