Preparing for Your Child’s Visit
Knowing what to expect and preparing ahead of time can help you and your child feel more confident and make the hospital visits go more smoothly.
Learn what to expect during your child’s visit
We understand that a hospital stay can represent a major change for the entire family. Therefore, we would like to share information about how to prepare yourself, your child and others for what may happen before, during and after your visit.
Learn more about the services and resources available to help you and your child have a positive experience at University of Iowa Stead Family Children's Hospital.
Inpatient (Overnight stays)
We have many of the basic necessities for your child during their stay, but these are some items parents or caregivers may want to bring to help make your child’s hospitalization more comfortable. If you have a planned stay, pack a bag! Have your child help pack for the hospital.
- Comfort items: A favorite blanket, pillow, special toy or stuffed animal from home to make the hospital stay feel a little more normal for your child.
- Sleep items: Pajamas, slippers, or a robe if desired.
- Extra clothes: Bring a comfortable, loose-fitting change of clothing
- Toiletries: Hairbrush/comb, toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo and conditioner
- Eyeglasses/contacts, hearing aids, or other corrective devices
- Phone and/or laptop chargers
Child Life TV is on channel 114
To access our shows on tablets: Entertainment > Hospital Channels > Child Life and Children's Library Channel or
Channel 114 on the Parent TV
Email [email protected] to share artwork, give feedback, or choose the next activity!
Through play children are able to learn, master experiences, express themselves, cope with anxiety, and develop skills through play. Play also helps children adapt to the hospital environment and the healthcare experience. Our Child Life Program provides many opportunities for play. Whether you are inpatient or outpatient, the child life staff can provide toys, activities, games, art, etc. to you in your room. Each inpatient unit has playrooms/clubhouses to support play. We also have a Child Life TV Channel where we broadcast daily programs:
- Daily Morning Show
- Daily Story Time
- Bingo
- Musical Program
- Guided Art
- Trivia Games
Our child life staff also hosts in-person group activities in our unit playrooms, L12 Press Box, and L12 Press Box Café. Select channel 114 on the Parent TV or Child Life and Children’s Library Channel on the One View tablet to view our schedule of weekly activities and join in on the fun!