A common question at cleftAdvocate's Family-To-Family Connection is...
What should we bring to the hospital?
(Compiled by Family-To-Family Connection members)
Comfortable clothes for parents (NO white shirts - make sure your top is dark in case child is oozy)
Child's favorite blanket so they can rest against it; they get bloody, but bleach works wonders.
Comfy outfits for your child; sweat pants are good for under the gown (nothing that pulls over the head; snap or zip only).
Non-slip children's shoes if your child is walking already
Snacks, water for you (see if you have access to fridge, microwave ... and see if you will be offered any meals)
Inquire if the room will be equipped with a VCR; bring tapes your child enjoys.
Toys that can be played by your child, even while wearing arm restraints.
If your child is on any medications (ex., Zantac for reflux) bring the prescription with you. You are able to
dispense it or some can be administered through IV.
A deck of cards for the waiting room.
Something to pull your hair back with if it's long enough for that kind of thing.
A camera if you plan on taking pictures.
A list of phone numbers if you're going to be calling anyone with updates.
CD and CD player (if hospital doesn't have one).
Soft Sipps or bottles.
Arm restraints
A bunch of cheap, comfy socks to wear around. (I would just throw away the pair at the end of the night)
Mylar balloon for child to bat around.
We chose to get an adult bed instead of a crib. If you do that, an adult must be with the child at all times.
Check to see if your hospital has a Healing Touch group - get a visit set up.
Pocket change (lots), so you can make quick runs to the vending machine.
Shampoo, hairbrush, toothbrush, etc., for parents.
Some hospitals provide wagons and strollers; if yours doesn't, you might want to take your own.
MagnaDoodle pads.
Your own medication.
Lift-the-flap books (easy to entertain kids with and they can still lift the flaps even with restraints on).
Wash cloths.
Ziplock baggies, they seem to come in handy.
Some of your own formula that child is used to.
Glade plug-in or some other scent to make the room smell more like home.
Hand soap.
Bottle brush and soap for washing the bottles.
Pillow and a light blanket.
For parent/patient comments on this and other topics, enroll at the
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This cleftAdvocate page was last updated January 30, 2008
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