Staying overnight in hospital with your dc

[JellySlice]

When you stay overnight in hospital with your dc, do you change into pjs? I haven't, but I can see dh automatically changing into pjs for his shift tomorrow night. Should I tell him not to?

I never have - have just worn comfy clothes and stayed in them. It might be different for men, though, not sure my husband would be comfortable wafting around the ward in leggings so maybe sticking some PJs on would be more comfortable for him if he's going to try and get some sleep? Hope your DC recovers well and is home soon.

When we’ve stayed overnight we’ve changed into more comfortable clothes- I wear a long t shirt and leggings, my partner wears tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt.

I did. Bay of 6 beds. Didn't occur to me not to.

I did both times. I like to be comfortable. And both times were emergency trips that turned into admitting dd so I was in jeans. Got family to bring me PJ's.

I've been up and down like a yoyo all night. I wouldn't have been comfortable doing that in PJs, though yoga trousers would have been ok. I'll suggest to dh that he brings his equivalent. But I take it that an adult moving around the children's ward in PJs won't cause offence?

Mind you, the only non-HCP adult I have noticed is the mum in the next cubicle, and she also stayed in her day clothes. I know there are other parents but I've been oblivious to them - I guess we focus on our dc.

wasn't given a bed or option.shoved into making do with that dam horrible chair next to the bed.it was awful

We've been in a few times and I always put PJs on and have a dressing gown to hand too.

I have an overnight bag packed ready. It has tracksuit bottoms and a t-shirt in it, which I would wear day and night.

I did but our local hospital is mostly private rooms and I was in bed with DD.

Been in a few times and didn’t at first but now couldn’t give a toss and get out the pjs and whip the bra off so can get comfy. Know I’m not going to get much sleep so I want the sleep I get to be good 😬
Nobody minds parents wearing pjs as far as I can tell

I hope everything is ok x

After too many years to remember staying my my DD's bedside I don't think it's usual for parents to be in PJ's. I always wore the clothes I'd worn around the hospital which would be sort of leisure / tracksuit bottoms and T shirt. Also remember it often gets really hot

DD spent 2 years in hospital. Hospitals are hot I absolutely changed into pyjamas as did the majority of other parents.

Tis a little awkard if the doctors come around super early and yours not dressed yet though.

Sleep and comfort is important. Hard enough at the best of times to get sleep in a hospital

Yes I did and I saw many others with them too. Having said that I really haven’t thought about it until now. Like you said I think so many are focusing on their own children no one really cares!

Sleep? What's that?

So, a good few posters say, yes pajamas, totally normal and you are going to tell your husband not to wear his pj's.

Why ask if you are going to ignore replies that support your husband's choice? Poor guy.

10yr + in the NHS. I've seen it all parents in pjs, in comfys, tiny nighties that are a bit too pretty
revealing. Dads just wearing boxers and everything in between. No one is bothered really but maybe some need to remember they are on a children's ward and that doctors will be round in the morn....Also some stay in pjs all day even going to the shop/cafe in pjs/dressing gown.

Awrite you haven't seen my dh's pyjamas. If you had, you'd have seen far too much of my dh!

I've not ignored his comfort. I've told him to bring his light trackies or his naice pjs.

I do. Can’t stand being uncomfortable, especially in a stressful situation.
No one ever made a comment or raised eyebrows afaik.

Actually, I don't know why I even bothered engaging with your judgementalism. Things are unpleasant enough already. We're not on a hospital ward overnight for shits n giggles.

I wore pjs at night when we were in for weeks at a time. Comfy leggings and tunics type outfits for the daytime. Couldn't always shower so changing clothes regularly was important!

I didn't see any dads staying so didn't see what they wore but the mums all seemed to wear pjs too.

Slightly curious as to what your dh's pjs might consist of! 😁

Usually yes but it depends on the facilities. If I have a bed or fold out bed then yes. If I am in a chair then I just wear something comfy. Tbh I'm past caring what the Drs think as ds's consultant has seen me in various states by now including in my pj's, and once in just a t-shirt and a blanket with puke in my hair and off my head on morphine.

Last time I just slept in my vomit-drenched clothes. Very much in favour of yoga pants/T-shirt/decent pjs.

Always go for PJs (cotton loose trousers and a vest) as do most mums (dads seem to opt for PJ bottoms/shorts and t shirts). It’s blooming hot and uncomfortable in there. Plus the staff are used to seeing a lot more of their patients than an elbow or ankle

I hope you are ok OP: I strongly advocate a sleeping mask, even if you only sleep for a few 10 minute power naps its better for you and your child. It’s surprising how much better a few minutes can make you feel. Also depending on the situation taking a break from the ward in the cafe/corridor/parents rooms will help. Last time I was on a few of the parents took it in turns and we watched each other’s kids and fetched each other drinks and snacks etc

You need to look after yourself too - which means pjs, flip flops so you don’t have to catch nasty things off the floor, socks, extra blanket, clean your teeth and have a shower.
Eat properly, not just sandwiches.
If you can take a break do so properly by leaving hospital and going for a walk outside.
Your ward might allow you to also take your child for a walk if they are well enough.
I had a portable DVD player too as you can only get kids tv on the tv screens by the bed.
Earplugs and eye mask a necessity.