What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

You can be admitted to the hospital for various reasons, such as childbirth, surgeries and illnesses. Whatever the reason, you'll need to pack certain items in your hospital bag to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Being prepared can decrease stress on your friends and loved ones, as hospital stays can be long and demanding.

Insurance Card and Identification

• When you enter the hospital, you must have your insurance card and a form of identification with your photo, such as a driver's license. It is important to keep these items handy for extra security purposes.

Toiletries

• Hospital rooms provide soap, toothpaste and lotion, but they usually are trial sizes that may not last during your entire stay, and they may be of poor quality. Instead, buy your own toiletries at the drugstore. Items you might want to pack include soap or body wash, lotion, deodorant, toothpaste and toothbrush, facial cleanser and feminine protection.

Clothes

• During your stay you will be required to wear a hospital gown. However, you will need to pack at least one additional outfit to wear when you are released. Other items to make your stay more comfortable are a robe, slippers, extra undergarments and socks. Although the hospital may provide some of these garments, you might feel more comfortable wearing your own favorites.

Electronic Media

• An occasion such as childbirth may be something you and your family would like to remember and cherish. So, take along your camcorder, digital camera or other electronic device. Be sure to pack chargers and extra batteries for your devices.

Entertainment:

• Be sure to include extra forms of entertainment such as a laptop, an iPod, hand-held video games, an mp3 player or a portable DVD player. Though hospital rooms have televisions, most offer very limited stations, which may become extremely boring after a few days.