A Hospital Packing Guide for Kid's Heart Surgery
As a parent, you'll do everything possible to make your child's hospital stay comfortable. The experience can be overwhelming, but packing the right items can help ease some anxiety. This guide will help you to prepare adequately for the hospital stay when your child is due for heart surgery. The list is divided into categories for parents, babies, children, and teens.
For Parents:
Your comfort and well-being are crucial during this period. Here's what to bring:
- Comfy and soft blanket and pillow: Hospital bedding may not be the most comfortable, and having familiar comfort items can help you rest better.
- Journal: Record thoughts, feelings, or medical information you need to remember.
- Comfort Items: Anything that makes you feel calm or at home, like your favorite book, photos, or music.
- Favorite aromatherapy spray for your pillow: This can help create a soothing sleeping environment.
- Toiletries: Bring your great toothbrush, favorite facewash, familiar-smelling shampoo, and shower gel. These will help you maintain your daily routines and feel refreshed.
- Comfy Clothing: Pack several comfortable t-shirts, sweaters, and sweatshirts for layering. Remember comfy socks and undergarments.
- Dry Shampoo: To keep your hair fresh between showers.
- Hard-soled slippers: These can double up as shoes for walking around in the hospital.
For Babies:
A baby will need familiar and comforting things, even if they may not entirely understand what's happening.
- Kimono-style onesies: Easy to put on and off, which is essential post-surgery. Try to avoid items that will snap or zip directly over the scar or shirts that require arms to be raised when putting on and pulling off.
- Cute socks: To keep your baby's feet warm. Often, socks and hats are the only things you will have direct control over, so having something that feels “normal” and “within your comfort zone” can be reassuring.
- Personalized blankets: Familiar smells and objects can soothe a baby.
- Boppy or Nap Nanny: This can support your baby sitting up after surgery.
- Mirror: Babies love looking at themselves; it can be a distraction and a source of amusement.
- Mobile: For visual stimulation and comfort.
- White noise machine: Helps create a soothing environment. Use a different sound than the one intended for home to avoid association with hospital stays.
For Children (ages 1-12):
Children can understand a little more, and you can include them in packing their bags:
- Favorite Toys, Books, and Electronics: Bring a few of their favorite toys and books to comfort and entertain them. Stuffed animals are also a good idea to bring. Older kids may not feel like they need the extra support, but they will appreciate the comfort.
- Comfortable Clothing: Pack loose, comfy clothes that are easy to put on and take off. If you can find PJ bottoms with an air hole, this is good to help boys use the restroom and can also serve as a way to feed wires through and keep them from tangling up. Try to avoid items that will snap or zip directly over the scar or shirts that require arms to be raised when putting on and pulling off.
- Blanket and Pillow: Like with babies, familiar items can help soothe your child.
- Hygiene Items: Their toothbrush, toothpaste, and hairbrush. Having items that can connect and ground them to home is essential.
- Snacks: Pack their favorite non-perishable snacks.
For Teens (ages 13-19):
Teens will need items that will keep them comfortable, occupied, connected with friends, and feeling “normal.”
- Electronics: Laptop, tablet, phone, chargers, and headphones to keep them entertained. Just like the tweens, some teens may feel comforted by a stuffed animal that has been by their side for many years. You can even pack this "as a joke" and let them know it is there.
- Comfortable Clothing: Just like with younger children, comfortable and loose clothing is the best option. Find PJ bottoms with an air hole; this is good for helping boys use the restroom and can also serve as a way to feed wires through and keep them from tangling up. Try to avoid items that will snap or zip directly over the scar or shirts that require arms to be raised when putting on and pulling off.
- Personal Toiletries: Shampoo, soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
- Books or Magazines: Depending on their interests.
- Journal or Sketchbook: This could be a therapeutic activity if they like to write or draw.
- Snacks: Their favorite non-perishable snacks.
Every child is unique and may require specific items for comfort and convenience. You know your child best, so adjust this packing list as necessary. Furthermore, checking with the hospital about what they provide and their policies on personal items, especially electronics, can be helpful, as rules can vary.
Preparing for your child's heart surgery can be a daunting process. Packing the right items for your stay in the hospital can make a world of difference to you and your child during this challenging time. Having familiar, comforting items from home can help reduce stress and anxiety, providing a sense of normalcy in an unfamiliar environment.
Moreover, taking care of yourself during your child's hospital stay is important. Your strength and calm can be a source of comfort for your child. Bring items that will make you feel more comfortable and better able to handle this period's emotional and physical demands.
Lastly, do not hesitate to reach out for support. This can be challenging, and leaning on friends, family, or support groups can provide much-needed comfort and reassurance. With good preparation, you will be better equipped to navigate this journey with your child, ensuring you are as comfortable and calm as possible. Your love, comfort, and presence are the most important things you can provide your child during their heart surgery. You can make the hospital feel more like home with a little preparation.