Your Child's Hospital Stay
We want you and your child to be comfortable during his or her hospitalization. Here are some important things to remember in preparation for your child’s hospital stay:
- You are an active member of your child’s care team. Please ask questions and tell us about your child. Each child is different, and the more we know about your child, the better we can serve him or her.
- Children in the hospital may feel intimidated by their surroundings. You may notice different behaviors in your child. The Child Life staff can help you to best support your child through this if you have any concerns.
- Feel free to bring comfort items for your child such as a favorite stuffed animal or pillow from home.
- If you have questions about how to talk to your child about an upcoming hospitalization, please call the Child Life Department at 703-776-6486.
- If your child is scheduled for surgery, review our helpful brochure, "Preparing Your Child for Surgery."

