Safe Games and Activities for Children After Heart Surgery
Parents have a tough job no matter what but when their children have serious illnesses, it is an even greater challenge knowing when to be more protective and when to encourage the child to take a risk. For children who’ve undergone heart surgery, special care must be taken to allow their incision and sternum to heal. Fortunately, Cornell University has an information pamphlet for parents that is full of practical tips on how to go about everyday life - Taking Care of Your Child After Surgery.
Here’s what’s recommended for play time.
- Infants and toddlers - rattles, music and musical toys, pacifier, blanket, mobiles, bubbles, videos, books, and a soft touch (not sure what that means).
- Preschoolers - coloring books, Colorforms®, puzzles, playdough, LEGO, and glue projects with magazine pictures and construction paper
- School age children - read books, listen to books on tape, music, videos, using handheld video games, puzzles, board games, magazines, playdough, legos, puppet play, paper and markers, card games, and beading.
One of the hottest toys right now that I think would be fabulous for grade school kids to play with after surgery is Webkinz. They’re cuddly little furry creatures who also have an alter ego that children can interact with online. Children love them and it gives those who’re recuperating a chance to interact with other children in a safe environment. This is especially true for children who may not be able to play with peers face-to-face yet because of lagging energy or the need to keep exposure to contagious diseases to a minimum. For more about Webkinz, read this Washington Post article.
Have you any other games and activities to recommend for children after surgery?
NB: For more ideas on toys, books, and other things for all children, come visit me and Kerri Aldrich at Play Library!
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Tags: toys, children, kids, heart surgery, games, play, webkinz, congenital heart defect, heart, heart disease, diseases, illness, health
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3 opinions for Safe Games and Activities for Children After Heart Surgery
Jennifer Lance
Mar 16, 2007 at 6:35 am
My son underwent open heart surgery at four months of age. I think that even babies should be read to in the hospital, and NICUs should be stocked with children’s books. In addition, I think that familiar music is comforting. Many units have strict regulations regarding latex, so some toys may not be allowed (like balloons).
Hsien-Hsien Lei, PhD
Mar 17, 2007 at 3:29 pm
Jennifer: Thanks for sharing your experience and suggestions. I agree that books and music are some of the best therapies around. Hope your son is doing well now.
Awesome Mom
Mar 26, 2007 at 7:30 am
I have had to deal with an infant recovering from heart surgery and later on the same son as a toddler recovering from heart surgery. He enjoyed playing with cars, trains and other things with wheels. We also brought a portable DVD player so that he would still right after after his surgery. I figured that all the tv he wanted was not too bad if he did not have it when he got home.
Actually home was where the healing sternum gave us the most trouble. You are not supposed to pick them up under the arms for at least six weeks. That is especially tricky at bath time with a slippery toddler.
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