subject: Stuffed Animals In The Hospital [print this page] The story of the velveteen rabbit is one that sticks with many children through their adolescent years. A young child loves his rabbit so much that it becomes real. However, during the plot of the story, the little boy falls severely ill with scarlet fever. During that time all toys are kept from him and those toys that he did play with are ordered to be burned.
These days it is not necessary to burn all of the toys you play with while you're sick in bed. This was only done in the early part of last century to make sure things like scarlet fever, measles, mumps, and other communicable and highly contagious diseases wouldn't spread. There is only a very, very slim chance anyone would come down with these diseases today and if they did, medical science has progressed a great deal since the 1920s.
It is a good idea however to clean all stuffed animals that come into contact with germs and sickness. These toys like stuffed cats and stuffed dogs are great comfort to children and adults alike when staying in the hospital. They become great companions and strong comforts during the long hours and late nights spent in a hospital bed. They're also reminders of the person who gave the gift and how much they care about you. This is great solace when you are all alone listening to the night nurse travel up and down the hall making rounds.
When you leave the hospital many patients keep these as mementos or keepsakes of their time in the hospital and to remind them that people care about them. However, it is important to clean the stuffed toy when you leave. No one wants a germy beanie boo hanging out in their bedroom. If the toy is too big to put in the washing machine a cleaning in the sink will do just fine. Simply wet down the animal and rub a gentle soap into its fur. This can be anything from a gentle laundry detergent to a dish soap like Dawn. After you've soaped and washed the stuffed animal, rinse it thoroughly. Don't worry about putting it in the dryer, just hang it on a clothes line or even on the shower rod in your bathroom. Allow it to air dry fully before putting it back in a special place like a shelf or on your pillow.
