What to Pack

Here are some suggestions about what to pack when staying overnight. 

For your child

• Books (a few favorite stories to pass time)
• Change of clothing to wear home
• Comb or hairbrush
• Hair ties or barrettes
• iPod® or MP3 player (label with patient name, room, your phone number)
• Pajamas and underwear
• Laptop
• Pictures of pets, family, grandparents
• Socks or slippers (nonslip soles)
• Special blanket or toy
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (check with staff before using) 

For you

• Address book and e-mail contacts for family/friends
• Change of clothing
• Chewing gum or hard candy
• Insurance cards and ID
• Laptop (consider creating a CarePage to quickly share updates with family/friends)
• Lip balm
• List of medications currently being taken by your child and dosage information
• Lotion
• Magazine or book
• Slippers
• Snacks
• Sweater or sweatshirt
• Toiletries (shaving cream, razor, lotion, mouthwash, antacid)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Travel pillow

Complimentary Amenities

The Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Patient and Family Advisory Council is a group of parents who have had experience with their child in the hospital. When your child is admitted, you will receive a copy of our Family Resource Guide as well as a Family Care Bag. This reusable cloth bag holds complimentary personal items and comforts to make your stay a little easier.