Prepare for Your Child’s Hospital Stay

A hospital stay may be overwhelming for a child, especially the first time. If you are prepared and know what to expect, you’ll feel more confident and in control, and can help your child feel that way, too.

Here are some tips on how to prepare for your child’s hospital stay.

Questions to Ask Before the Hospital Stay

The more information you have before your child’s hospital stay, the more prepared you’ll be. We encourage you to partner with us during your child’s care by talking to your child’s doctors or nurses. Here are some questions you may want to ask:

• Why does my child have to stay in the hospital?
• What should I pack for my child and for myself?
• How long is my child likely to stay in the hospital?
• Who are the people who will care for my child?
• What typically happens during the hospital stay?
• Can I be with my child during a procedure or treatment?
• What can be done to manage my child’s pain?
• What are hospital visiting hours and policies?
• What will recovery be like, and what type of care will my child require at home?

We also encourage you to talk with your child about the upcoming hospital stay.

Learn About the Hospital

Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital has three inpatient locations for children: Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital—34th Street, NYU Langone Orthopedic Hospital, and NYU Langone Hospital—Brooklyn. In most cases, you can schedule a hospital tour in advance. This can help you and your child know what to expect.

Parents are welcome to stay in the hospital with their children. Your presence has a calming effect, and you’re an important member of the care team. We offer you and other family members a variety of resources to meet your unique needs.

Family to Family Hours, hosted by members of our Sala Family Advisory Council, are offered to give parents a break. Patients and families, including siblings, are welcome to visit our playrooms or bring toys and games back to your room. Volunteers are often available to be with your child when you step away.

Our child life specialists, creative arts therapists, and social workers can help your child feel as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the hospital experience.

Information about what to expect is also available in the Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital Welcome Book.

Going Home

Learn more about what happens after your child’s hospital stay, including insurance and billing information and how to care for your child as he or she recovers.