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Ways to Comfort a Baby in the Hospital

Topic Overview

Try the following comfort measures if your baby is hospitalized:

  • Stay with your child, or visit often.
  • Hold or touch your child. Talk to your child, and be involved in his or her care. This will help your child get well, and it will make you feel better. It will also help you be more comfortable caring for your child when he or she returns home.
  • Take some of your child's familiar or treasured objects, such as blankets or stuffed animals, to the hospital.
  • Take some pictures of the family. Place them where your child can easily see them. Talk about what is happening with other family members, or sing favorite songs.
  • Tell the nurses about your child's habits, typical routines, and general preferences.
  • Tell the nurses about any special words that your child may use to tell others what he or she needs.
  • As much as possible, help the hospital staff with your child's care. Find out whether you will be responsible for any treatments at home.

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Last Revised August 25, 2011

Last Revised: August 25, 2011

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: John Pope, MD - Pediatrics & Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MD, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics

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