What should I bring for a child's hospital stay?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:You'll have several people who will tell you what to bring for a child's hospital stay. Here's our checklist:
- A list of any medications, vitamins, and supplements that your child takes. Give a copy to the pediatric nurse in charge.
- Slippers to keep germs off your child's feet. Some kids like having their own pajamas, while others like wearing the hospital gown.
- Toiletries. Yes, hospitals may provide these, but it can feel "homier" if they are actually from home.
- Clothes to go home in, like a loose T-shirt and pants.
- A favorite stuffed animal or toy, and other comforting reminders of home.
- Your own games or toys to occupy time. Great hospitals have a Child Life Program, or special people whose goal is to make your child's stay more enjoyable, or at least tolerable; they come around with games and videos to help keep your child occupied.
- A notebook for you to write down information about tests, procedures, medications, or post-stay instructions.
- An overnight bag for you that includes a pillow, toiletries, and your cell phone charger.
- Books, and maybe even a portable DVD player for your child to watch her favorite movies or shows.
- iPod with your child's favorite tunes (great for relaxation and distraction).
- Photos of family, friends, pets.
Don't forget to clean the items that your child may touch in the hospital -- like computer keyboards and remote controls -- with rubbing alcohol to help prevent infection.
Find out more about this book: YOU: Raising Your Child: The Owner's Manual from First Breath to First Grad...
You'll have several people who will tell you what to bring for a child's hospital stay. Here's our checklist: A list of any medications, vitamins, and supplements that your child takes. Give a copy to the pediatric nurse in charge. Slippers to keep... More -
RealAge answered:The hospital’s admissions person will tell you what to bring for your child’s hospital stay, but just in case, here’s my must-bring list:
- An up‑to-date list of any medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal and home remedies your child takes (bring the actual medications if that’s easier). Give a copy to the pediatric nurse in charge, who must know everything your child takes.
- A pair of slippers or flip-flops to keep germs off your kid’s feet, and bed. You may also want to bring your child’s own pajamas or robe. Some kids are happy (even giddy) to wear a hospital gown, doctor-sanctioned mooning comes but rarely in life, but other children may find that wearing their own Pjs makes them feel better.
- Toiletries
- Clothes to go home in (a loose T‑shirt or button-up-the-front top, if that makes it easier to get dressed after surgery).
- A favorite teddy bear or blanket, favorite drinking cup or bottle, or other comfort items, really anything that will make the visit feel more like home.
- Toys, videos, books, and games, most hospitals will have these, but I’d also bring my own from home. You don’t know who’s been touching a hospital’s toys or how often they’re cleaned.
From The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents by Jennifer Trachtenberg.
Find out more about this book: The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, an...
The hospital’s admissions person will tell you what to bring for your child’s hospital stay, but just in case, here’s my must-bring list: An up‑to-date list of any medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal and home remedies... More
