hospital survival kit

I've been in the hospital with a sick child for 5 days, 4 nights and here's a list of things I think all moms should pack if their child gets admitted for the hospital:

For the baby:
1. Lots of onesies. The best ones are these at Gap. You can't do footies in case they hook up a monitor or IV. These are great because the buttons will let the whole outfit come off without going over the head or feet. You need at least 6 even 
2. Wash cloths - for the in-bed sponge bath. Hospital towels are scratchy.
3. Plastic toys - Sitting in a crib can get dull so we alternate the toys so she thinks it's something new. We only brought plastic so we could easily sanitize them. 

The hospital provides for their patient, the baby. So formula, juice, diapers and wipes are free and you should take full advantage.

For the parents:

My new motto: "make yourself at home"

1. Firm pillows and sleeping bags and/or comforter - The furniture is hard and the pillows here  are a joke. You will need a firm pillow to protect your head from the hard spots on the bed or wall. The comforter can be doubled-up if you are sleeping on a hard bed so you have more cushion. It may seem like a bulky addition (because it is) but you can stash it away during the day and it will be worth it to avoid aches and pains at night
2. Water bottles - You can refill them from the tap, just make sure to drink lots of water. The lack of sleep will make your face puffy enough. You need water to make yourself feel better.
3. Gum - For your breathe, you will need it.
4. Toiletries - This is obvious of course but make sure you don't miss anything. Bring shampoo, conditioner, face wash tooth brush - all of it. I assume all hospitals have showers.
5. A towel - back to the point about scratchy towels. 
6. Technology - keeping up with the rest of the world is the only way you will feel like the rest of the world is still happening. Being cooped up in a hospital makes time stand still. 

Unlike preparing for the hospital stay before you give birth, the ER is unexpected. You probably won't pack much when you first drop in because you don't know if your child will even be admitted unless it's truly serious and in that case you don't even have time to think about packing a bag. 

I guess most of this is applicable to anyone's hospital stay. It's important to appreciate the service and care you are getting  and although it's nothing like a hotel stay there's no reason not to make yourself feel better about being there. 

I'd also suggest avoiding fast food and cafeteria food. If someone offers to bring you something, let them. My mom brought my favorite home-cooked dinner one night. My sister brought us warm cookies and milk (Joe's favorite) another night. These things made us feel normal. We felt more human eating things that weren't wrapped in plastic. 

This trip to the hospital isn't about us. It's about Emmy