So we’ve had a busy couple of days. All I can say is that I’ve seen the inside of the children’s hospital way too much lately. But that’s okay. We go prepared. It makes life a lot easier. We have to spend a couple of hours in one small room waiting to meet with a nurse, a doctor, a respiratory therapist, a social worker, and the random medical student! So to prepare for the long day, my daughter and I pack her a bag of essentials and the fun stuff.
A “Newer” Toy. We bring any newer toy that she is obsessed with. Currently, it’s an alphabet game that she got for Christmas and loves.
Activities to Distract. We usually include anything such as stickers, books, a sticker book, crayons and a coloring book.
Snacks to Hold Her Over. I throw in a cup of water plus a snack that doesn’t require enzymes – like fruit. Usually it’s something simple like raisins or Craisins.
The Real Essentials. I always have wipes and diapers, of course, but I also still bring a change of clothing for her. You never know what can happen to a toddler’s clothes when she is out and about.
The Meds. I also have any medications she may need while we are there, plus a list of the others she is currently on just in case we see different doctor or nurse than usual.
The Paperwork. Of course, we try not to forget the insurance cards. My daughter has three, so it’s important to have all the information with us. I also have the pharmacy information, because someone usually asks us which one we use. For the record, we use the CF Services Pharmacy and it’s amazing.
Cash. The parking garage takes credit cards, but the machines aren’t always working, and the charge is usually only a few dollars anyway. Plus, the food cart and gift shop only take cash so it’s good to have it in case of a snack emergency.
So there you go. That’s everything I make sure to bring on our day trip to the hospital. It makes the experience easier for my daughter and me.