Katie Taylor, CCLS Child Life On Call for SmileMakers Inc

Bandages mean that something painful is done or covered up. They signify the end of something that could have been uncomfortable or scary. Picture what happens after a vaccine, the nurse puts a bandage on you and suddenly it doesn't hurt as much. When my child falls and scrapes her knee, she asks for a bandage. So while "fun bandages'' may seem simple, they can have a huge and lasting impact.

Investing in bandages that can improve a patient's ability to cooperate and cope with a procedure can be a time and money saver. When a hospital or doctor's office takes the time to have several different types of bandages, it shows that they care about the needs of a child. It shows that they value the patient's personality and interests and that they ultimately want the child to feel seen and heard.

I started a bandage binder years ago as a newbie child life specialist when I saw one of my colleague's stash. It's simple but effective and easy to take with you wherever you go in the hospital.

These days, you can order a business card billfold or binder online or in a store and use SmileMakers bandages to fill the pages.

For younger children, I highly recommend Paw Patrol, My Little Pony, Waterproof Princess, Peppa Pig or Tonka Trucks.

For school age and older, I really like JoJo Siwa, UFC, Safari Print, Neon and Camo.

No matter the age, every kid gets to pick their favorite and you get to see them smile in an otherwise uncomfortable situation. Totally worth it!