Staying Overnight

At Children’s National Medical Center, our approach to caring for patients involves the entire family. As our partner in care, we work closely with you to ensure the best outcomes and a positive experience while your child is a patient with us. We make sure you have the information, resources and support you need to be an active member of your child’s care team.

When your child needs to stay overnight at Children’s National, our Staying Overnight brochure and this section of our website explain how to prepare for your visit and what to expect at the hospital. Throughout your child’s stay, we encourage you to ask questions and share your observations.  

Staying Overnight with Your Child
Parents and legal guardians are welcome to visit Children’s National Medical Center 24 hours a day. We strongly encourage parents to be with their child during an overnight (inpatient) stay. Your presence is comforting, especially for younger children. Either both parents or up to two guardians can stay in a child’s room. Most inpatient rooms at the hospital include a bed and a reclining chair. There are also sleeping spaces located close to the rooms in quiet waiting areas.

Other family members and friends are welcome to visit from 10 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.  All visitors must check in with the nurses or social workers on the child’s unit and follow visitor rules for that unit.