MUSC Children's Hospital - Blank Dolls for Patients

We're all about children!

Blank Dolls for Patients

The process of creating and personalizing a blank, stuffed, body shaped doll can provide children with pleasurable expressive activities that can be used by the hospital staff in many ways. The children decorate the dolls with non-toxic permanent markers. The dolls become a part of the treatment process and the children take them home with them when they are discharged.

The dolls can be used to help develop a rapport with the children and to help them relax in the hospital environment. The staff may sew the dolls to help assess the children perceptions and feelings; talking about the doll is a non-threatening way to explore the child's own concerns. Another use of the dolls is to help the children prepare for and cope with their treatment process. The doll can be used to show such things as where injections will be given or what posture/body position is desired. And of course, the dolls can be a wonderful source of comfort for the children.

Source: Home Sewing Association

If you have any questions about creating these dolls or our need for them, contact the Child Life department at (843) 792-7064.