Packing Checklist

Be aware that the rooms are small, storage space is limited, and you might be sharing a room with another family (kids with CF generally get their own room but other medical issues may not). The key is to pack lightly yet efficiently so that you are as comfortable as possible but not overburdened with too much "stuff." Here's my personal packing list:

Items for your child:

• Pajamas, robe, slippers
• Sweat pants, T-shirts, and flip flops (for the shower and easy on/off around the room)
• Undies and socks
• Personal toiletry items (toothbrush, paste, hairbrush, make-up, deodorant, shampoo/ conditioner, soap, mini blow dryer, hair ties for long hair, chap stick for dry lips)
• Water bottle, straws, powdered gatorade packets (or whatever your child likes)
• Toys, games, art stuff, books, ipods, computer, DVD's, music, etc. for entertainment
• Special blankets, pillow, lovies
• For young kids, diapers and wipes, diaper cream, etc.
• School books and assignments as needed
• Bring a few days worth of medications- especially pancreatic enzymes
• Special (small) food items including microwavable and instant things (my daughter just loves Miso soup as she recovers from surgery so we bring packets of soup with us)
• Vest System if you use one (our hospital has a very old model and often can't locate one that's available). 
• Yogurt or probiotics with lactobacillus  - one dose a day can help keep C diff away (Clostridium difficile). Know the signs of C diff.

Items for you:

• Office supplies: Colored paper or notepad, pens/pencils, file folder, big envelope. Take good notes on everything. The file folder or big envelope will help you to keep track of papers and forms you receive.
• Your personal items: PJ's, change of clothes (I find that exercise sets with a tank top works great as they are comfie, they come with a jacket, and they double as PJ's if needed), toiletries (including shampoo/soap/ mini blowdryer, etc.), your own medications if applicable.
• Easy slip-on shoes and/or slippers, flip flops (for shower and easy on/off in the room)
• For long stays: a small bottle of dishwashing liquid, laundry soap, air freshener (for the bathroom)  
• Laptop computer, cell phone, camera, ipod & headset, and chargers!
• Extension cord (with grounded plugs)
• Coffee mug and instant coffee packets, water bottle
• Reading materials, movies, puzzles, things to do for you
• List of phone numbers and email addresses for friends and family
• Sleeping bag, pillow, and fitted bed sheet (size for a twin bed)
• Empty shopping bags to bring home all of the gifts your child will accumulate
• A few empty ziplock baggies (always handy for something)
• Little comfort snacks for you (ie: chocolate!)
• Earplugs and sleep mask for eyes (maybe a set for your child, too) 
• Disinfectant wipes (to wipe down commonly touched items like bedrails, doorknobs, remote control, etc.)