Here is what I pack for operations.
This list is for a stay longer than overnight. StarGirl and I have spent months and months in hospital so this is what I know I need each time, it has changed quite a bit over the years but mainly just the fact she needs different things now she's a toddler not a newborn and all her stuff is bigger and requires a much bigger bag.
I take 3/4 bags, a big weekender bag for StarGirl, a big weekender bag for me, and a large bag for life, strong fabric bag for food (the thick jute ones as it will be HEAVY!!)
In the photo below the white bag is mine. The jute bag on the pram is for food.
The blue bag is StarGirls clothes etc and attaches to the pram, and the black bag fits to the front of the pram and has all her nappies/wipes/changing bits.
Keeping everything separate in easy to distinguish bags helps SO MUCH!!
babygrows
bodysuits
(choosing how many bodysuits or babygrows to take can be tough, especially depending on what operation your child is having done, where their stitches will be and where wires and tubes will be coming from, I mainly take bodysuits)
t-shirts
trousers
socks
pair of shoes
comforter/teddy/blankie (preferably more than one if its their favourite as they can get very dirty)
noisy toys for distraction
quiet toys for wards
colouring book and crayons
blanket or sleepingbag (hospital provides enough blankets, and sleeping bags not always practical)
nappies (lots)
wipes (lots)
any medical notes you normally carry with you
daily medicines baby takes
Mammy's Bag:
lots and lots of tshirts/tops
cardigans
comfy trousers
a set of outside clothes (usually what I wore in is fine to wear out)
slip on shoes
underwear
lots and lots of socks with grips on sole (slipper socks)
any daily medications and paracetamol etc. if you're likely to get a bad head
make-up (basics)
face cleansing wipes
moisturiser (very drying air-conditioning)
body wet wipes
roll on deodorant
dry shampoo
hair brush
hair bobbles and clips (whatever you'd use normally)
toothbrush and toothpaste
book or kindle (and charger)
notebook and pen
mobile phone and charger
Food Bag:
baby's bottle (s)
formula powder canister
baby spoons and bowls
puree and dry foods baby likes (example: baby biscuits)
food for you: biscuits, crisps, chocolate, lots of individual drink bottles (not cans, things with lids easier) wards won't let you have anything hot near children, but normally have parents rooms where you can make a cup of tea etc. Always take lots of food for you, especially if you don't have anyone who can bring you meals 3 times a day as hospitals do not feed parents. Sandwiches can last a couple of days so those are good. Take a lidded travel mug and some teabags (there's sometimes a fridge for milk, label your personal stuff)and plastic cutlery also.
Tips/Extras:
Antibacterial hand gel and wipes
Box of tissues (and I also take a spare toilet roll just in case, some hospitals only have one parent toilets per ward, so you cant guarantee there'll be enough at 2am!)
Have a big bag for each category, not all in one bag, makes life easier!
Store all clothes etc in their categories in little clear plastic zip sandwich bags, everything can be pulled out easily, will stay clean and is easy to find quickly. Plus sandwich bags can be labelled so other people can find your stuff quickly.
Extra sandwich bags in different sizes
A big bag for all the dirty washing you'll go through (sicky/bloody clothes can be stored in sandwich bags inside the big bag)
And if you have a child who is still in the pram, then ALWAYS take the pram with you!!!
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