Tips for Children Visiting the Hospital

A visiting child can be a great comfort to the patient; however, if not handled properly, the visit can be stressful for both the patient and the child. The following guidelines are intended to help make a child's visit to the hospital a positive experience:

  • Children are identified as age 14 or under.
  • Children visiting Labor & Delivery and Mother-Baby units are recognized as "special visitors" and issued a blue arm band for identification. Special visitors must be siblings of the newborn child.
  • Children under age 3 are not allowed to visit unless the patient is an immediate family member or in a special situation.
  • Children may not visit after 9 p.m.
  • Children should visit with a purpose.
  • An adult other than the patient should accompany children at all times, and children should never be left unattended.
  • Behavior should be appropriate (quiet voices, low activity level, etc.)

Before the Visit
Talk to child about why the patient is in the hospital. Describe the patient's room, including how the patient might look and act, the different medical staff, and any medical equipment.

Make sure your child is healthy. Has your child been sick, or just recovered from being sick? If so, now may not be the best time to visit.

Ask the patient and nurse for the best time to visit, keeping in mind your child's perspective so any “scary” details can be handled before your visit.

Tell the child that patients are trying to rest and sleep –­ encourage a quiet voice, and keep the child in the patient’s room with the door closed.

During the Visit
When you come into the room, stand or sit where the child and the patient can clearly see each other.

Point out familiar objects in the room, such as cards, pictures, flowers, or stuffed animals.

Suggest age-appropriate ways the child can help the patient, such as sharing a story or stoking the patient's arm.

Watch the patient and the child for cues that the visit has lasted long enough. Offer the child an opportunity to leave the room, but only in the care of an adult.

After the visit
Together, talk about what the child has just seen.

Emphasize positive experiences, such as a smile or the feeling that the child was helpful.

Be observant. Listen for questions and acknowledge the child’s feelings.

Encourage drawing and writing to help the child express any emotions.