Preparing for the Hospital
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center has prepared answers to parents' questions about preparing for a child's overnight stay in the hospital.
Can I bring my child's personal items, like a special toy?
Personal items are important to your child in the hospital. If your child has a special toy, blanket or keepsake, put his / her name on it, and bring it.
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What clothing will my child need to bring to the hospital?
Because maintaining normal activities is important, we supply both day wear (pants and shirts) and night wear (hospital gowns and pajamas) for patients.
If your child brings his or her own clothes, please label them. You are responsible for laundering your child's personal clothing. Although we can not be responsible for lost articles, we try to help keep track of your child's personal items.
Items supplied by the hospital:
- T-shirts
- pajamas
- hospital gowns
- underwear
- socks
- tissues
- pillow
- comb
- soap
- shampoo
- toothbrush
- toothpaste
Items you may want to bring:
- slippers or shoes
- hairbrush or hair pick
- barrettes
- photos of family or friends
- school books and assignments
- a special toy or something to sleep with
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Can I stay overnight with my child?
We encourage parents to stay with their children and try to make arrangements for one parent to stay in the room with his or her child. Single-patient rooms include a bed or sleep chair for one parent. Sleeping accommodations in other rooms vary from lounge chairs to cots.
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Can I bring snacks or other food for my child?
Because many procedures require food limitations, please talk to your child's nurse before bringing any food into your child's room. If you want to discuss your child's food needs, please ask your nurse to call a dietitian.
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Are there special accommodations or assistance for out-of-town families?
Out-of-town families may reserve rooms 24 hours in advance at the Ronald McDonald House. Rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
For information about other accommodations, transportation and special discounts, please call Guest Services toll-free, 800-344-2462. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm.
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What if my child has been recently been exposed to chickenpox or another contagious disease?
If your child has recently been exposed to any contagious disease (such as chickenpox), or has a fever, bad cold, rash or fever blisters, please call your doctor as soon as possible. Admission may have to be postponed until your child has recovered.
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