Emergency bag/hospital bag (non pregnancy)

[Coffeesnob11]

After being in hospital with my ds for the second time I really need to sort an emergency bag out for us to grab in these sorts of situation. We both slept in our clothes and food and drinks were sadly lacking for me. Neither of us had even a jumper or a toothbrush and I couldn't leave him to drive to a shop. The question is what would you include? Shall I buy us a couple of cheap outfits and Jim jams from primark and chuck them in a bag with toothbrushes, a brush, some snacks? What else am I forgetting? I was going to do a list of things we can't leave in the bag like meds, tablets, keys etc.

Only times I've stayed with DD in hospital, it was on a children's ward and all parents were in clothes. I found it usual to have some jogging bottoms as they were lose and comfy. If you're only getting an upright chair to sleep on, might be handy to grab a pillow. Also, warm in hospitals but nice to feel covered up at night, so a sheet was handy.

I'd also go for comb, toothbrush, mini toothpaste, wipes (I've never been allowed to shower or bath there myself), spare underwear. Then a list for last minute things you can grab, ie crisps, cereal bars, fruit, magazine, book or puzzles from newspaper, your credit card, phone and charger, family meds.

We were in a children's hospital yesterday bit as I am a lone parent I thought it handy to have a bag just in case I am taken in too so that it's generic. There was a shower in the children's ward, not that any of us used it and this time they gave me a pull out bed but last time it was a very small chair. A blanket would be a good shout. I also really missed having wipes/a flannel yesterday as they are great for all sorts of things.

Yes, if you think it could be a regular thing then I'd buy items so you can grab and go and have at least the basics. It also gives you less to think about so if you have toiletries and nightware in a specific bag all you have to remember and put together is snacks and entertainment or whatever.

I'd also add (in addition to PPs' ideas which are all excellent) as big a water bottle as you can find (pref one with a straw) to lessen the number of times you get up and refill - also hospitals are, IME, hot as hades, so staying hydrated is always good.

Leave a phone charger cable in the bag too in case you forget it in a rush

Not a bad idea of you think this could be frequent and can spare a few quid / few items of clothing to leave be in a bag.

• comfy clothes (leggings joggers t shirts etc)
• spare underwear!
• Socks / slippers
• dry snacks that have a long date so you can leave them in the bag
• drinking bottle
• face wipes / baby wipes
• deodorant!
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• something to read and a charging cable
• maybe one of those really lightweight towels bundled in, inflatable pillow and a blanket
• eye mask for hope of a bit of sleep? Hospitals never go fully dark
• hair brush and hair bands - just bundle the hair up and forget about it