Tips for Hospital Stays for Babies/Toddlers

JENNYC

New member
We have had nurses miss giving Abby her IV meds several times which was no big deal we just reminded them that it was time, I only had one nurse argue with me. So very important to know what meds are due when. We also had one come in to do her vitals in the middle of the night and instead of sticking the thermometer under her arm...she stuck it in her mouth while she was sound asleep and she jumped up and nearly rammed it down her throat...I was so mad. There was no sense in that. We have hospital stays all the time and that is the first and better be the last time that has ever happened. I am not knocking nurses because some of the most wonderful people that we have had the pleasure of meeting is our nurses, but there are some that just don't think. On a happier note....
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<br />For the tad bit older kids...(shes been doing most of this since she was 3) I always make a run to Hobby Lobby or Walmart and pick up tedious crafts to do to keep her busy and still. She loves to make those weave craft potholders and give out to the drs and nurses. Crafts are always a favorite of ours to do together in the hospital. She also enjoys puzzles, playdough, jewelry making, board games and those iron together dots that make all kind of things.
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<br />Another must that I always do is food! We don't like hospital food and neither do our kids (who need calories). So I always bring a ton of snacks, chips, calorie drinks, and what ever else I can think of that is easy for her to eat.
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<br />We also pack a camera because we have such great times playing and want to capture our memories of the fun stuff there. I always bring out the pictures before we go to remind her of all the fun things that we do, so she won't focus on the bad.
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<br />I also bring her favorite blanket, pillow and stuffed animal for her to sleep with so she will feel more at home.
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<br />I also try to find a new disney movie that we have not seen yet, and we pop some popcorn and have a movie night as well. She loves that.
 

schmj4910

New member
Thanks so much for the compliments and encouragement regarding adoption! Our son had such a rough start to life, but he is doing much better...such a smart little guy! I am a big advocate for adoption. It is such a wonderful thing for both the kids and the parents! Yay for adoption! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I love all the great suggestions! I love how positive and optimistic JENNYC is. That must make it a lot easier for her daughter! It actually sounds like fun! New toys/activities are a good way to keep a kid occupied.

I also caught a night nurse being sloppy with hygiene. Might be good to keep an extra eye on the night nurses.
 

schmj4910

New member
Thanks so much for the compliments and encouragement regarding adoption! Our son had such a rough start to life, but he is doing much better...such a smart little guy! I am a big advocate for adoption. It is such a wonderful thing for both the kids and the parents! Yay for adoption! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

I love all the great suggestions! I love how positive and optimistic JENNYC is. That must make it a lot easier for her daughter! It actually sounds like fun! New toys/activities are a good way to keep a kid occupied.

I also caught a night nurse being sloppy with hygiene. Might be good to keep an extra eye on the night nurses.
 

schmj4910

New member
Thanks so much for the compliments and encouragement regarding adoption! Our son had such a rough start to life, but he is doing much better...such a smart little guy! I am a big advocate for adoption. It is such a wonderful thing for both the kids and the parents! Yay for adoption! <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">
<br />
<br />I love all the great suggestions! I love how positive and optimistic JENNYC is. That must make it a lot easier for her daughter! It actually sounds like fun! New toys/activities are a good way to keep a kid occupied.
<br />
<br />I also caught a night nurse being sloppy with hygiene. Might be good to keep an extra eye on the night nurses.
 

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
We've always made sure that one of us has stayed with DS during hospitalizations. When he was a baby, we had nurses not give him enzymes. During his last hospitalization while recovering from surgery due to a bowel obstruction, we had an RT not paying attention --- was busy texting -- and the vest ramped up to 18. DH had a few WORDS with him.
 

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
We've always made sure that one of us has stayed with DS during hospitalizations. When he was a baby, we had nurses not give him enzymes. During his last hospitalization while recovering from surgery due to a bowel obstruction, we had an RT not paying attention --- was busy texting -- and the vest ramped up to 18. DH had a few WORDS with him.
 

Ratatosk

Administrator
Staff member
We've always made sure that one of us has stayed with DS during hospitalizations. When he was a baby, we had nurses not give him enzymes. During his last hospitalization while recovering from surgery due to a bowel obstruction, we had an RT not paying attention --- was busy texting -- and the vest ramped up to 18. DH had a few WORDS with him.
 
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