Hospital time

As I mentioned before in a previous post, my partner has been having some serious health issues that have led us into and out of hospitals quite often in the last several months. One of the hardest challenges we have faces is knowing when and if we should have Seth at the hospital with us. We typically bring Seth with us everywhere we go, whether to events, restaurants or shopping, he has always done fine. Some places we have chosen not to bring him due to the appropriateness and we do take some time for ourselves on rare occasion as well. However, the hospital is not a typical setting for an infant or toddler to hang out when not necessary. There is the risk of coming into contact with a contagious disease, being exposed to behaviors that are not pleasant, and the overall task of being stuck in a tiny room with tons of things you aren't allowed to touch. We have often had to find a compromise somewhere in the middle based on the availability of child care and the reason for the hospital visit. Over the last year I have learned a few tricks for these situations.
1) Bring lots of different snacks. You are probably not going to be leaving for some time and it will probably overlap with meal times. Especially if you have a picky eater you will want lots of choices. Snacks will help take care of crankiness from being hungry as well as provide a distraction or a bribe. Don't forget to bring drinks as well.
2) Books and quiet toys. Again a variety of options will help with distraction to fill the time and keep little ones from getting bored and into mischief. Keeping in mind that most hospitals will want things to remain on as quiet a volume as possible, probably not good to bring the loudest and most fun toys.
3) Electronic devices. Sometimes a well placed video or age appropriate game on a tablet can be a lifesaver when you are trying to focus on a doctor around a screaming toddler. Everyone has their own opinions on screen time usage for kids, and I don't pretend to be an expert in the field or to give expert advice. What I do know is from experience and in an already stressful situation, sometimes it is best to use whatever options you have to avoid going crazy.
4) Movement. Keeping in mind all of the possible things that could happen in an Emergency Room situation and any rules the hospital has around being in the halls, a change of scenery is always helpful. My little guy will walk the halls up and down for hours instead of being in one small room. This doesn't always work depending on the circumstance, but it has usually been an option for us. I also often bring Seth outside if it is easy to go in and out. I know some hospitals have a higher level of security that would make that more difficult.
It is never an easy situation having a small child in a hospital and I wouldn't wish it for anyone. But being prepared for it can help make it a little easier.