While no one ever wants to stay overnight in a hospital with a child, sometimes it’s unavoidable.
Whether it’s after an ER visit or a planned medical test, sometimes it’s just necessary. And if it’s for our child’s health, of course we do it.
Unfortunately I’ve had more overnight stays than I can count (read more about my son’s experience with epilepsy here). And I’m sharing some tips and tricks I have learned over the years.
Hopefully these come in handy if you are ever in a planned overnight hospital stay.
An Overnight Hospital Stay
Some common treatments that require an overnight stay include sleep studies, getting tonsils removed, or an extended EEG. If you are told to plan for one or more nights in the hospital, here are a few helpful things to bring with you.
What to Pack
Usually the hospital will let you know if there is a specific request for what to have your child wear.
I find that two-piece pajamas tend to work best, and then add socks to keep feet warm. This gives the staff access to your child’s feet, to attach an oxygen monitor, to change a diaper, or adjust cords more easily.
Don’t make the same mistake as me, I brought zip-up pajamas and the nurse has to unzip my sleeping child’s pajamas all night to adjust the oxygen monitor on his toe.
Packing List for Kiddos
- Pajamas: Preferably two-piece.
- Snacks: Sometimes the room service takes awhile to arrive, or may be closed when your kiddo gets hungry.
- Tablet: Super helpful when trying to distract child from blood draws, IVs, or simply to keep them entertained while they’re stuck in bed.
- 1-2 favorite toys: In my experience, we didn’t need to pack a ton of toys for entertainment. Often the hospital is helpful about bringing toys in and bonus: they are “new and exciting!”
- Sound machine: Helps cover up noises from equipment, doors opening, and people in the hallway.
- Special sleeping object: Maybe a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or a nightlight.
Take Care of Yourself During a Hospital Stay
One of the biggest pieces of advice I have is — don’t forget to take care of yourself.
I know, that’s usually the last thing moms ever think about, especially when your child is staying in the hospital. But it’s true. Trust me. You don’t want to be overly tired and hungry, struggling to hear what a doctor says because your stomach is growling too loudly.
Take care of yourself, so you can take care of your child. This means making sure you can get a decent night’s sleep. It’s feeding yourself. It’s maintaining some sort of personal care routine during long stays (easier said than done).
What to Pack for Yourself
- Water bottle: Bonus if it is insulated and you can also fill with coffee in the morning. (Pro tip: always double check that the coffee isn’t all decaf… then find a nurse who will hook you up with the good stuff.)
- Multiple chargers, with long cords: This way you can charge your phone while snuggling a kiddo to sleep. Also helpful if tablet dies while child is using it in the hospital bed.
- Comfy blanket or pillow from home: Hospital supplied items are not cozy, they are made to be easy to clean.
- Slippers: Standing on a hard hospital floor all night/day in socks is NOT fun. They also help if you need to leave the room to refill coffee or grab food.
- Lotion: All that hand washing/sanitizer is very drying to your hands.
- Humidifier: For longer stays I always pack a small portable diffuser and set it near the bedside. Hospital air is very dry and I am sensitive and have gotten nosebleeds in the past from it. My son also gets a cough after a few days of the dry air. I add a couple drops of my favorite essential oils for a calming, feels-like-home scent.
- Snacks: Nobody wants to deal with a stressed out, hangry mom. You’ll thank me later.
I hope these tips help you feel equipped for a hospital stay with your child. It’s never easy, but being prepared can make the experience a bit less stressful.
Is there anything you would add to this list? Let us know in the comments below!
