10 Ways to Make Your Child’s Hospital Stay More Tolerable

Over 150 days in multiple hospitals taught us shortcuts and hospital hacks to make a miserable situation slightly more comfortable.

My son Robby and I spent a lot of time in hospitals during his years of treatment. We would review the food, accommodations, and entertainment like someone else might describe the amenities of an Airbnb property.

Here are some tips we developed that you won’t find on your list of standard hospital services:

1. Order like an insider.

Restaurant insiders know that they can order items not listed on the daily menu. You can apply the same strategy at hospitals too as long as it’s something the cafeteria regularly serves. Feeding a hungry teenager? Ask for a double burger or an extra helping of mac and cheese. Do pancakes equal comfort food? Food services will likely be able to accommodate you even if it’s spaghetti night.

2. When in doubt, add hot sauce.

Or ranch dressing, or whatever your favorite condiment is. Those chicken tenders or turkey burger may look pathetic, but adding your favorite zing can perk up almost anything. Keep a private stash on hand so you don’t have to rely on the cafeteria.

3. Home cooking instead.

If friends and family ask what they can do to help, request homemade meals that will allow you and your child to avoid the cafeteria. You can keep labeled containers in the patient refrigerator so that Aunt Allison’s chili is ready to warm up whenever you are. (Be sure to follow any patient diet restrictions, of course.)

4. Eat local.

Check out the nurses’ station for a file of takeout menus from local restaurants that will deliver to the hospital. And ask staff for their favorites if you’re craving a pizza night.

5. Nesting is comforting.

No hospital room is going to feel like home, but you can bring things that will make it more comfortable. A favorite pillow, fluffy blanket, stuffed animal, and even photographs bring something familiar and cozy to institutional surroundings.

6. Dress in layers.

Many patient rooms have a separate thermostat, and your child may like it to be extra warm or cool depending on how they are feeling. Dress so you can manage in any climate.

7. Hospital gown not required.

Ask if your child can wear their favorite comfy pajamas (or maybe just the bottoms) instead. Two-piece sets with front opening tops have good access and roomy sleeves to accommodate IV lines or wires.

8. Bring extra chargers.

Laptops, tablets, phones will all be important for entertainment and communication so you’ll need enough chargers for each device. Bring ones in bright colors or with labels to make them easier to spot in the room.

9. Distraction = relief.

Video games, movies, books, and board games do more than pass the time — they provide much-needed distraction from symptoms like pain, nausea, and anxiety. And feeling better means better healing for your child. Ask child life services staff about the hospital’s options for the room, or consider bringing your favorites from home. (Be sure to label everything.)

10. Seek out parking discounts.

Daily parking charges are one of those unforeseen extra costs. Some hospitals offer a special price or vouchers for parking for families who will be there for more than a few days. The nurse or social worker can direct you to the right resource.

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No matter what, having your child in the hospital is stressful for everyone. These tips can give you a head start as you figure out what works for you and your child. For more tips about the parent’s special role in managing the medical care side of the hospital, check out my upcoming post, “7 Tips for Parenting in the Hospital.”

What are your favorite hospital hacks? Write in and share more.