There’s a lot to remember when you’re going to hospital, and when it's your child you have even more things on your mind. Use this checklist to help you remember everything your child and you will need.
- Any medications your child takes, as well as ointments or puffers.
- A list of all their medicines, including over-the counter and prescription, natural therapies, vitamins or supplements.
- Comfortable clothing for your child that are easy to get on and off, such as tracksuit pants and loose tops or shirts that open in the front. Bring layers, including something warm.
- A change of clothes for your child.
- Entertainment for you— such as books, magazines, a computer tablet or laptop (don’t forget chargers and earphones).
- Your mobile phone and charger.
- Your child’s favourite toy and blanket if they have one (add a label with your child’s full name).
- Familiar items from home such as photos.
- Things to entertain your child such as books, crayons or coloured pencils and paper for the waiting room. For older children you might want to pack their favourite music or games.
- Results of any recent tests— such as X-rays, scans or blood tests.
- Relevant letters from your child’s doctors or other health professionals.
- Your Medicare and Medibank cards.
- Other important details – such as TAC Claim, Veteran Affairs, Pension or Concession card if any of these apply to you.
- Any equipment your child or baby needs, such as glasses, hearing aids or walkers (make sure to label mobility aids or equipment).
- Nappies (if your child uses them).
- Snacks (it can be hard to get to the hospital canteen if your child is tired or in pain).
- Any special foods or formula your child needs.
- A few small, wrapped gifts. Use them for distraction when your child is tired or in pain, or as prizes for undergoing tests or procedures.
- A favourite drink bottle or sippy cup.
If you’re staying overnight with your child
- Comfortable sleepwear, a dressing gown and change of clothes for both you and your child.
- Footwear –-slippers and comfortable day shoes that are easy to get on and off, with non-slip soles if possible.
- Toiletries –-soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, comb, moisturiser, etc.
- Earplugs and eye mask.
- Your own pillow.
Looking for something else?
Visit our Hospital Assist homepage for a range of tools and advice to help you at every stage of your hospital journey.
Things you need to know
While we hope you find this information helpful, please note that it is general in nature. It is not health advice, and is not tailored to meet your individual health needs. You should always consult a trusted health professional before making decisions about your health care. While we have prepared the information carefully, we can’t guarantee that it is accurate, complete or up-to-date. And while we may mention goods or services provided by others, we aren’t specifically endorsing them and can’t accept responsibility for them. For these reasons we are unable to accept responsibility for any loss that may be sustained from acting on this information (subject to applicable consumer guarantees).