It might come as a surprise, but non-conventional scrubs are the best scrubs for pediatric nurses. It takes a different kind of approach to be able to attend to small children in the hospital. Children react differently to the typical hospital scrub colors of green or blue. It looks too clinical and unfriendly.
According to research conducted by Filippo Festini which was published in the Journal of Clinical Nursing, children and even guardians preferred talking to nurses who wore colorful and unconventional scrubs. It not only raised the nurse's favorability to their patients but also raised their perception of reliability to parents.
So, if you are a pediatric nurse looking to jazz up your hospital uniforms, look no further. We have prepared a list of the best and most suitable nursing scrub suitable for you.
The 6 Best Scrubs for Pediatric Nurses
1. Cherokee Tooniforms
The Cherokee Tooniforms is a whole different line of scrubs from the brand. They are a dedicated line of printed scrub tops of various cartoon characters. The easily recognizable are those from Disney, and superhero variants.
The prints make for the entire front panel of the uniform, so they are indeed visible and eye-catching to the patients.
The scrub top is a modern fit, v-neck with a contrast neckband. It also has two pockets to carry the most essential small items. Its sizes start from XXS to 5XL, with several designs available to both men and women.
2. Dickies EDS Fashion Prints
The Dickies EDS or "every day scrubs" are a great mix of comfort and utility. Add prints to the equation and you will surely make for one pediatric nurse that will light up any room you walk into.
The prints are made of seasonal designs printed all over the entire scrub top, with a vibrant and fun color your pediatric patients will surely love.
It comes in a comfortable v-neck and a princess seam on the back. It also has two large front pockets with a pen pocket and an extra instrument loop as well as a snap tab on the arm.
The Dickies Medical line has always been a brand that has kept abreast with the times with its innovations for style, comfort, and utility.
3. Koi by Tokidoki
The Tokidoki brand is a lifestyle brand by Italian Simone Legno and his partners. It's well-known around the world and has captivated both the young and old alike with its iconic characters.
This medical scrub top by Tokidoki features unicorns in various colorways and patterns like watercolor and rainbow.
Unique in comparison to others on the list, this scrub top does not sport a v-neck but rather a Henley neckline for a softer look women will adore.
Made from 97% cotton, the Tokidoki scrubs are a comfortable fit that flows along with your body. These medical scrubs won't hinder you from any movement, which is always an important factor a nurse needs to consider in their uniforms.
They are available from XXS to 3XL.
4. Just Love Women's Scrub Top
Just Love is the pediatric scrub top you can wear for all-day comfort. Made from a blend of cotton and polyester, with reinforced seams and stitching, these medical scrub tops are comfortable, roomy, and rest great at the hips.
It comes in a mock wrap outfit with two pockets able to fit the most important items you need to have with you at all times.
These printed scrub tops won't feel like a uniform with their plentiful and colorful designs. There are designs of cute cartoon cats, owls, and the like. These will surely catch the attention of even the most temperament patient.
5. Strictly Scrub Stretch
Who doesn't love Gummy bears? This Strictly Scrub Stretch printed medical scrub top is definitely a perfect fit for the pediatric nurse.
With a rounded V-neck and four front pockets, this is one uniform that bursts with color. Your young patients will absolutely stay mesmerized with the allure of large images of the favorite treat.
Mostly made of Spandex, the material gives a good stretch and follows along with the shape and size of the wearer. This is also machine-friendly and durable for all-day wear and constant wash.
Available in XS up to 3XL, the Strictly Scrub Stretch for women is a medical uniform one simply can't pass up.
6. Maevn Women's Scrubs
These scrubs have a rounded V-neckline for a more casual fit around the neck. Their sizes start at XS and go all the way up to 5XL.
Maevn wear is true to size and has several festive printed designs that are all comfortable to wear, and easy on the eyes.
Made mostly of polyester, the material is soft and hard to wrinkle. It comes with two slanted pockets and one inner pocket to fit all those immediate pocketable needs. The top is designed with side vents for breathability and cooler ventilation when worn.
