Guidelines for a Clean and Safe Room

Welcome to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. We are always working hard to create a safe environment for you and your child. To keep your child’s room safe, please use the tips below to help keep your room germ-free and prevent the risk of infection for your child.

Prevent storing items along the windowsill, around sinks, on the floor, on top of the bedside table and on top of soiled surfaces like trashcans and soiled linens hamper.

Why: Storing things on these surfaces makes it difficult to clean, which can increase your child’s risk of getting an infection.

Try storing personal items in drawers, cabinets, and cubbies.

Prevent having open containers of food and drink throughout your room.

Why: They can collect germs and bacteria.

Try bringing single servings of food and throw away any food or drink open for over four hours. Label and keep refrigerated food items in the patient/family refrigerator.

Prevent bringing more than a week’s supply of personal belongings.

Why: There is limited space in your room. If there are too many items in your room, it makes it difficult for us to clean properly.

Try bringing only a one-week supply of belongings for you and your child at a time. Bring storage containers from home that can be easily lifted and cleaned.

Watch this video to learn more about keeping your room clean and safe. Thank you for partnering with us!

https://info.chop.edu/3VhZCzE

Reviewed May 2024 by Maureen Mccloskey RN, CIC, Lindsay Brim, CIC