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.
References
Other Works Consulted
- Sanders J (2011). Family-centered care of the child during illness and hospitalization. In MJ Hockenberry, D Wilson, eds., Wong's Nursing Care of Infants and Children, 9th ed., pp. 964–997. St. Louis, MO: Mosby Elsevier.
Credits
| By | Healthwise Staff |
|---|
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
|---|
| Last Revised | June 25, 2012 |
|---|
Last Revised:
June 25, 2012
