Practical tips, good questions, favorite books, and people who can help. Gathered with love from families and care professionals.
Trach care basics.
A few things families tell us they wish they’d known sooner. Always follow your own care team’s instructions first.
Keep a go-bag with you at all times: a spare trach (and one size smaller), ties, suction, saline, and your emergency plan.
Learn and practice CPR and emergency trach changes with your care team before you need them.
Write down your child’s trach size, type, and suction depth and keep it somewhere everyone can find it.
Teach babysitters, teachers, and family members the basics, and let them practice with you.
Ask your care team about home nursing, equipment suppliers, and who to call after hours.
Questions to ask your doctor.
Let’s be honest: no one prints these out. Before your next appointment, open the notes app on your phone and copy these exact questions into it so you can keep things straight in the moment. Type the answers right under each one, and it’s okay to ask again.
What is the plan for my child’s trach, and how long might they need it?
What signs mean we should call you, and what signs mean we go to the ER?
How often should we change the trach and ties, and who can help us at home?
What equipment and supplies will we need, and who provides them?
How will the trach affect speaking, eating, bathing, and play?
Who can we talk to about the emotional side of this, for our child and for our family?
Children’s books.
Stories that help little ones understand hospitals, bodies, and big feelings.
