Packing for Your Child's Hospital Stay

What to pack for your child's hospital stay

What your child needs will depend on the reason for the hospital stay and how long they may be there. Ask your care team if you are unsure what to bring. 

Clothing and personal care items 

You may want to pack: 

• Comfortable clothes for the expected stay, plus an extra change of clothes 
• Comfortable layers in case the hospital feels cool 
• Shoes or slippers with non-slip soles 
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal care items 
• Glasses or contact lenses, if needed 
• Hearing aids  
• Any personal care items your child uses every day 

Medicines 

Ask your care team whether you should bring your child’s medicines from home. Bring medicines in their original containers with labels. 

Tell the care team about all of the medicines your child is taking, including: 

• Prescription medicines 
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines 
• Vitamins and supplements 

Do not give your child medicines from home unless your care team tells you to. 

Comfort and activity items 

Ask your care team which toys and personal items are allowed. This may include: 

• A favorite blanket 
• A few toys that are easy to clean 
• Photos of family, friends, pets, or other familiar things 
• Books, coloring books, games, or other favorite activities 
• Headphones 
• Schoolwork, if appropriate 

Devices and accessibility items 

Bring items that your child uses for daily activities, mobility, communication, or sensory needs. You may want to bring: 

• A phone and charger 
• Tablet, laptop, or other personal devices your child uses 
• Charging cords for electronic devices 

What parents and family caregivers may need

If you plan to stay with your child, bring items that you will need for yourself. These may include: 

• Comfortable clothes and shoes 
• Blanket or sweater 
• Toiletries 
• Medicines you take 
• Phone and charger 
• Notebook and pen 

Ask the hospital what items are provided to family caregivers who stay overnight.

Nice-to-have items for families

You may also find these items helpful during your child’s hospital stay. You do not need to bring all of these items. Choose what will help your family feel most comfortable during your child’s stay. 

Comfort 

• Favorite pillow  
• Soft tissues 
• Hand cream 
• Lip balm 
• Sleep mask 
• Earplugs or noise-reducing headphones 

Activities and entertainment 

• Books, puzzles, or crafts   
• Tablet, laptop, or e-reader 
• Reading light 
• Office or school supplies 

Food and drinks 

• Reusable water bottle 
• Coffee or tea 
• Favorite snacks and drinks that do not need refrigeration 

Laundry and room items 

• Hangers 
• Laundry detergent for sensitive skin 
• Laundry basket 

Personal convenience items 

• Backpack or day pack 
• Hair dryer 
• Magnifying mirror 
• Vomit bags 
• Aromatherapy smell sticks (nasal inhaler sticks), if allowed 
• Portable phone charger, power bank, or multi-port charging block 

Documents you may need

Ask your care team which documents you need to bring. Depending on your child’s situation and hospital requirements, you may need:

• Insurance cards, including any medical, pharmacy, behavioral health, vision, or dental insurance cards 
• Government-issued photo identification for each parent or guardian, such as a driver’s license, passport, or other photo ID 
• A certified copy of your child’s birth certificate 
• Social Security information 
• Custody, guardianship, power of attorney, or other legal documents that show who can make decisions for your child 
• Advance directive documents for patients 18 or older 

Medical and contact information to have available

Write down or have access to important medical and contact information, including: 

• List of your child’s medicines. Include the name of each medicine, vitamin, and supplement, as well as how much your child takes and when they take it. 
• Your pharmacy’s name, address, and phone number 
• List of your child’s allergies and medical conditions 
• Emergency contact names and phone numbers 
• Your child’s primary care provider and other important health care providers. Include name, address, phone, fax, and email address. 
• Employer information for parents, guardians, or the patient, if applicable 

Planning your child’s hospital stay 

Overnight stays 

Be prepared to stay overnight, even if it may not be needed. If your child is having an operation or procedure involving general anesthesia, you may be asked to stay overnight. 

Your care team will explain where you can sleep and what overnight items will be provided. 

Family housing 

Overnight lodging options vary depending on where your child gets treatment. Hospital staff, including social workers and case managers, can help you find lodging near the treatment center. 

Availability, eligibility, costs, and length-of-stay rules vary. 

Meals and food 

Many treatment centers have cafeterias for patients, families, and staff. Other meal options and assistance may also be available. 

Meal options, eligibility, and costs vary by hospital. 

Family resources and support 

A social worker or case manager can help your family find support. They may be able to help with: 

• Transportation 
• Lodging 
• Meals 
• School 
• Financial assistance 
• Other needs 

Arrangements at home 

Before you leave, think about responsibilities at home and who might be able to help while you are away, if needed. You may need to make plans for: 

• Other children, such as meals and school pick-up and drop-off    
• Pets 
• Household services, such as cleaning or yard care 
• Bills 
• Mail and deliveries 
• Work or school   
• Transportation 

What not to bring to the hospital

Ask your care team about items that are not allowed. Check with your care team before bringing live plants, balloons, or other items that may not be allowed in some patient care areas. 

Do not bring: 

• Items that cannot be cleaned or used safely in the hospital 
• Guns or other weapons 
• Valuables or large amounts of cash 

Check your hospital’s visitor policy before inviting family or friends to come with you. 

Questions to ask your care team

• How long will my child need to stay in the hospital? 
• What should we bring from home? 
• Will the hospital provide any items? 
• What items are not allowed in the hospital? 
• What medicines and medical information should we bring? 
• Can a parent or caregiver stay overnight? 
• Are there hospital rules about visitors, toys, or personal items? 
• What help is available for lodging, meals, transportation, or other family needs? 
• Who should I contact if I have questions before we arrive? 

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