Packing For Your Hospital Stay
When you are planning a stay in the hospital, whether it is for inpatient surgery, childbirth or another reason, it is important to be prepared. A well-packed bag is essential for having a comfortable stay in the hospital.
What to Pack For the Hospital
- Comfortable pajamas (loose fitting is best)
- Socks and slippers
- Glasses (contact wearers are usually more comfortable with glasses during a hospitalization, contacts can become dry if the patient is dehydrated or dozing)
- Outfit to wear home (something loose is best, also make sure it won’t rub on your incision)
- Underwear
- Toothbrush and toothpaste, deoderant
- Hairbrush
- Shampoo, soap (if you prefer to not use what is provided by the hospital)
- Your pillow (if you don’t sleep well with a pillow other than your own)
- A list of your current medications
- Your cell phone and a charger (some hospitals still charge for phone calls)
- Entertainment such as books, music, Ipod, portable DVD player, magazines
Additional Items to Pack If You Are Having a Baby
- Camera
- Batteries
- Baby’s going home outfit
- Maxi pads
- Nursing Bra-If you will be nursing
- Breast pads
- Baby bag
- Car seat, hospitals will not permit a newborn to be taken home without an appropriate car seat
Sources: Hospital Packing Checklist For Labor. Sure Baby. 2008 http://www.surebaby.com/pregnancy_hospital_packing_labor.php
