Preparing for hospital stays can help make you and your child more comfortable. Here is a list of items you can pack as you get ready for your stay. You may also want to keep a bag packed and ready for unexpected admissions.
What to bring to the hospital
- Extra clothes
- A warm robe, sweatshirt or jacket because the rooms are cold
- Socks and slip-on shoes, flip-flops or slippers
- Daily medicines for yourself (Tums, Motrin, Tylenol, allergy medicines, etc.)
- A notebook or journal and pen to write down questions for the doctor, notes
- from your conversations with him or her, etc.
- Books, crossword puzzles, or other activities to help pass the time
- Electronics chargers (phone, tablet, laptop) – extra-long is helpful
- Headphones or earbuds
- K-cups and favorite snacks, gum, and mints
- Change for vending machines
- It can also be helpful to pack comfort items. Let your child choose
- favorite things from home, such as photos, games, and music.
The following items can comfort your child and help him/her to relax:
- Personal pillows and soft blankets
- A small sound machine
- Small humidifier, saline nasal spray, eye drops, lotion, and lip balm (the hospital air can be dry)
- Diffuser and essential oils
- Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, Apple TV, or similar product
- A Bluetooth speaker for music or audiobooks
- Soft towels and washcloths
- A sleep mask and earplugs
- Refillable water bottles