Logan Reid
Keeping toddlers entertained in a hospital can be challenging, especially when they are learning to walk and want to be active. However, play can make the hospital environment less scary and encourage children to focus on having fun rather than their illness. Here are some tips to keep toddlers busy and distracted during a hospital stay.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Play | Makes the hospital environment less scary and encourages children to focus on activity rather than illness |
| Toys | Bring familiar toys and consider a few new ones to keep the toddler engaged |
| Books | Bring anthologies and colouring books |
| Screen time | A couple of days of extra TV or tablet time won't hurt |
| Child Life Specialists | These professionals are trained in teaching toddlers about medical procedures and helping them cope |
| Communication | Give clear and honest explanations about diagnosis and treatment |
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What You'll Learn
Play games and do puzzles
Games and puzzles are a great way to keep toddlers entertained and distracted from their hospital surroundings. Play helps to make the hospital environment less scary and encourages toddlers to focus on the activity rather than their illness. Toddlers are constantly learning and developing, so engaging in games and puzzles supports their growth.
There are plenty of simple games and puzzles that can be played in hospital, and you can bring familiar toys and objects from home to make the experience less daunting. For example, bring along some board games suitable for toddlers, such as Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, or Memory. These games are fun and help develop important skills such as turn-taking, strategy, and memory recall.
If you don't have access to board games, you can create your own games and puzzles with everyday objects. For instance, a simple scavenger hunt around the hospital room can be created, where your toddler has to find specific items or colors and collect them. You can also bring along toys that encourage imaginative play, such as dolls or stuffed animals, and create stories and scenarios for them to act out. Puzzles are another great option for quiet, focused play and can be adapted to different skill levels.
Remember that toddlers have short attention spans, so it's a good idea to have a variety of activities planned and to offer choices between two things, rather than asking yes or no questions. This keeps them engaged and involved in the decision-making, making the hospital experience more positive and empowering.
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Read books and colour
Keeping toddlers entertained in a hospital environment can be challenging, but reading books and colouring activities can be a great way to keep them occupied and calm.
Reading Books
When reading to toddlers, it is important to remember that their attention spans are short. It is normal for toddlers to wander around, play, or climb while being read to. They are still absorbing the story, even if they are not sitting still and listening quietly. Reading to toddlers regularly helps increase their vocabulary and attention span. It is also a great way to spend quality time with your child and create a calming routine, especially in a stressful environment like a hospital.
- Choose interactive books with detailed pictures that they can point to and discuss.
- Count objects in the pictures and ask what sounds the animals make.
- Make it dramatic and expressive! Toddlers love it when you are animated in your reading.
- If the book has a lot of words, you don't have to read them all. Instead, name and count objects in the pictures and make up your own version of the story.
- Sing the story if it's a nursery rhyme and do the motions if there are any.
- Use your finger to track the words as you read, pointing to each word.
- Read at times when your toddler is likely to be calmer, such as after a bath or when they are physically exhausted.
Colouring
Colouring and other creative activities are not only fun for toddlers, but they also aid in cognitive, mental, and creative skill development. Colouring can help toddlers relax and de-stress, improving their attention span.
- Provide diluted food colours or edible paints for colouring activities.
- Use modelling clay in different colours and get your toddler to build things out of the same colour. They can also mix colours to see what they create!
- Play colour-matching games with coloured cards, blocks, or balls.
- Teach colours by pointing out things in books and stating the colour. Include this in your daily life, too, and check in to see if they can identify colours.
- Use toys like stacking rings and ask your toddler to bring you a specific colour.
- Play games like "I Spy" and sing songs about colours.
- Use flashcards to learn about colours and practice spelling their names.
Remember, it is important to understand your toddler's learning process and keep activities fun and engaging!
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Watch TV or play on a tablet
Watching TV or playing on a tablet can be a great way to keep a toddler entertained during a hospital stay. Here are some tips to make the most of screen time:
Choose age-appropriate content
Select shows or games that are suitable for toddlers. Look for educational or interactive programs that engage your toddler's curiosity and encourage learning. Consider their favourite characters or themes, such as animals or vehicles, to keep them interested.
