What to Pack for a Hospital Stay

If you know you are going to be staying at the hospital for a few days, whether for pregnancy, surgery, or another procedure, knowing what to pack for the hospital can make your stay more comfortable and less stressful.

1. Documents, paperwork, and medical card: You will need your medical card and a photo ID. Also make sure that you have any required paperwork ready to go, such as a list of medications, telephone numbers of family and friends, forms you needed to fill out prior to surgery, copies of your will, etc... Keep everything in a closeable folder so no documents get lost.

2. A small amount of money: Leave your wallet and credit cards at home, but keep a small amount of money to buy newspapers, magazines, snacks, or forgotten toiletries. Also leave jewelry and other valuables at home.

3. A cell phone with charger or a prepaid phone card: If you hospital does not allow cell phones, purchase a phone card to make calls from your room. Don't forget your charger if you do bring your phone.

4. Eyeglasses or contacts: If you need them.

5. Reading and writing material: Magazines, books, a journal, writing paper, thank you notes, an address book, and writing utensils will help you pass the time more quickly and comfortably.

6. Clothing: Bring your own pajamas and slippers if you want to be in your own clothes during your stay. Make sure they are loose fitting and short sleeved to accommodate IVs. Bring socks and underwear. You will also need a set of clothing to wear home.

7. Toiletries: Toothpaste, toothbrush, face wash, lip balm, lotion, deodorant, hair brushes, and other personal items should all be brought from home. It is usually advised to leave scented perfumes and colognes at home. Check beforehand if your hospital allows hair dryers, curling irons, or electric shavers before you pack them.

8. Your pillow: If you don't sleep well on strange pillows consider bringing your own.

9. Electronics: Check you hospital policy before bringing MP3 players, cell phones, portable video game devices, laptops or tablets computers, camcorders, cameras, or portable DVD players. Remember that thefts do happen at hospitals before bringing pricy electronics. Check to see if your hospital has WiFi before planning on using the internet to pass time. You may need to find another diversion.

10. Earplugs: In case your roommate snores or the halls are especially noisy.