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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask how I can keep an immobile 3 year old entertained in hospital?

38 replies

AngeloMysterioso · 16/06/2025 07:30

My poor DS2 has broken his leg 😭 we’re currently in hospital with it all strapped up to this frame that looks like some sort of medieval torture device and he can’t move at all- has to lie flat on his back. We might be here for a few weeks as he’s having traction to heal it. I’ve brought some books to read to him and my laptop so he can watch cartoons but I don’t want him just staring at a screen for the next few weeks- but he can’t even sit up to play games or with toys or anything. Any advice for what else I can do to keep him occupied? He’s usually very energetic and I’m worried he’s going to be bored stiff and pissed off about it once the novelty wears off.

OP posts:
Oddsocksanduglyshoes · 16/06/2025 07:52

My child was in traction with a broken femur for 4 weeks when he was 4. We had play therapist sometimes which was helpful and gave me a break to have a shower, but I admit we watched a lot of films.

TheyreLikeUsButRichAndThin · 16/06/2025 07:51

Screen, 100%. Yeah yeah, books, stickers, magnatiles, Lego (my 3 yo is just getting into Lego) - but what about when you want some headspace OP? Not all screens are created equal. Theres plenty of quality things for preschoolers and even if he wants to watch rubbish, you’re in hospital, that’s fine. I’d want to watch telly if I was in hospital tbh.

Caligirl80 · 16/06/2025 07:51

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PLEASE don't use bubbles in the hospital room especially if there are other kids in the same room! Other children can be allergic to them and if they are feeling gross then they don't want additional smells/liquids everywhere. It's also not a good idea to have soapy slippery liquid landing on the floor! By all means use them if you are able to take him in a wheelchair outside, but don't use them inside the hospital!!

My friends just had this issue with their little toddler who needed a brand new hip (yup) - he was in a full body cast so he couldn't move AT ALL. Very difficult fo him and his folks. They let him use screens as much as he wanted, and also got him educational interactive screen stuff so he could actually benefit from them. Worked great. Get him some nice big comfy over ear headphones so he can use his tablet etc without bothering any other kids in the area.

It's very important in wards with multiple kids to remember that they all have different sleep schedules and some can be feeling utterly dreadful - so please try to keep entertainment somewhat quiet - unless the "play team" etc are there entertaining all the children.

HoppingPavlova · 16/06/2025 07:49

Simply, screens are your best friend in this situation. It’s not a standard situation so ‘standard rules’ do not apply. All paed hospitals will have a team responsible for play therapy, they should have some other options, but seriously, I’d imagine it will be screens for the bulk of it.

Make sure you get good breaks as well, swap with DH/partner/other relative for some stretches to recharge yourself at home and get a decent sleep in your own bed.

Bertielong3 · 16/06/2025 07:47

This reply has been withdrawn

This message has been withdrawn at the poster's request

TeenLifeMum · 16/06/2025 07:45

Stickers are good for this - we used them in a plane flight. Wipe clean white board, crafts (ask hospital play lead). Good luck.

feelingbleh · 16/06/2025 07:45

Don't feel guilty about using screens in this situation.

AhBiscuits · 16/06/2025 07:43

Use screens as much as you need and don't worry about it. You're in an unusual situation, not every day life. There are some fun games on the CBeebies app.

Annoyeddd · 16/06/2025 07:43

A yoto player

Original poster
AngeloMysterioso · 16/06/2025 07:41

There’s one other child in his room atm- a 10 month old with tonsillitis 😞 but we’re keeping the volume low so it doesn’t disturb them. Will ask after the play team, thanks for the suggestion.

OP posts:
alcoholnightmare · 16/06/2025 07:36

How about a Yoto player and some story cards for it? If he’s not in his own room… some headphones too?

Tulipssndturkeys · 16/06/2025 07:35

Ask for the play specialist - they are wonderful and will have seen this a million times before and have loads of ideas and resources of things to keep him busy . Good luck

2ndChristmas · 16/06/2025 07:34

Ask for the play team to come and see you. They will be able to give you ideas for what you can do and will even do some sessions so you can have a break.