A Hospital Go Bag for All Ages

Not all trips to the hospital are planned. Having a hospital go bag, just like expectant parents do, can ensure that you’re prepared and have a more positive experience when you are there.

The last thing you want to worry about when you go to the hospital is whether you’ve brought everything you need. If you or a family member makes frequent trips to the hospital or wants to be prepared for those emergency situations, keep a bag of “must-haves” and “nice-to-haves” ready to go.

Items for your hospital go bag

These items consider both patients and loved ones who may accompany them and spend extended time by their side. For any items that you cannot pack ahead of time, affix a list to the outside of the bag to remind you to toss them in at the last minute, if possible. Even if you are unable to grab the bag before you leave, you can have someone bring it to you later.

Personal items

Think about what you take on trips, like toothbrush and toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, body wipes, body wash, soap, and shampoo (even if the hospital does provide toiletries, you’re probably more comfortable with your own). Bringing your own medications can be tricky, so it’s best to leave them at home.

Because hospital air can be very dry, pack lip balm and lotion. Ear plugs and a sleep mask can support better sleep.

Related: The challenges of sleeping in a hospital

While you won’t be able to keep them packed, don’t forget items such as eyeglasses, hearing aids, dentures, and CPAP or BiPAP before you head out.

Essential information

Pack a document detailing medical information, including medical conditions, allergies, medications with dosage, physicians, insurance, and emergency contact info (including other family members and friends who you would like to have contacted). This is especially important when you’re unable to clearly communicate and have no one there to communicate for you. Also pack copies of your ID, insurance cards, and advance directives.

Clothing

If you leave by ambulance, you may not even have shoes on. Make sure you have a pair of nonslip shoes, like athletic shoes, in your bag. Most hospitals will also give you grip socks to wear so you don’t slip on the tile floors. Hospital rooms can get cold, so pack a sweater or robe, sweatpants or PJ bottoms, etc. If your head typically gets cold, throw a beanie in your bag. And don’t forget to pack a few changes of underwear (unless you want to wear hospital-issued undies) and clothes to wear home.

Electronics

Keep a checklist of what you’ll want to toss in the bag before heading to the hospital. Your phone is a must-have. If you feel the need to bring a laptop or tablet, make sure there is lockable storage in your room. You’ll also want earbuds or headphones for listening to music or movies without disturbing a roommate or staff. Make sure you bring chargers for any electronics you bring.

Related: Must-have items for your emergency preparedness kit

Entertainment

You’ll have plenty of downtime in between medical care and sleep. While you’ll probably have a TV, this is a good time to catch up on your favorite books or all those magazines you never have time to read. For distraction, you can also pack crossword or Sudoku puzzles, a deck of cards, or even knitting, crocheting, or cross-stitch.

Miscellany for your hospital go bag

To stay hydrated, take along a water bottle to keep filled (otherwise, you’ll be drinking out of the hospital’s small disposable cups).

It’s also a good idea to bring a pen and pad to take notes on what the doctor tells you or write questions you’ll want to ask doctors on their rounds. You can use a note-taking or recording app on your phone (just be sure the doctors know you’re recording them) for the same purpose.

If you’re going to be in the hospital for an extended period, you might want to bring a framed photo of someone special or a book of photos to lift your spirits.

Having a hospital go bag can ensure that you will have familiar, comforting things around you. This can help reduce your anxiety, and when you’re calm and relaxed, you tend to recover more quickly ! Even one day less in the hospital is a very good thing!

Related: Seven tips for out-of-town medical procedures

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