Child Life

Illness, injury and hospitalization can cause children and families to feel sad and anxious. At UNM Children’s Hospital, our Child Life team is specially trained to support your family's emotional and cultural needs.

Our child life program is the largest of its kind in New Mexico. You and your child will interact with certified child development specialists and volunteers who will:

  • Ease your child's fears about treatments or procedures
  • Advocate for your family's needs
  • Connect you with your child’s care team
  • Help your child transition back to school
  • Educate the family on pain management
  • Prepare your child for an MRI with special movie goggles!

Through play, art, music and pet therapy, our team helps support normal childhood development and routines while managing a health condition. From pre-admission hospital tours to special entertainment events for families, Child Life offers you and your child a network of support.

Child Comfort Positioning During Vaccination

Watch our video on what the most comfortable position to put your child in for their vaccination.

In English

In Spanish

Play Areas at UNM Children’s Hospital

Play is an integral part of any child’s development. It’s important to keep your child engaged creatively—it can also refocus his or her attention from negative emotions. Our indoor child life playroom has games, musical instruments, toys, books, crafts and a play cooking area. On the hospital roof, we have Pete’s Playground—designed specifically for children with physical limitations.

Games, Toys & More at UNMCH

Our child life team engages your children in activities they love. See some of the ways we bring joy to pediatric patients.