What to Bring to Make Your Child More Comfortable
Members of the Mary Bridge Teen Council suggest their top-ten things to bring from home to make your hospital stay more comfortable.
Paperwork
- List of any allergies your child may have to medications, food, dyes, latex, tape or other substances
- List of any medications your child takes regularly, and the dosage — both prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Any paperwork or X-rays from your child’s doctor or health care provider
- Your emergency contact numbers
- Insurance card or any other important billing information for you child
- Child's Social Security card or number
- Child's insurance card
Comfort Items
- Their own pajamas (a two-piece set with a top that opens in the front works best) and slippers
- Favorite small toys for younger children
- Portable CD player, electronic games, and so on, for older children
- Phone charger
- Favorite DVDs
- Family picture
- Special blanket, pacifier, stuffed animal or other comfort item
- Inhalers for asthma
- Containers and care supplies for glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids or retainers
- Personal toiletries
Mary Bridge Provides
- Towels
- Linens
- Basic toiletries
- Slipper socks
- Pajamas
What Not to Bring
- To maintain a quiet, healing environment, cell phones may not be used in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
- Jewelry and other valuables should be left at home.
- Due to infection control issues, flowers are not allowed in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit.
- Latex balloons are not allowed in the hospital due to common latex allergies. Mylar balloons are allowed.