Beauty Tips for Hospital Parents

I hope you never have to spend days and nights in the hospital caring for your child. But if you do, well, here are a few of the 'beauty' lessons learned during our stay:

*Adequate rest is important for you to look your best. Even if you have the comfiest of hospital day beds and the quietest of floors, you're still not going to get a good night's sleep in the hospital. Do the best you can, and nap whenever that dear munchkin naps. A pillow and blanket from home might help.

*Hospitals do not care about gentle lighting. You will see every wrinkle, every pallor and truly see how badly you need the sleep and calm you're lacking. While we totally understand that our children's health is a higher priority, it's a real kick in the pants to see just how awful you can look. 

*Hair grows faster when you're under stress. At least, those hairs that grow in places where you really don't want them.

*Soft and easy clothes- seriously. This is the one time that NO ONE can fault you for 'comfortable'-and if they try, please send them my way so we can have a little chat. Jeans are practical, but you really do not want to wear them 24/7.

*When your friends ask you what you need, they really do want to help out, and you can work their strengths. Here are a few suggestions:

• Moisturizer, lip balm, and hand lotion. This is not on the 'when you get around to it' list for your helpers- DAY ONE. You will be washing your hands constantly and the air will be dry and overly conditioned (either hot or cold)
• Dry Shampoo - I did not have this and really could have used it, especially the days when we did not have a room with private bath
• A way to tie back/hold back your hair- it's going to get in the way. And you don't have enough room for a blow dryer and fourteen products, so keep it simple!

What have I missed?