Use our list to help you pack for your child's stay in hospital and what they'll need to wear if they're having surgery.
Don't bring any expensive items or medicines unless you need them while you're in hospital.
Packing with your child
You can help prepare your child for their hospital stay by letting them pack some of their favourite things such as:
- a doll, blanket, teddy or something else they use for comfort
- an activity or toy
- a new toothbrush and pyjamas
- photos of your family and pets.
For your child
- Pyjamas that open at the front so clinicians can check their breathing or their stomach
- Comfortable, warm clothes such as tracksuits and T-shirts
- Underwear
- Shoes and/or slippers
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and other toiletries
- Favourite toys, books, colouring pencils and games
- Headphones
- Any special formula or foods in unopened tins
- Any special equipment they need, such as a gastrostomy connection or non-invasive ventilation machine.
For your baby
- Warm clothes, including socks
- Favourite toy
- Nappy bag
- Dummy, blanket or something else that makes your baby feel safe and secure
- Special teats or formula in unopened tins
- Any other special dietary items.
We can store expressed breast milk on the ward. Make sure you label them with your name, date and the time you expressed.
We also provide disposable teats and S26 and Karicare formula.
For parents and carers
- Medicines and puffers your child is taking, along with a list
- Relevant doctors’ letters
- Relevant X-ray/pathology results
- Medicare card
- Health insurance details
- Change of clothes and toiletries
- Book or other entertainment
- Non-slip footwear to wear at all times during your stay
- Phone or device charger
- Meals or snacks
- Reusable cup with a lid for hot drinks.
What to wear for surgery
If your child is having surgery, dress them in clean, loose-fitting clothing with no metal buttons or zips.
It’s better if they wear a T-shirt and shorts or pyjamas as they’re easier to take on and off. Put something warmer over the top if they need it.
They’ll need to wear shoes inside the hospital.