Child Life Tools of the Trade

Child Life Specialists can use many teaching tools to help your child cope with a visit to the hospital.

• Teaching dolls: Child Life Specialists use teddy bears and puppets to provide developmentally appropriate teaching prior to procedures.
• Preparation kits and medical play: Child Life Specialists use kits with actual medical equipment to help to patients understand and prepare for their care. 
• Buzzy: Buzzy is a palm sized device that can be used during uncomfortable procedures to block unpleasant sensations. Cold and vibration together act as a type of nerve block.
• Distraction items: Bubbles, music, light up toys, eye spy books, and the ipad are all tools that can be use to keep your child distracted and ease their worries.