Hospital Crafts for Kids

Seeing the doctor can be a scary experience for young children, but hospital themed crafts can make routine visits less frightening for your kids. An inexpensive and simple activities can help empower your children by teaching them about what they can expect during their next check-up.

This craft really helps kids to identify and understand the different functions of common medical tools and supplies. To make the bag, fold a piece of black, brown or white construction paper in half the short way. Cut out handles that are proportionate to the paper bag and either glue or tape them in place. Staple or tape the sides of the bag closed, but leave the top open so that your kids may place items inside. Cut a cross out of a piece of red construction paper and glue it to the front of the bag. Using a white crayon or chalk, write your child's name with a "Dr." in front of it on the other side of the bag. Allow your children to place bandages, cotton balls or swabs, tongue depressors or other small items you might find in a doctor's office, inside the bag. Before playtime, talk with your kids about the uses of these items to help familiarize them.

Make a doctor's headband so your child looks the part. You can use simple strips of white computer paper or construction paper to create a doctor headband. Wrap a measuring tape or a simple piece of string snugly around your child's head to determine the length you will need the paper strips to be. The width of the paper should be 2 or 3 inches. After you have your paper strip, cut a circle out of a sheet of aluminum foil and tape or glue it to the middle of the paper. The width of the circle should be a bit more than the paper strip so it resembles a real doctor's mirror. Tape or staple the ends of the paper strip together and place it on your child's head.

This craft explains the function of a stethoscope to your child. Cut out a cup from an empty carton of eggs and give one to each child. Use tempera paint or markers to decorate the cups and allow them to dry before poking a hole in the bottom. Thread a piece of yarn or string through the hole and tie a knot so that the cup hangs from the end. Cut the center out of a flexible paper plate so you are left with a ring shape. Cut one side of the ring so you can open it and later place it around your child's neck. Poke a hole in the side of the ring opposite from the cut. Thread the other unknotted end of the string from the egg cup through the hole in the paper plate ring and knot it so that the cup hangs. Place the stethoscope around your child's neck and allow him to try using it like a real doctor would.