9 Simple Ways to Prepare For a Hospital Stay

9 Simple Ways to Prepare For a Hospital Stay {With a Medically Fragile Toddler}

Here are 9 Simple Ways to Prepare For a Hospital Stay. I have compiled this list because long, extended hospital stays have been my jam between 2015-2018.

~ Buy a nice overnight bag: preferably with a zippered bottom and a shoulder strap

I got this WEEKENDER BAG from Modcloth. I got a cashback from Rakuten (formerly Ebates) and found a coupon online.

~ Have a toiletry case that can be folded up

A bag for your toiletries. In it, I have a toothbrush, toothpaste, trial size dry shampoo (this is a must), face wipes, and deodorant. I pack a razor, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, hair bands, the baby, a toothbrush, and toothpaste. You must not forget a mini first aid kit, fingernail clippers, or lotion. Everything I keep at the house, only smaller 😉

~ Electronics Bag

Spare phone cord, earbuds, tablet charger

~ Crossword puzzle/pen

~ 2 Extra sets of clothes that will stay in your bag at all times

I have some for H and me.

~ Spare pair of slippers/fuzzy socks/flip flops

~ Small Backpack

I keep H’s special “hospital” toys, extra pull-ups, and extra wipes.

~ Mini-med holder

Here, I have a week’s worth of my regular medication. I found some SMALL BAGGIES where I keep: Tylenol, ibuprofen, car sickness meds, meclizine (I have Meniere’s Disease), stomach pills (Pepto in pill form), Zofran, children’s Tylenol and syringe, Aleve, and tums. I have them all labeled well and keep them all together in this small bag.

~ Candy

Never miss the candy!

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I keep my weekender packed with these things all the time. That way, when I go for a hospital stay for H, I am ready without stressing out over what I need to bring or overpacking.

It is horrible to be alone with a sick toddler heading 4 hrs away for a hospital stay and having to haul him, his stroller, and a bunch of bags and knowing that I have to pack it all, by myself, in one haul because I cannot leave him alone in the hospital room.

I learned that the hard way.

Now, all I have to grab on go day is my coke, his sippy cup, some snacks, a couple of movies for the trip, my tablet, his tablet, and his blanket because everything else is always packed and sitting in my closet.

Having a medically fragile child and living hours away from the closest children’s hospital is not fun, but I have to make things as easy as possible to keep my sanity.