Friends of ours have a little boy who was born with a heart defect. He is 1 1/2 yrs old and just had another surgery (with a few complications, but doing good now) We would like to get him something to maybe comfort him or amuse him while he is there. Any suggestions on what we could get that would be ok for a hospital setting?
Hi T.,
Go the old fashioned route and get him a teddy bear those always work for comfort! it worked when my brither was in the hospital when her was younger- but if you ask him now(he's 17) he'll say he never owned a teddy bear. but they are soft and cuddley and always seem to cheer up any child no matter what. wish the family luck and blessings.
Hi T.,
My 15 mo. old niece just went through another open heart surgery and we were able to bring her stuffed animals (new) and things she found special from home. I think as long as it is clean and/or sterilized its okay. He won't be playing much as he recovers, and space to put things may be an issue, but something colorful placed at the foot of his bed or somewhere he can see it may be nice. A book someone can read to him may also be comforting.
Crayola Color Wonders are great because he is so little and it won't get all over everything. Or a DVD (if the hospital has a player). I love the Disney Learning Adventure DVD's. My 2 yr old just started watching them and can already spell Tigger, Pooh, Rabbit, & Roo.
H.
Trish,
I wrote a book called I Can Do Anything! that features CAN DO KIDS...it is sweet with a lot of great illustrations and helps them to have a positive attitude. I would be honored to give you a copy for this little boy as part of your gift. This is my first day at Mamasource so I am not sure if we can actually get in touch personally with each other. My book is available at some stores and Amazon but I would love to just give it to you! I also have 3 kids ages 7,10 and 11 who helped me write this book! Deb L
Check out the Skwish Ball. I just learned about it and it's fabulous. I found it online by doing a google search.
My niece and nephew both had to have heart surgery...and will need again in a few years. Any games or activities that are age appropriate...movies, cars, etc. You want to stay away from anything plush because it can't be sterilized. Also check with the hospital. Lucile Packard/Stanford has a great play room for the children who stay in the hospital. The one your friend's child is admitted to might have something similar.
My almost 2 year old LOVES her giant stuffed dog from Costco as well as her big old stuffed snake from IKEA - they comfort her, and she cuddles them nonstop. Both are under $20 - I reccommend the big green snake (called Brattleby) from IKEA!
Coloring books and crayons are a good idea too - puzzles, and activity he can do while in bed. Remember though 1 1/2 is still very much a baby, so stick to simple young activities for children below preschool level.
Laying in a hospital bed can get pretty boring. Maybe you can get him some coloring books and crayons or some story books his momma can read him. Something to pass the time.
magna doodle, aqua doodle,read books,color,wall projectors with different characters or animals on them or a view master- he can push bottons himself.These are a few that come to mind.I wish the little boy & his family well.
My son turns one today and just got out of hospital, what kept him amused (besides the TV) were little rubber cars and wooden blocks and other wooden toys like those bead slider things (a bit like an abacus but with the bendy wire)
Even when he couldn't sit up, the colours were enough to amuse him.
He's also become attached the $3 teddy bear I got him from the supermarket.
The other thing I did was attach a foil balloon to the side of the cot they had him in, he seemed to like it being there because it added a splash of colour.
Perhaps ask the Parents if they have any preferences? Or are there "rules" at the hospital? Keep in mind his age... and what they can do or not do at this age, and in his condition. Music or simple manipulative toys are great, provided theres not a lot of little pieces to choke on etc, or which may fall on the floor and cause tripping hazards for others, or get tangled in his monitor lines etc. I'm sure you will think of a great thoughtful gift... you should get great suggestions here. Good luck, and hugs to this little boy!
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo
How sweet to want to bring him a gift. Well, I sell Discovery Toys and I know there are some great ideas for him. Rainfall rattle is fun to watch the beads, Baby Signs (awesome DVD and books and chart), toddler talk phone, place and trace if he likes to color or just play imaginary play. And there are more great items. If you are interested, check out the DT website, www.discoverytoysinc.com and give me a call or email and I would love to give you a little discount!
Good luck!
B. Small
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how about a cd with cd player my favorite is "A child's gift of Lullabyes " , My 13 yrd old still falls asleep to it. even Barnes and NObles carries this...
Favorite video... usualle there is a video player in the hostpital...
These worked for my daughter when she was in a hostpital at 24 months...
favorite toys... if hospital allows... usually with nice music.... and calm motion...
books with sounds... or just books with nice pictures....
hardcover pages...
Hi T., I am co-coordinator Mended Little Hearts Fresno which is part of national support group that helps families whose children were born with congenital heart defects. My son is almost 11 and has has open heart surgery and is doing fantastic. In fact, he now runs cross country and his team was undefeated this year. We have a list of things that are age appropriate that we give to the children at the hospital. If you would like for me to forward you that list I can. just let me know. Some things they find comforting are fleece blankets, DVD's to watch. Bubbles for them to blow to get the crud out of their lungs, pinwheels work well also. You really need to check on the hospital policies to see what they will accept. Also, think of the parent too. A calling card, note pad with paper to write notes down, a small flashlight in case they need to get up in the middle of the night to find the bathroom. Crossword puzzle books, etc. Sometimes we tend to forget about the parents and they need a little TLC soon. I hope this child has a speedy recovery. If anybody would like info on Mended Little Hearts the national website is www.mendedhearts.org.
