What relatively small things made your hospital stay with your child easier?

[Sadgirl101]

We are heading into day 5 tomorrow, and we aren't looking like we're heading home any time soon. We are in a specialist children's hospital and have been fortunate enough to have our own room, which I feel like I'm slowly turning into a bedsit.

What little things for you or your DC made your long stays that bit easier? I don't have anyone to swap out with to go home so I'm looking to make life as easy as I can with those few little touches that make things feel a bit less grim, but space is at a bit of a premium. My mum and my ex (DCs dad) are both visiting so can bring things in. I have just ordered a battery powered lamp so I don't have to sit in darkness when DS falls asleep. We have lots of toys for him too, and the playroom is pretty good here as well. Mum brought me a blanket today because the temperature last night suddenly seemed significantly colder than those before it. I have my coffee mug so I can keep it warm when chasing him round the ward (typical small child who would have no idea how poorly he was if you didn't know!)

What little purchases (or routines/habits!) made your stats easier?!

I've never been in this situation OP so I can't give you the advice you need. I have been a patient a few times though.

Wet wipes, if you can't get a shower then at least you can freshen up.

I quite like aromatherapy products so maybe a sleep balm.

Do you have a kindle or other e-reader?

DO you knit or sew? Just thinking about after DS is asleep.

Depending how far away from home you are and what is from with DS, many children hospitals will allow home leave where you can leave for 4 hours to go home for some familiarity.

Hope he gets better soon x

My child spends a lot of time in hospital and I've found a good book really helps, it just gives me something to focus on rather than staring at the 4 walls. Some nice coffee although I usually end up spending a fortune on Costa, but it is so needed! Hope your dc improves soon xx

TBH any chance for another adult to spend time with child so you can hive off and make use of any available parents only shower and go for a walk outside and have a little bit of downtime.
If DC dad is willing to stay for a night and you can trust them to place needs of DC first try and take it up. More so for longer stays so you can sleep in a real bed even if it’s in a travelodge or parent accommodation if you warrant it and the hospital have access to such.

I’ve lived through this for months on end. My lovely family and friends worked out an informal rota so that I had a home cooked dinner brought in most days, my laundry went away and reappeared magically done, someone would “babysit” with my child so I could shower etc. I am still so grateful to them all, many years later. I felt properly looked after during a tough time.