Whether the stay in the hospital is planned or unplanned, preparing for days or even more to be spent away from home is stressful. Packing the right items can make a big difference and help make your time in the hospital a bit more comfortable while helping you feel more in control. We have put together a list of essential and comfort items that will help make your stay just a bit easier and cozier.

Here is a list of things to bring along with you to the hospital:

1. Clothing - Comfortable, Practical

Well, hospitals are cold, so you want something warm. You also want it to be easy on/easy off for when you have an IV or medical port. Well, the IV Zip Hoodie is great for when one finds their way into a hospital because it is soft and cozy but with zippers on the sleeves that will make accessing the IV lines much easier. Stay comfortable and warm without having to take off and adjust so many layers of clothes.

If hoodies aren’t your style, the IV Crewneck is another great option that’s functional, comfortable, and perfect for layering in cooler hospital rooms.

2. Toiletries and Personal Care Items

Hospitals provide the basics, but bringing your own toiletries can make you feel more at home. Pack your favorite toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, and deodorant. You may also want to pack in a few comfort foods and other luxury items such as face wipes, moisturizer, or some hydrating lip balm to keep yourself fresh and comfortable. Throw your must-haves in a fashionably roomy tote—like the Feel Good Tote—to make sure everything can be accessed with ease when needed.

3. A Comforting Blanket

Let's be real: most of those hospital blankets can scratch and are thin. Having your own soft blanket really makes all the difference. We recommend an Infusion Day Blanket—the perfect companion for any hospital stay. It is lightweight, super soft, and just warm enough to keep you cozy during that long night in the hospital. Plus, it is easy to take with you and won't take up too much space in your bag.

4. Pill Medication and Organizers

While the hospital will provide any prescribed medication, you may still take supplements or other pills. Keeping everything organized gets tricky, especially in the hospital. The Mini Pill Pouches are great organizers for your medications, which you may have with you all the time during your stay in the hospital. You can separate your pills each day or by time of day so that you won't have to fumble with bottles.

5. Entertainment

Because most of the time at the hospital is considered downtime, don't forget to pack something to keep you entertained. This can be a good book, a tablet preloaded with your favorite shows, or a journal to write down your thoughts. Having something to do will help the time pass faster. Be sure to pack chargers for your electronics as well. Large enough to carry everything you need without feeling like you're carrying everything you own—books, electronics, chargers, snacks—you can truly bring anything that you might need inside within the confines of this soft, cotton tote. Having some of your favorite snacks with you may also help you to be more comfortable and sustain you when meals are not immediately available. You may bring them with you but need to discuss with your doctor what snacks are acceptable during your hospitalization.

6. Hydration

Keeping hydrated is most crucial to recovery, and the little cups that hospitals usually provide for water would not be enough. To that effect, bring a water bottle of your own to ensure you're taking enough throughout the day. What would do great in this respect is the Take Your Meds Tumbler since it does not only keep you hydrated but also has room for medications—ideal for long stays in the hospital.

7. Earplugs and Eye Mask

One can also add that hospitals are noisy and bright, even at night. Bringing a good pair of earplugs and an eye mask can block out most of the noise and light for you so you can get some valuable rest. Sleep is important for recovery, and anything one can do to get just that little bit more is certainly worth packing.

Conclusion

The items described herein will help one feel more homely, organized, and relaxed during the stay in the hospital. Staying in the hospital may be quite challenging, but having the right essentials with you can make a big difference in comfort. This ranges from the cozy IV Zip Hoodie and Infusion Day Blanket to practical Mini Pill Pouches. These listed items will help one get the comfort in homely living, organizational aspects, and in relaxed instances in a person's stay at the hospital. You will be so much better equipped to focus on the things that matter most: your health and recovery.