Activities for 18 month old in hospital

[MaiseyDog]

My little one is having surgery at the end of the month to repair an congenital defect with her bladder. The MD said to expect to be in the hospital at least 3 days. I have a friend who's daughter also had the surgery, but she was much older when she had hers. Anyway, my friend said the incision is in relatively the same spot as a c-section would be.

I am trying to come up with things to take to the hospital but am having a really hard time. She's mostly a goer and doesn't have much of an attention span yet (like any 18 month old does). I thought of art supplies and books, but that's about it. I also thought I'd take along some DVD's but in the past she couldn't care less about TV. Has anyone been through hospital stays with a child this age? Does anyone have any ideas to help keep her entertained and relatively still?

Thanks

[Tinkerbell313]

Our hospital has a playroom for the children on the pediatrics floor. They had toys for all sorts of ages. Also, they had tons of movies to bring back to the room.

The only children not allowed in the room are those with contagious illnesses (my son was not able to go in with his RSV...also we could not bring toys/movies from that room back to our room)

[bubbaray]

What about I Spy pillows/bags (o_mom posted instructions on how to make them).

18m is a difficult age for attention. We have had to go to Children's Hospital here a LOT for DD#2's medical issues and for some reason, the specialists always run late, so every single visit turns into hours of waiting and a few minutes with the dr. Obviously, not the same as inpatient stays, but still, I completely *get* that activities for that age are hard to come by.

What about calling the hospital/ward and asking them for advice?? Do they have child-life coordinators at your hospital? They have them here and they are specialists in making children's stays in the hospital as pleasant as possible.

Many hugs to you and your DD -- keep us posted!

[lorinick]

I wish lots of luck. I second calling and ask for advice. I too have an 18 month old with no attention span and not a TV watcher either. He likes books for a short time. How about puppets, snacks, new toys he has not seen yet. crayons and paper may be some fun. Lollops always help too. I hope all goes great.:wavey:

[BabyMine]

Luckily, my son was into Little Einsteins when he had his surgeries so we did DVDs. I was careful about toys becasue I didn't want to bring anything home from the hospital. Make sure whatever you bring can be washed or thrown away.

[wendibird22]

My DD (19mos) has fun playing with a mini/travel size magna doodle, crayons/paper/stickers, and wooden puzzles.

[salsah]

stickers / post -its / scotch tape

jewelery boxes -- opening / closing, putting things in / taking things out

my 18 mo dd liked this toy (http://www.amazon.com/Parents-PM9403R-Animal-Hospital/dp/B000AV5LJO). she loved trying to get the keys in the doors (she still can't do it by herself) opening and closing the doors, putting things inside.

lift the flap books or pop up books

look up some finger play / rhymes that you can do with her. (i just came across some recently. i'll try to find them again and i'll pm you.)