Staying overnight with your child
A parent or guardian is welcome to stay overnight. Space limitations permit only one parent at a time to sleep in the patient's room overnight, except in the intensive care units. Parents of patients in the intensive care units are encouraged to speak to their nurse about overnight accommodations. For more information about our visiting hours, policies or parking accommodations, please see our Visitor Information page.
Managing pain is a very imporant part of your child's care. We use many different ways to
relieve pain, and we work hard with you to make your child feel better. Please let everyone on your child's
health care team know how we can all help keep your child as comfortable as possible.
Sleeping arrangements
Each room is equipped with a chair that folds out into a single bed for sleeping. Pillows, blankets and sheets are provided by the hospital. If you bring items from home, please make certain to clearly mark them with your name. Cots for sleeping may also be set up in the Parent Lounge on each floor. To reserve a cot for the night, ask your nurse or unit clerk.
At Children's Memorial, single-bed rooms are usually reserved for patients whose medical condition requires "isolation" or separation to protect themselves and others from the spread of illness. When isolation is no longer required for medical purposes, these patients will often be transferred to rooms shared with other patients. Occasionally, emergency situations require that the move occur in the middle of the night. We ask for your understanding and cooperation if we must move your child from a single bed room to a multiple bed room.
We encourage you to bring your child's favorite toys and personal belongings to make his or her hospital stay more comfortable. Please note that mylar balloons are the only type of balloons permitted in the hospital. Due to the choking risk they present, rubber balloons are not allowed.
Mark personal items with your name and phone number. Please be aware that Children's cannot be responsible for lost or stolen articles.
Showers
Showers are available for parents to use. Ask your nurse for keys and directions to the nearest shower. Towels and soap will be provided, but please bring shampoo and other toiletries and appropriate clothing to wear to and from the showers.
Hotel Accommodations
If you are from out of town and your child's hospitalization requires a lengthy stay in Chicago, Children's Admitting Department can help you make arrangements for hotel accommodations within the area. The Admitting Department can be reached at 773.880.4700. For a list of lodging and neighborhood amenities, visit our Staying In Chicago pages .
Ronald McDonald House ®
The Ronald McDonald House provides a temporary "home away from home" for families of children receiving treatment at Children's Memorial. The 21-bed facility is located two blocks from the hospital. For more information, call the Admitting Department at 773.880.4700 or the House at 773.348.5322.