A very popular question from parents is always: What should I bring to the hospital for my baby’s surgery?  

Great question!

You want your baby to be as comfortable as possible, and you want to be as comfortable as possible too! I know my mom always slept in the chair next to me each time I had surgery, and she always had a bag full of important things to make me feel better. 

*Side note>>for older children who have long hair, consider putting his or her hair in a braid since they are going to be laying on their backs for quite a while!

I want to address the 2 important surgeries early on in the baby’s life for this post.  I hope this can help you parents out there who are wondering what the heck to bring for this hospital visit!

I’ve included links and pictures of some amazon products I recommend. 

Let’s start with the Cleft Lip Repair surgery. 

Cleft Lip Repair Surgery- What to Bring

1. Long sleeve t-shirt for baby that is slightly larger than normal
   • This will be for after the surgery> It will go under the “no-no’s”

   

   

2. Favorite stuffed animal or blankie 
   • They might let your child hold this during the surgery!
3. Sweatpants or leg warmers for baby to wear under gown

   

4. Shirts should be zip up or snap up- NOTHING OVER THE HEAD (see above)
5. Toys that can still be used with arm restraints on

   

6. iPad for TV shows 
7. A list of medications 
8. The normal formula or breast milk you usually use & bottles
   • You may want to bring bottle washing supplies since you may be there for a couple of days
9. Ziploc bags, wipes, antibacterial wipes, tissues 
10. Bibs 
11. Infant carrier and stroller
    • If you have a wrap, bring that too. Baby will want to be held after the surgery
12. For you: 
    • Lots of snacks
    • Toiletries
    • Warm blanket
    • Sandals/Slippers
    • Dark clothing (because there will be blood from your baby’s drool)
    • Headache medicine
    • Phone charger
13. Camera 

Cleft Palate Repair Surgery- What to Bring

1. Shirts that are zip up or snap up
2. Favorite stuffed animal or blankie
3. Sweatpants or leg warmers to wear under the hospital gown
4. Toys
5. iPad for TV shows 
6. List of Medications
7. Squeeze pouches of applesauce, fruit, etc.

   

   

8. Ziploc bags, wipes, antibacterial wipes, tissues
9. Bibs 
10. Infant carrier and stroller 
    • If you have a wrap, bring that too. Baby will want to be held after the surgery 
11. Sippy cup that does not require suction

    

12. For you:
    • Lots of snacks
    • Toiletries
    • Warm blanket
    • Sandals/Slippers
    • Dark clothing (because there will be blood from your baby’s drool)
    • Headache medicine
    • Phone charger
13. Camera 

The most important thing…

Remember to take care of yourself, and bring necessities for you, too! Your baby will be doing lots of sleeping, so make sure you have something to entertain yourself. And definitely do not forget food for yourself! You will probably overpack, but as long as you have the things listed above, you should be great.

Don’t forget:

If you are calm, your baby will be calm too. 

 

I hope this helped! Feel free to comment below if anything in addition to this list was helpful for you.

Thank you, and good luck!