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Child life services have roots as far back as the 1920s, when hospital volunteers used play to help children cope. But the profession really came into its own in the 1960s, thanks to Emma Plank. Her groundbreaking book, Working with Children in Hospitals, provided a blueprint for addressing the unique needs of children during hospital stays and is still considered foundational in the field today.

Over the years, child life has grown far beyond hospital playrooms. Today, child life specialists provide support in a wide variety of settings, tailoring their care to meet the needs of both patients and their families. Whether offering emotional guidance, helping siblings adjust, or educating parents about medical procedures, child life professionals create a more supportive healthcare experience for everyone involved.

And now, let's fast forward to Annie's role as the Child Life Specialist at Hope for HIE. Her main objective is to help children and families navigate medicalized life by empowering and supporting both children and their caregivers and fostering the ability to advocate for their needs while simultaneously reducing stress, pain, and anxiety. This often looks like support for patients and their families facing surgeries, tests, procedures, diagnoses, and hospitalizations by offering preparation, creating personalized coping plans, providing education, fostering creative expression, and incorporating medical play.

Being in the NICU can feel overwhelming, and it's common for parents to wonder how they can be involved in their baby's care. Child life specialists help families feel like active participants in this journey, bridging the gap between medical care and the emotional needs of the family. Some ways they support parents include:

• Preparing for rounds and care discussions: Helping parents prepare questions for rounds or difficult conversations with the medical team.

• Advocating for families: Supporting parents in sharing their wishes and making sure their baby's needs are understood.

• Encouraging involvement: Guiding parents in ways they can care for or connect with their baby—like holding, reading, or comforting them during routines.

• Connecting to the right resources: Linking families with the specific care team member who can answer their questions.

The NICU can feel overwhelming, and it's easy for families to focus on medical routines and procedures. Child life specialists help parents pause and notice the special moments—both big and small—that make this time meaningful:

• Capturing special moments: Taking photos, creating memory boxes, or helping with footprints and hand molds.

• Marking milestones: Celebrating achievements like monthly "birthdays," first formula feeds, or getting off the ventilator.

• Encouraging meaningful routines: Supporting parents in reading, singing, or spending skin-to-skin time with their baby.

• Highlighting small joys: Even everyday moments— like singing a favorite lullaby, reading a short story, or gently holding their hand — can make a big difference in the emotional journey.

Having a new baby in the NICU can be confusing and scary for siblings. They may feel left out, worried, or unsure how to help—or even what's going on. Child life specialists step in to support siblings emotionally, helping them understand the NICU in a way that makes sense for their age and personality. They also help families find ways for siblings to stay connected and feel included, even when the baby's care is a big focus.

• Explaining in kid-friendly ways: Using books, medical play, and simple language to help siblings understand why their brother or sister is in the hospital.

• Preparing for visits: Showing real NICU photos so siblings know what to expect and feel more comfortable during visits.

• Creating ways to connect: Inviting siblings to help pick out blankets, clothes, books, or stuffed animals, record messages, make art, or decorate the baby's space.

• Encouraging expression: Inviting them to use their creativity to express their feelings and feel included, even when they're not the focus of medical care.

Even in situations where a child life specialist isn't available, there are still child-life-informed strategies to help parents' babies feel safe, loved, and connected. Simple everyday moments—talking, singing, holding, or reading—can create comfort, build trust, and strengthen the emotional bond between parent and baby, supporting them just as much as medical care.

• Talk, read, or sing – Your baby knows your voice. Simple words, lullabies, or reading favorite stories can be calming and familiar.

• Gentle touch and skin-to-skin – Holding, containing, or offering skin-to-skin time when safe helps babies feel secure and loved.

• Participate in care routines – Diaper changes, infant massage, or helping with feeds are opportunities for meaningful interaction.

• Bring familiar items – Family photos, blankets, clothing, or favorite books provide comfort and a sense of home.

