Pediatric ICU welcome: Getting your child moving in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (2153)

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) can be a stressful place for children and their families. Our goal is to provide the best care to your child and help your child recover. Getting your child moving is a major part of that!

Many children in the PICU get weak muscles. For some children, this weakness can last a long time. It can stop your child from getting back to their normal lives. Keeping your child moving and active in the PICU helps their muscles stay strong. This is called mobility.

• Members of your child’s care team will work together to decide what is safe for your child to do each day.
• The team will help your child do things which help their body move. This may include:
  • rolling in bed
  • raising the head of the bed to wash up
  • getting up to a chair
  • walking
• Your child may be on a breathing machine (respirator or ventilator) when moving. The team will make sure activities are done safely.
• Younger children may play on a floor mat or take a trip to the playroom in a stroller or wagon.

Our goal is to help your child get better as soon as they can. Moving will help them get back to their daily routine as fast as possible.

Please speak with your PICU team if you have questions!