Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo

Child Life Department

Child Life Specialists offer emotional support, procedural teaching and procedural accompaniment to patients and families. They are specially trained to work with children on a developmentally appropriate level, helping them cope with their hospital stay through education and fun activities.

In addition, Child Life Specialists oversee the recreation rooms, entertainment groups and donations made for inpatients.

Child Life Services Offered

• Patient and family support and information to help cope with hospitalization
• Pre-procedural teaching
• Procedural accompaniment
• Pre-admission hospital tour                             
• Pre-surgical video
• Medical play
• Developmentally appropriate activities
• Group activities in playrooms
• Activities provided at bedside
• Art for Life Art While You Wait Program  
• Special guests and entertainment
• Holiday/birthday celebrations
• Volunteer opportunities
• Internships for Child Life Certification

Monetary Donation

To make a monetary donation to the Child Life Department, access the Women & Children's Hospital Foundation web site at http://foundation.wchob.org or call (716) 881-8230. All toys, crafts, video games, and movies are purchased with donated funds. Your support is appreciated!

Hospital Wish List

Download List - PDF

What to bring to the hospital

The comfort of each patient in the hospital is important. Each pediatric inpatient floor has a playroom with toys, board games, video games, movies, DVD/VHS players, arts and crafts, and other activities to keep patients busy. Most of these items can be taken right to patients' rooms. However, we have found that bringing familiar items from home can normalize the hospital environment for a child. Below is a list of items that patients have found to be helpful.

• Favorite blanket/stuffed animal
• Your own pillow
• Favorite movies/music/books/toys
• Your own toothbrush (the hospital can also provide this)
• Shampoo/body wash (the hospital can also provide this)
• Laptop computer (the hospital has wireless internet available)
• iPod, MP3 player, Nintendo DS, small electronics
• Your own pajamas/slippers (the hospital also provides these)
• Pictures of siblings, friends and other family members
• Favorite snacks
• Favorite cup to drink from