Background: In Sweden the healthcare has moved from the homes to the hospitals, as the system has developed. Parents were not allowed to visit their children when they were hospitalised in the past. It was noticed in the beginning of the 20th century that it might be harmful for the children to be left without parents at the hospital. Today it is considered a fact that the parents should stay with their hospitalised children and the healthcare is based on a family-centered care.

Aim: The aim of this literature study was to elucidate parents experience when having hospitalised children.

Method: Eleven scientific articles were analysed on the basis of qualitative content analysis. Units of meaning were selected and divided in main and sub categories.

Results: The result shows that it is stressing to have hospitalised children. Parents experience need of information and support. The parents experience a need to be close to their children and to attend the healthcare on own conditions in order to be able to cope with the situation.

Discussion: It is not a common situation for parents to have their child hospitalised. Nurses should therefore get information about each specific family in order to support the family in their situation.