Hospital Bag Packing List for Medical Moms

The essentials for taking care of your kid and yourself during a long-term hospital stay.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve either been through a hospital stay with your child or you’re preparing for one. I know how overwhelming it can feel.

Right now, I’m preparing for my daughter Emmie’s fifth hospitalization next month. She’s only three and has already had seven surgeries and four hospital stays. I’m packing again, and here’s my system. While creating my list for this next stay, I thought it might help to share it with you.

Every visit teaches me something new, and I’ve learned that what you bring can make the experience just a little bit easier. This list is my go-to — I hope it helps you feel more prepared. And since no two journeys are alike, I’d love for you to add your must-haves in the comments so we can keep building this resource together.

Caviatt: Every child’s unique medical needs will be different. I recognize some of these items may not be possible or desirable depending on your child’s circumstances and your hospital’s guidelines and setup.

General Hospital Stay Packing List

For Your Child

• Comfort items (favorite blanket, stuffed animals, pacifier, loveys)

• Pajamas (button-up or zipper front are best for wires/tubes)

• Clothes that make them feel more at home (button-up or zipper front are best for wires/tubes)

• Socks/slippers with grip

• A tote of toys and activities that are bed-friendly:

  • Coloring books

  • Reusable Stickers

  • Tablet with charger

  • Books

  • Doctor's kit (Emmie loves to play doctor at the hospital)

  • Pull String Toy

  • Felt Books

  • Little People

• Snacks if permitted (I typically bring our own yogurt and milk if your floor has a refrigerator. It’s nice to have a few favorites on hand in case the kitchen is backed up). Easy snacks to consider:

  • Cheerios

  • Crackers

  • Goldfish

  • Protein bars

  • Pedialyte

• Water bottle or sippy cup that’s familiar to them

• Diapers/wipes if still needed (The hospital provides these, but it never hurts to have more on hand)

• Sound Machine to block our hospital sounds

For You

• Multiple changes of clothes (layers are best for unpredictable hospital temps)

• PJs you don’t mind being seen in. Doctors and nurses are in your room at all hours

• Laundry pods if you’re doing laundry at the hospital or a laundry mat nearby

• Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, dry shampoo, face wipes, face wash, soap)

• Flip-flops/shower shoes

• Comfy tennis shoes (You’ll spend lots of time at bedside + walks around the hospital helped me decompress)

• Phone charger (extra-long cord!)

• Headphones

• Laptop for email, entertainment, etc.

• Books

• Refillable water bottle

• Notebook and pen (for questions, updates, meds schedule)

• Snacks packed with protein to keep your energy high when you don’t have time to leave the room

• Coffee & Door Dash gift cards for yourself (This is a great thing to ask friends and family for when they ask how they can help)

Other Essentials

• Insurance cards and ID

• Copies of medical paperwork (surgery notes, medication list, history)

• Folder or binder for new paperwork you’ll get

• Cash/change for vending machines or parking

For Longer-Term Stays (a week or more)

• Your own towel (hospital ones are tiny + scratchy)

• Mattress topper or pad for pullout chair/bed

• Pillow from home with a washable pillowcase

• Extra blanket

• Laundry bag + quarters if there’s a laundry room

• Extension cord or power strip

• Small fan

• A few comfort items for you (cozy hoodie, favorite coffee mug)

• Photos or small decorations from home (it makes the room feel less sterile)

• Tape to hang cards or drawings received during your stay

This is the list I’ve built over time — but I know every mom has her own survival tricks. What’s the one thing you never go to the hospital without? Share it in the comments, so we can keep encouraging and equipping each other.

P.S. This list is based on our hospitalizations while Emmie was three and a half and under. I’d love to hear from moms with older kids so I can add tips for that age group too. Share your favorite items in the comments.