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Preparing for Your Visit

At Children’s National Hospital, we strive to make your family’s visit or extended stay both safe and comfortable. Whether you’re visiting our main hospital in Washington, D.C., or one of our specialty care locations throughout the region, you may have questions before, during or after your child’s visit. 

We’re here to answer your questions and provide you with useful information about getting here, what you need to bring and what you should know about our facilities. 

baby smiling with arms open

Visiting Hours and Guidelines

Please read our COVID-19 Family and Caregiver Visitation Policy, as we have adjusted it to ensure the safety of patients, families and staff. While the decision to restrict our visitation policy was difficult, we thank you for helping us keep our community safe.

Colorful balloons hang in the Costco Wholesale Atrium at Children's National.

Traveling to Children's

Learn how to navigate transportation and parking, find our locations and discover other essential information as you prepare for your child's visit at Children's National.

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Your First Visit

We understand keeping up with your child’s medical needs can be challenging, so we have provided information to help you prepare for your child’s first appointment.

parents and surgeon talk in a waiting room

Having Surgery: What to Expect

When preparing for your child’s surgery, it is important that you understand the process and feel comfortable with our facility. View our resources to help prepare you and your child before, during and after surgery.

Children hugging mother in Healing Garden.

Talking to Your Child About Hospitalization

We understand that you may be unsure about what to tell your child about surgery. Here are some age-appropriate guidelines from our Child Life Specialists to help prepare both you and your child.

medical professional on phone in hospital

Emergency Visits

Learn about the emergency departments that serve Children’s National Hospital patients and their families.

A doctor in blue scrubs looks at a laptop.

Telehealth Services

We are connecting families to convenient, quality care using secure technology. Learn how you can engage virtually with your child’s care team.

mom and daughter consult with doctor

Getting a Second Opinion

At Children’s National Hospital, our leading pediatric specialists provide in-person and remote second opinions to families in our local community, across the United States and around the world. Discover which option works best for you.