What to bring to hospital for your child?
If your child is going into the hospital, it is great to pack a bag so you’re prepared. It can also be helpful to pack the bag with your child. Why? So they feel involved in the process, and gives the opportunity to discuss what the hospital and their stay might be like for them.
In many hospital environments there is not a lot of space. Hence try to pack just essential stuff. It’s also best to leave any unnecessary valuables at home as there may not be many safe storage places.
It’s essential to bring:
- Your child’s ‘Red Book’ (known as the child health record) or any other relevant documents or letters.
It’s important to bring:
- Any medicines your child is currently taking. Its best to bring these in their packages if you can, as the doctors/nurses may want to see the names and doses of the medicines
- Any specialist equipment your child uses.
It’s a great idea to bring:
- A change of day and night clothes. Even if your child is coming for a day appointment a change of clothes can be useful. It’s a good idea for these clothes to be comfortable and loose fitting, which can help any investigations or procedures be done around the clothing without having to fully remove it
- A warm jumper – as some hospital environments can be quite cold
- Nappies or pads. Bring enough for your child’s expected stay and a few extra just in case. Some hospitals may provide nappies and pads but it is a good idea to bring them just in case
- Wipes and toiletries
- Snacks, food or formula (depending on your child’s age). Often hospitals will provide food or formula for hospital admissions but not all will; so bringing a supply of food and snacks is a great idea
- Bottles, teats or drinking beakers. Although hospitals will often provide these, it can be useful to bring your own – especially if your child has a favourite one or a preferred type.
- Activities or entertainment – for your child, as waiting times may be long
- Chargers for your devices. And a helpful tip is to consider an extension cord too (if you have one), to allow more freedom of movement
- A favourite toy or comforter. It can be useful to label this with your child’s name, especially for longer hospital stays. A top tip from parents is to use a plaster with the child’s name written in marker. Then the toy can join them on their hospital treatment too.
