Preparing for your child's hospitalization
Whether this is your child's first hospitalization or one of many at St. Christopher's, being away from home and meeting many different people can be stressful for both child and family. Parents have an important role in keeping their child comfortable. Familiar routines---dressing, bathing, feeding---can help your child adjust. Don't be afraid to ask questions or to request understandable explanations about your child's care. Your child's nurse will welcome you to your room and familiarize you and your child with the room or unit.

What to bring to the Hospital:

Items from home:

Bring familiar toys(inexpensive and marked with your child's name) clothes and books. The Hospital provides pajamas and age-appropriate toys through Child Life Services (5321).

Settling in:

Television
TV service is provided free of charge in patient rooms. A remote control will be made available if necessary.

Parent bed
A cot for one parent to stay at their child's bedside overnight is available on the 4th and 5th floors. Please contact Family and Patient Relations (5163) for all other accommodation needs.

Telephones
Telephones are available at bedside on 4th and 5th floors. There is no charge for local calls. For a restful environment, telephone service to patient rooms is turned off during the night.

Pay phones are located on each floor. There is a phone available in the Family Resource Center (4th floor behind main elevators).

Mail
Mail for your child should be addressed to:

Your child's full name and room number
St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
Erie Avenue at Front Street
Philadelphia, PA 19134-1095

Meals
Menu choices for the next day are given out at breakfast. If you prefer, you may fill out menus for several days in advance. If your child needs help reading the menu, the person who distributes and collects trays will be glad to help. Questions about your child's meals, special foods or trips to the cafeteria may be directed to your child's nurse or the dietician.