Set up video calls
Use the device to help your toddler stay connected with their loved ones. Arrange video calls with family members or friends, offering a chance for your toddler to socialise and interact with familiar faces. This can be comforting and provide a sense of normalcy during their hospital stay.
Manage screen time
Be mindful of the amount of screen time your toddler engages in. While screens can be a helpful distraction, excessive use may not be beneficial. Consider setting a time limit or having dedicated screen time blocks throughout the day. This can help maintain a balance with other activities and ensure your toddler doesn't become overly dependent on screens.
Encourage interaction
Involve yourself in your toddler's screen time when possible. Discuss what they are watching or playing, ask questions, and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about the content. This can promote critical thinking and create opportunities for learning and bonding.
Combine with other activities
Combine screen time with other activities to create a well-rounded experience. For example, if your toddler is watching a show about animals, you can bring along some related toys or books to extend their play and imagination. Alternatively, you can suggest drawing their favourite character or creating a craft project inspired by the show, encouraging creativity and fine motor skill development.
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Walk around the hospital floor
Walking around the hospital floor is a great way to keep a toddler busy during a hospital stay. Toddlers have extremely short attention spans, so walking around the hospital floor can provide them with a much-needed change of scenery and stimulation. It can also be a good opportunity for them to practice walking if they are at that stage, and to burn off some energy.
If your toddler is able to walk on their own, you can let them wander and explore, pointing out different things to them along the way, such as nurses, doctors, other children, and medical equipment. You can also give them simple directions to follow, such as "let's walk to that wall and turn around" or "let's find the elevator." This can help them feel a sense of independence and autonomy, which can be especially important if they are feeling confined or restricted during their hospital stay.
If your toddler is still learning to walk or needs assistance, you can bring a toy pushcart or stroller for them to hold onto and walk alongside you. This can provide support and help them feel more confident as they are learning to walk. You can also bring their favourite stuffed animal or toy for them to hold onto as they walk, which can provide a sense of comfort and familiarity.
Walking around the hospital floor can also be a good opportunity for your toddler to socialize with other children. Many hospitals have playrooms or common areas where children can play and interact with each other. This can help your toddler feel less isolated and provide a welcome distraction from the hospital environment. It is also beneficial for their growth and development to engage in activities and socialize with others.
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Socialise with other children
Socialising with other children is an important part of a toddler's growth and development. It can also help to take their mind off their illness and the scary hospital environment. Here are some tips to help your toddler socialise with other children during a hospital stay:
Spend Time in Communal Areas
If possible, take your toddler to communal areas in the hospital, such as playrooms or outdoor spaces, where they are likely to meet and interact with other children. This will allow them to socialise and play together in a relaxed setting.
Invite Familiar Friends
If your toddler has close friends or cousins of a similar age, consider inviting them to visit during your hospital stay. Familiar faces can provide comfort and help your toddler feel more at ease in the hospital environment. They can play together, watch movies, or simply enjoy each other's company, making the hospital stay more enjoyable.
Engage with Other Families
During your hospital stay, you may meet other families in similar situations. Introduce yourself and, if everyone is comfortable, arrange for the children to spend time together. This can foster new friendships and provide a sense of community during a challenging time.
Join Hospital Activities
Hospitals sometimes organise activities and events specifically designed for children. These can include art sessions, music therapy, or group play sessions. Participating in these activities offers an excellent opportunity for your toddler to interact and socialise with other children going through similar experiences. Ask the hospital staff about any upcoming events or regular activities that your toddler can join.
Remember that socialisation is an essential part of your toddler's development, and it can also help normalise their hospital experience. By encouraging interactions with other children, you are providing them with a supportive network that can make their hospital stay less isolating and more positive.
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Frequently asked questions
Bring books, colouring books, crayons, puzzles, and toys. If the hospital has a playroom, take advantage of it. If your toddler is learning to walk, get a toy pushcart so they can walk around the hospital.
Toys that are suitable for "Toddler Road Trip Activities", such as lap-friendly toys, are a good choice.
Yes, a couple of days of extra TV or tablet time won't hurt.
Toddlers have short attention spans, so keep that in mind and give small pieces of information at a time. Give them options between two things rather than yes or no questions.
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