Hospital Packing List
Check with the hospital’s Child Life department for kid-friendly games, activities, and entertainment. Some of these departments also lend books, DVD players, and video game consoles.
FOR CHILDREN HAVING SURGERY
Comfort Items
Blanket, sheets, and pillow from home
Loose-fitting pajamas in a larger size, slippers, robe
Favorite stuffed animals or pillow pets
Photos of pets, friends, and family members
Plug-ins or Febreze spray (lavender is calming)
Towel (towels at hospitals may be small and rough)
Toiletries: lotion, Chapstick, brush, hair detangler
Hair accessories (hair ties, headbands)
Things to Do
Electronic devices: tablet, handheld video games, CDs or iPod, phone, DVD player with DVDs, headphones
Chargers for all devices, power strip, extension cord, extra ear buds; include extra chargers and cords
Reading materials
Other activities: craft materials, glow sticks, bubbles, card games, board games, coloring books and crayons, colored pencils, markers
Board games
Thank you notes for gifts received
FOR ADULTS HAVING SURGERY AND FOR PARENTS OF CHILDREN HAVING SURGERY
Comfort Items
Your own blanket and pillow
Changes of clothes, pajamas, sweaters or sweatshirts
Fuzzy socks; flip flops or other easy on/off shoes
Your own towel
Toiletries: deodorant, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, brush, toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion, Chapstick, contact lens cleaners and case or glasses case
Things to Do
Electronic devices: computer laptop (also see above)
Chargers for all devices, power strip, extension cord, extra ear buds; include extra chargers and cords
Reading materials: books, magazines, e-books
Snacks and drinks
Refillable water bottles
Cash to buy from vending machines after hours
OTHER
Wipes: Clorox wipes for surfaces; baby wipes
Your or your child’s medical information, folder for medical information, notebook for writing down information and questions for the doctor
Medical supplies (hospitals do not always carry the correct supplies or the brands that you use); medications or list of medications and dosages taken for your child
Parent medications (if applicable)
Extra tote bag for carrying extra things back from the hospital
Ziploc bags
Drawstring bag for dirty laundry