Before Your Visit > Preparing for an Overnight Stay

Whether this is your child's first hospitalization or one of many at St. Chris, 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 children 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

Bring familiar toys, clothes and books that are inexpensive and marked with your child's name. St. Chris provides pajamas and age-appropriate toys through the Child Life Department.  Children may want to bring homework as well as hand-held games or electronic headsets to use following a procedure or during an in-patient stay.

Important Things to Know

• Television: TV service is provided free of charge in patient rooms. A remote control will be made available if necessary.
   
• Parent Bed: Cots for one parent to stay at a child's bedside overnight are available on the 4th and 5th medical/surgical floors.
   
• Telephones: Telephones are available at patient bedsides on the 4th and 5th medical/surgical floors. All local calls are free. For a restful environment, telephone service to patient rooms is turned off during the night.
  
  Pay phones are located on each floor. There is also a phone available in the Family Resource Center located on the 4th floor behind the main elevators.
   
• Incoming Mail:  Mail for your child should be addressed to:
  Your child's full name and room number
  St. Christopher's Hospital for Children
  3601 A 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 dietician.