The other day, I started adding up how much time we’ve spent in the hospital—and realized that I’ve now spent roughly a third of my child’s life sleeping in hospital rooms.
Not all at once, thankfully. But still.
We’ve had long stays and short ones, and at this point, I’d like to think I’ve gotten pretty good at packing for a hospital admission. Since we’re headed in again this week, I thought I’d share what my go-to essentials are—what’s already packed for Dot and for me.
Dot is just six months old, so you may find there are things you’d add or leave out based on your child’s age or needs. But this is what’s working for us right now.
🧸 For Baby Dot
Clothes
- Short-sleeve onesies — Dot gets cold easily, so she lives in these. I always pack at least three. Once, she went through two in a row and I had to ask a PICU nurse to dig something out of the NICU laundry. Never again.
- Sleepers/gowns — I prefer ones with buttons, double zippers, or ties so legs and feet can be accessed for IVs, pulse ox sensors, etc. We usually layer a onesie underneath.
- A bathrobe — Okay, don’t come for me on this one! Someone gifted us a tiny newborn bathrobe, and I thought, “Adorable, but when would I ever use this?” Turns out: hospital MVP. It’s warm, snuggly, gives doctors easy access, and doesn’t require threading cords through sleeves like onesies or gowns do. If you’re in the ICU and being checked constantly, this is actually way more practical.
Binkies (Pacifiers)
I always pack at least three. They roll away, disappear, or get launched across the room. Pack a few extras in your pockets. But if you’re short, the nurses usually have extras (typically Avent brand in my experience).
A Special Toy or Lovey
Don’t overdo it—just one or two familiar items can go a long way in making a sterile room feel more like home. I bring a soft toy to clip to the crib rail that she can reach for and roll toward, and her stuffed pig comes everywhere. In the NICU, she loved a high-contrast board book we propped up in her isolette. Now, we keep a spoon she’s obsessed with and a few teething toys in the diaper bag. She doesn’t always feel up to playing, but it’s nice to have options.
Diaper Cream
Hospitals usually supply diapers and wipes, but I really don’t like the diaper cream they have. So we bring our own. We love the Earth Mama brand—it’s truly the best.
Blankets
I bring a couple of soft muslins for swaddling and one warmer blanket for snuggling. Hospitals have plenty of linens, but let’s be honest—they’re industrial. Familiar blankets can be softer, warmer, and smell like home.
🤱🏼 For Me (or Any Parent Staying Overnight)
A Fitted Sheet
Extra? Maybe. Worth it? Absolutely. A queen-sized fitted sheet fits most pull-out couches and beats sleeping on slippery hospital cushions or a thin blanket.
A Blanket or Quilt
Whether it’s for sleeping, curling up in a chair, or warding off the hospital chill in your room, bring one from home.
Slippers
Hospital floors are… well, hospital floors. Slippers make bathroom trips and midnight pacing a little more comfortable.
Multifunctional Clothes
After a day or two, I start to feel like a mess. I want to be comfortable—but not wearing full-on pajamas when the medical team walks in. I lean toward matching lounge sets, leggings with a cute top, or anything comfy that still makes me feel somewhat put together.
Cosmetics and Self-Care
I’m not someone who needs a full face of makeup every day, but I’ve found a few key things go a long way:
- Nice face wash/skincare. Washing your face can feel like a small reset, even when the days blur together.
- A plan for your hair. I usually toss mine in a bun, but I pack a couple scrunchies, a claw clip, a scarf/headband, and dry shampoo (travel size). Having a few easy options keeps me from getting a headache or a rat’s nest.
- Chapstick/Lip Gloss. Ward off chapped lips, or just give your face some color with a tinted lip gloss.
- Waterproof mascara. I rarely use this, but some days it just feels right. But I’m a crier, so I try to avoid looking like a racoon by using something waterproof
Notebook
I write everything down. I pull it out during rounds, jot down the plan, and add questions as they come up. It’s been incredibly helpful when tracking meds, changes in care, and following up with outpatient providers. It also gives me a bit of control in a very chaotic environment.
Entertainment
I bring my iPad (for Netflix and reading), and my knitting. My husband usually brings a book. There’s a lot of waiting in the hosptial—bring something that makes it bearable.
Headphones
For music, phone calls, shows—just easier all around, especially when sharing a room or needing a moment to yourself.
Water Bottle + Travel Mug
Hydration and coffee: the true hospital survival kit.
Snacks
Bring your favorites. Hospital cafeterias close early, vending machines get old, and sometimes you just need a granola bar at 3 a.m.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect hospital bag—and I’m sure the contents will shift as Dot gets older and her needs change. But these are the things that make our hospital stays a little smoother, a little cozier, and a lot more manageable.
If you’ve got your own NICU or hospital stay coming up, I’m sending you so much love. You’ve got this. And if there’s something you never leave home without, I’d love to hear it!