Bonus: Accessorize with a Cap
There are a lot of printed scrub tops available online and in stores right now. Unfortunately, it seems to be the opposite for pants. But let it not deter you as there are other ways to look friendly and captivating to your young patients.
A quick addition to creating a whimsical look to your pediatric uniform is a printed scrub cap. These are easy to put on, and are eye-catching, while still remaining relevant to the uniform and the workplace.
The caps come with an elastic band for a secure fit on the head, with the addition of tie straps at the back for a firmer hold if needed. It also has a sweatband along the seams to absorb sweat and liquids.
A button on each side functions as a hook for facemask straps. These medical scrub caps come in a wide range of colors and designs that will suit the fancy of every patient and guardian you come across at work.
What To Consider When Looking for Nursing Scrubs for Pediatric Nurses
Going through the above list is not enough. There are a lot more things to put into consideration when looking for the best scrubs for pediatric nurses. Don’t just go trigger happy and click on all the scrubs you see that are colorful, fun and bright. Take the time to compare if these factors are present in your choice of pediatric scrubs.
Material
There are several fabric materials used in making medical pediatric scrubs. Do remember that a portion of these shrink in the wake of being washed and dried, machine or otherwise.
Some are likewise too thin or too thick, which end up becoming uncomfortable to don while at work. Some nurses feel that it is smarter to purchase thin fabrics particularly for those who are quick to sweat and get hot at work.
Uniforms with thin fabrics wear out a lot faster. What's more, they tend to rip and tear with successive washing. For nursing fabrics, consider buying pre-contracted cotton, polyester, nylon, and acrylic to give some examples.
Drawstring Waistband
Partner your scrub tops with a pair of scrub pants that have a drawstring waistband. They are good for all body types, being able to adjust a secure fit around the hips.
With a drawstring waistband, your pants stay secure no matter how low restless children may pull on them. It saves everybody from the embarrassment that may come with a fidgety patient possibly throwing a tantrum.
Water Repellant
Medical scrubs are made with fabrics that tend to repel liquids or redistribute them for easier dispersal, keeping the nurse cool and dry throughout.
Tears, spit, and sweat is more likely to be encountered on a regular. As such, it is best to go looking for a medical uniform with water-repellant, or one with moisture-wicking technology to be high on the priority.
Pockets Galore
While most nurses may need to stuff their pockets with handy medical instruments, for a pediatric nurse, that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Toys and candies to distract young patients also come into play. It is utility beyond belief. That is why scrubs with a lot of large pockets are important for a pediatric nurse.
Neckline for Scrub Tops
A medical scrub still is a top. Just like a shirt, the fit of the neckline also spells the difference between comfort and distress.
Consider if the neckline style goes well with the rest of your pediatric uniform and if it's comfortable to wear even after long and tiresome hours. There are trendy necklines like the sweetheart neckline and Chinese collar. But the usual go-to is the V-necks and the crew neckline.
Color
It is typical for a nurse to wear either blue or green scrubs. And there are reasons for it like being stark contrasts to the color of skin. Or blues and greens when spilled with blood don't look too menacing when mixed into the blue or green fabric.
But when it comes to a pediatric nurse wearing this sort of scrubs, it gives a different effect to children. Research has found it best to wearing something bright and cheery, with cute printed designs to put the young patients at ease with their care provider.
Parents also tend to relax as the children settle down. So, it is definitely best to wear scrubs that appeal to the younger demographic.
Our Final Verdict
After taking the time to decide with all these factors in mind, we have one final recommendation among those listed. Our best pick is the one that came first on the list, and that is the Cherokee Tooniforms series of medical scrubs.
They come with the most designs and are available for both men and women. Their collaboration with well-known brands children adores truly helps every pediatric nurse with their endeavors to soothe and cater to even the youngest of patients.
There are Disney princesses, superheroes, Star Wars, even Pixar characters available to wear. There are also just plain colorful and seasonal designs present in the collection.
These scrubs also have a top and pants set. While the top is the only one printed, being able to purchase a set instead of buying things separately helps ease the needless burdens for every nurse.
So, if you are a nurse looking for a top that will go well with young patients, the best scrubs for pediatric nurses are here on this list.