• Utilize scent and sound connections – Items that carry your scent or recordings of your voice can reassure your baby when you're not nearby.

Even without child life support, these small steps can help make hospital visits feel calmer, more predictable, and more supportive—for both your baby and you:

• Bring familiar items from home. A small blanket, a favorite stuffed animal, family photos, or even a playlist of calming music can make the space feel more personal and soothing. These small touches help your baby (and you!) feel grounded in a familiar sense of safety.

• Keep routines where you can. Simple rituals—like reading the same book at each visit, singing a favorite song, or saying a comforting phrase to your baby—can provide consistency in an unpredictable environment. Even small, repeated actions send reassuring cues to your baby that you are present and attentive.

• Stay organized and informed. Bring a notebook or use your phone to jot down observations, questions, and updates from the care team. In the early days, having a partner, family member, or friend with you can help retain information and make sure important questions get asked.

• Connect with other NICU families. Sharing experiences with families going through similar situations can be comforting—but try to avoid comparison. Every baby's journey is unique. Listening, sharing, and learning from each other can provide emotional support and practical tips.

• Consider a primary nurse. Many NICUs assign primary nurses to babies, ensuring consistent care from someone familiar with your family's routine and preferences. If you connect particularly well with a nurse, ask if they can become your baby's primary RN!

Even small gestures like these can help siblings feel involved, valued, and emotionally supported during a time that can feel very uncertain:

• Create hands-on connections. Siblings can make cards, draw pictures, or even record short messages to play for the baby. Having them help pack the hospital bag—including items for the baby—gives them a sense of purpose and inclusion.

• Share milestones and moments. Bring siblings into the story by sharing pictures of the baby and updates on their progress. You can even show photos of the hospital environment: the baby's room, the desk where you sit, the handwashing station, or the nurse who cares for the baby. This helps siblings understand what's happening and reduces anxiety about the unknown.

• Set aside dedicated time. At home, carve out special moments to answer their questions honestly. Reading children's books about hospitals or having conversations about the NICU can make the experience more understandable and less frightening.

• Try simple bonding activities. One creative idea is "Sending a Hug." Trace the sibling's arms and hands outstretched on paper, have them color and cut it out, then take it to the NICU to lay across the baby's bed, snap a photo, and share with them back at home.

Bringing your baby home is exciting, but it can also feel like a big adjustment for older siblings. Involving them early helps them feel connected, proud, and included.

• Explain what your baby might need. Use simple, age-appropriate language to talk about extra rest, equipment, or therapies.

• Involve siblings in small ways. Let them help with songs, reading, or handing over a blanket. Giving them "big sibling jobs" makes them feel important and included.

• Set aside dedicated sibling time. Even a few minutes each day focused on them can help siblings feel involved and supported.

• Use familiar routines. Keeping routines consistent, even in small ways, supports the whole family.

Once your baby leaves the NICU, any future hospital stays usually happen in the PICU (pediatric intensive care unit) rather than back in the NICU. In the event this occurs, know that the small things you learned in the NICU—like keeping familiar items close, maintaining small routines, and speaking up for your child's needs—can help make the transition easier.

• Bring familiar comfort items. Blankets, toys, photos, or other items from home help your child feel safe and reassured.

• Keep routines where possible. Consistency provides stability and helps reduce stress for both your child and your family.

• Keep notes and advocate. Write down questions, observations, and preferences to share with the care team. Post an "All About Me" sheet or share coping strategies to help staff understand what works best.

• Ask for support from the care team. Child life specialists can provide toys, books, bouncy seats, sound machines, and other tools to create a more comforting environment.

• Care for yourself, too. Bring snacks, headphones, or a journal to help you stay grounded and supported. Taking care of your own well-being allows you to show up as your calm, present self for your child.

Pro Tip: Looking for more guidance? We also have a Child Life Q&A on helping your family prepare for expected/unexpected hospitalizations, packed with tools and strategies to help families navigate a readmission to the PICU.