What to Bring To The Hospital for Your Child (for Procedures, Surgery...)

What to Bring for the Child

• Hoodie
• Blanket
• Extra t-shirt
• Lovie or comfort item
• Headphones and iPod
• iPad or Tablet
• Preferred cup for post-op. (You usually have to drink at least 4 ounces and keep it down before being discharged.)
• G-tube supplies. (It's just easier to have your own stuff. We always have a connector and a bolus)

In the waiting room at CHOP. We are waiting room pros!

What to bring for you

• Chapstick
• Magazine
• Sweater/hoodie
• Closed toe shoes (my feet are always cold in hospitals and then you don't have to wear shoe covers.)
• Bring someone with you (no matter what!)
• Travel mug w/ tea bags or instant coffee
• gum/mints
• snacks 
• Your medications (in case your end up staying longer than you planned.)

I like to be prepared. We have had simple office visits or emergency room visits turn into hospital admissions so I always pack more than I need. Luckily, those ER visits were all pre-G-tube. Things are pretty simple now but you never know!

What do you pack for hospital visits to ensure a smooth trip? Share in a comment!