How can I make my child more comfortable in the hospital?

Remember that little things, besides keeping favorite toys within reach, can be big deals. These easy insider moves can make a hospital adventure more pleasant (okay, less rotten) for your child.

• Ask the nurse to always apply numbing gel before your child gets a shot or has blood drawn. Do you know that flavored medicine that dentists apply to your gums before giving a Novocain injection, so the needle won’t hurt? A similar med can save your tyke a hundred ouches. Ask the nurse to apply EMLA or lidocaine cream to your child’s skin about an hour before a scheduled needle stick.
• Set limits. Tell the nurses or interns that if they are unable to draw blood or insert an IV after two attempts, you would like another person to try.
• If your child has to wear a surgical mask, have it lined with flavored Chapstick. Cherry, of course.

From The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents by Jennifer Trachtenberg.

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Create an environment of warmth, comfort, tranquility, laughter and fun experiences for your child during his/her hospital stay.

Bring his/her favorite toys and “security” blanket to the hospital. Normalize his/her experience in the hospital as much as possible.

Read to your child as you would do at home. Provide him/her with ample attention and affection.

Cuddle and snuggle with your child in his/her hospital bed and tell his/her favorite stories. Imagine together and ask what he/she would like if he/she as a magic wand.

Have his/her favorite snacks if appropriate.

Your child wants to know that he/she will not be left alone in the care of sterilized strangers. Your constant and consistent presence will bring much comfort and rest to him/her.