What to pack for short hospital stay with 6 month old

[Bloom]

Hi there,

There is a small chance that when we see the pediatrician on Wednesday that he will want to admit DS2 to hospital for tests.

Background: When we went for our first visit at 9 weeks he wanted to admit him then and there to do tests as an inpatient (cow milk allergy was later confirmed). At that time, I said no and we worked out a plan to do out patient tests (he was fine with that, DS2 wasn't THAT sick). We have now found that DS2 is showing allergic reactions to every food we've tried him on and so I'm guessing that the Dr will want to do some further testing. If he does suggest doing it as an inpatient this time, I am planning on saying yes as it will be quicker, cheaper and I won't have a run to lots of different appointments with toddler in tow. As it is a 30 minute drive from home to the hospital, I'd rather have my bag packed with me in the car rather than having to come home to pack a bag.

So: what would you pack for a 1-2 night stay in a children's hospital for you and your child? I can't find any info on the hospital's website.

And, what about bottles - will they sterilize/wash them for me?

And, stupid question, do adults change into their pajamas over night or did you just sleep in comfortable day clothes?

[Novella]

Bottles- are generally supplied by the hospital unless you want a particular brand. From memory our hospital has facilities for you to sterilise your own bottles if you need, but maybe call the hospital or even check out there website, they often have a lot of info

PJ's- some people wear PJ's at night some wear trackies and t-shirts its up to you. Snacks for you. Toiletries. Phone charger. Change for vending machines or phones. An extra change of clothes JIC

Id take any favourite toy, a few changes of clothes, loose clothing for bubs so they can easily check temps, take blood etc. Lots of hospitals supply nappies. Any particular nappy creams you use and if he has allergies do you use certain brands of wipes?

[nickle730]

My DS was admitted to hospital several times in his first 12 months, both public and private. We were expected to provide everything, including nappies, wipes, bottles and formula. Soap was available but I took a botttle of the baby wash I prefer. I used a microwave steriliser so I took that with me and used the microwave in the parents room. If you don't have a microwave steriliser I would recommend grabbing some Milton's tablets so that you can sterilise bottles that way.

I wore tracky pants and a t shirt at night, rather than pj's. If you won't be able to go home to change in the morning, don't forget toiletries for yourself.

Hope you get some answers and your little man is ok.

[Beach Mama]

I spent a few nights when DS was 6 mths with a UTI - I slept on the little parent couch bed, I had pjs with me, toiletries as well as my own pillow and doona! The bed was AWFUL so I felt at least those few things would make me sleep a bit better. Not sure about the bottles as I b'fed hun but I would think they would have facilities to help with sterilising etc. but as nickle said might be best to take everything you will need or else call and find out JIK?

[Taurean]

DD2 had to be monitored overnight just a couple of weeks ago. We were admitted immediately (to our private hossi) after an appointment with her paed so initially, all I had was the nappy bag! DH went home to gather some things for our stay though

I expressed overnight for DD so the nurses could feed her while I rested plus I had a staph infection so my nipples were killing me and in desperate need of a rest. The hossi were happy to provide bottles and teats but said it's best to take your own if your LO is use to a certain bottle or teat. DD had only just started taking EBM so she wasn't really 'used to' anything in particular but figured we'd take our own anyway. The hospital supplied the pump and all accessories for me and sterilised everything between feeds and expresses and put all my milk in the fridge.

I took nappies, wipes, etc but the hossi supplied all that. I did use my own barrier cream though but they'd have some, I'm sure.

They supplied wraps for DD as well but I used our own as I thought they may have been familiar (feel and smell) to DD by then - she was 11 days old.

I took a couple of changes of clothes and underwear, pjs (yup, I changed into them to sleep), my pillow, toiletries to shower in the morning, a couple of magazines, my phone and charger, slippers, cardy (it can get cool at night), shoes, socks (for my cold feet at night!) water bottle and pen and paper. It was nice to be comfy. I had a single bed and DD had a newborn bassinet from the maternity ward.

For DD I just had a few outfits, socks, bibs, several pairs of pjs, wraps, bottles and teats, dummies, nappies and wipes.

DD was only 11 days old so we didn't need toys or books but you may need some favorite toys too.

HTH.

[Sally2]

Easy access clothes for bub ( snap button outfits without feet, loose t-shirts & pants, socks, don't worry about singlets ) They may need access to his chest, legs, arms etc while he's sleeping or need access to his feet for monitors.

Also, hospitals are usually really warm so he won't need lots of layers
Bring sleeping bags or wraps if that's what he uses to go to sleep but keep them lightweight so he doesn't get too hot.

Distraction toys for him! A play mobile that flashes lights & makes lots of noise is usally a winner

For you, comfy clothes, PJ's or trackies, whatever is easier. Keep in mind, the nurses won't usually watch him when he's awake, so if you want to get changed you will have to take him with you or wait until he's sleeping for a 10 minute break. The nurses are usually great, but they are busy so don't have a lot of extra time. i always take my own pillow, hospital pillows are awful! You can live with an uncomfortable recliner or couch but a plastic wrapped, squeaky, lumpy pillow makes life so much harder than it needs to be

I also bring a book & a small book light or torch for the middle of the night when you can't sleep & don't want to put on the bright overhead light.

Take snacks, bottles of water & extra bottles & formula/EBM for bubs, the nurses will wash & sterilise for you, plus heat bottles etc but again, if they are busy, sometimes it doesn't happen to your little one's schedule so it's safer to have spares. Most wards have nappies, spare clothes, wipes etc but again, take your own so that you know they are okay for your little one.

Good luck hun, I hope you find out what's going on with your little man so you can make the changes that see him healthy & happy.

[jellybean88]

We needed to supply everything because bottles that had were crap and gave ds wind, they had no steriliser, hospital was very cold.

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