Prepare For Your Stay
Helping your child prepare for a hospital stay
Any hospital stay, no matter the length, may feel overwhelming for kids and their families. Our St. Louis Children's at CoxHealth Patient Welcome Guide includes everything you need to know, including what to bring, what to expect, and how we can support you and your family.
Download the Patient Welcome Guide
For parents or caregivers unsure how to prepare their child for a hospital stay, the following tips are often a helpful first step. We’re here to support you, so if you have any questions or need help preparing for your child’s stay, please contact us at 417-730-7160.
Infants and toddlers (birth to 3 years)
A hospital stay can feel unfamiliar to infants and toddlers because they rely on routine, comfort, and the people they know best. While your child may not fully understand what is happening, your presence, voice, and familiar items can help them feel safe and secure.
How you can help
- Bring a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, pacifier, or other comfort item from home
- Keep familiar routines—like bedtime rituals—as much as possible
- Talk, sing, read, and cuddle your child to provide comfort and reassurance
- Let your care team know your child’s routines, likes, dislikes, and comfort measures
- Ask questions and share any concerns with your child’s care team so we can support your family
Preschool and school-age children (3 to 11 years)
Children in this age group often have questions about what will happen during their hospital stay. They may worry about pain, being away from home, missing school, or not understanding medical equipment and procedures. Honest, age-appropriate conversations can help your child feel more prepared and less anxious.
How you can help
- Use simple, honest language to explain why they will be in hospital
- Encourage your child to ask questions and share feelings or concerns
- Read books or watch videos designed to help children understand hospital visits
- Bring favorite activities, books, toys, or photos from home
- Reassure your child that their care team is here to help them feel better and keep them safe
Teens (12 to 17 Years)
Teens often want information, independence, and involvement in decisions about their care. They may have concerns about privacy, changes to their routine, missing friends or activities, or not knowing what to expect. Including your teen in conversations and decisions can help them feel more comfortable and confident.
How you can help
- Encourage your teen to ask questions and take part in discussions about their care
- Be open and honest about what to expect before and during the hospital stay
- Help your teen stay connected with friends, family, and important activities when possible
- Respect your teen’s need for privacy while continuing to offer support
- Remind your teen that their care team is available to answer questions and address concerns at any time
We’re here to help
Every child is unique, and every hospital stay is different. For children and families navigating challenging experiences, our Child Life specialists are here to help. Child Life specialists are health care specialists trained in child development and can help kids reduce fear and anxiety, understand medical experiences, and support well-being.
If you have questions about how to prepare your child for a hospital stay or medical procedure, please talk with your care team. We are here to support your child and family every step of the way.