A practical checklist for longer stays — plus what can help you feel more prepared for the transition home.
Packing a bag for the hospital is a rite of passage for many expectant moms. However, if medical complications arise for either the mom or the newborn, that hospital stay may extend beyond the typical night or two. That’s when your hospital bag takes on even more importance and requires additional thought and preparation.
Whether you’re preparing for hospital admission prior to delivery or for time in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), convenience and comfort are key. Planning ahead can also help ease the transition once it’s time to go home — especially if your baby needs continued care and support after discharge. Programs like the NICU Bridge to Home at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt are designed to support families during that transition, offering guidance beyond the hospital stay.
What to pack for a longer hospital or NICU stay
If you’re expecting a longer stay, a few thoughtful additions can make a meaningful difference:
Comfort items
- Your own pillow and blanket
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- Slippers or non-slip socks
Practical essentials
- Long phone charging cords
- Toiletries and daily medications
- Copies of important documents
- Ways to pass the time
- Books, magazines or a journal
- Crafts or small hobbies (knitting, puzzles, etc.)
- Headphones or a tablet for entertainment
For baby (when appropriate)
- A going-home outfit
- Baby book or milestone tracker
- Items approved by your care team
Getting comfortable during a longer stay
“We want patients to feel comfortable and make the space their own, especially those who are here for more than one week,” said Dr. Andrea Johnson, an obstetrician-gynecologist who specializes in high-risk pregnancy with the Vanderbilt Center for Women’s Health.
“Outlets often aren’t close to the bed, so having long charging cords is very helpful,” Johnson said.
She added, however, that while watching movies or playing games on your devices may entertain you for a while, those with extended hospital stays should consider other ways to pass the time.
“Be sure you have items to keep you occupied, like books to read. I’ve even had patients take up hobbies like knitting and playing the ukulele,” she added.
Staying organized and processing the experience
For new parents whose baby requires time in the NICU, having a journal on hand can help you stay organized and provide a way to process your feelings.
“It can be very cathartic to journal while your baby is in the NICU,” said Dr. Uchenna E. Anani, a neonatologist at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, adding that journals also come in handy for jotting down questions, tracking your baby’s milestones and noting when treatments or feedings occurred.
Keeping everything in one place can also be helpful after you leave the hospital, especially if your baby requires follow-up care or additional support at home. Resources like NICU Bridge to Home help families stay connected to care teams and navigate those next steps with more confidence.
Feeling at home — and transitioning to home
Both Johnson and Anani emphasize the importance of making the hospital room feel as much like home as possible. This can include playing music, placing photos around the room and decorating for the holidays. “Always check with your nurse or doctor about what is safe and appropriate, but it’s nice to have those items that make the room feel more like home,” Anani said.
Anani also encouraged new moms to talk to their nurses about when it’s appropriate to bring in clothes for their baby and to their lactation consultant about receiving assistance with the breast pump they will use at home.
For families preparing for a longer NICU stay, it can also help to think ahead to what life will look like after discharge. The transition home is an important milestone, and having the right support in place can make it feel more manageable. Programs like Monroe Carell’s NICU Bridge to Home are one way families can continue receiving guidance and care as they move from hospital to home. Learn more about how the program supports families here.
Expert care for you and your baby
Each pregnancy and delivery is unique and yours should be too. Learn more about how Vanderbilt Health’s obstetrics and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s Level IV NICU provide you and your baby unmatched expert care. With the highest accredited NICU in the region, you and your baby have everything you need, all in one place.
To learn more, call 615-322-0963.
