Must Haves For Overnight Hospital Stays

Here are a few suggestions of must haves for an overnight stay in hospital. Many would also make an excellent get well gift for someone facing surgery, a stay in hospital or having a baby, and can be found on my website.

• A pretty overnight bag - Makes you feel a (teeny, tiny) bit better about the impending hospital stay when you're packing your stuff into a gorgeous bag.
• A pretty washbag - Most of your things will be on display to all visitors, fellow ward-mates and the medical professionals, so treat yourself to a pretty washbag to hide away anything embarrassing or just to make you feel a bit more at home. And fill it with:
• Facial wipes - As you might not be able to get out of bed to wash your face, but feel so much better when all squeaky clean.
• Antiseptic spray - Just in case you are unable to wash your hands as much as you'd like.
• A mini dry shampoo - So you can give your hair a bit of a spray if you're in bed for a while. You feel so much better when you've had a bit of a freshen up.
• Good lip balm - Particularly useful after an anaesthetic which really dries your lips out for some reason.
• Pocket tissues - Many uses!
• A compact mirror - As you might not be able to get out of bed to check a mirror before visitors.
• Some nice smellies - Maybe a nice hand cream or body lotion for a bit of in-bed-pampering.
• Eye masks - Essential kit for getting some natural shut-eye at night or during the day, especially if you are on a ward!
• Ear plugs - Another natural way to aid good sleep. Hospitals can be noisy places.
• Button-front pyjamas - Particularly if you're having surgery on your upper half or have had a baby as you will constantly be having to undress your top half and you might be quite sore. Much cosier than the awful gowns they give you. My choice was button-front PJs or gown. No non-button-front tops...
• A snugly dressing-gown - Again, useful particularly if you're having surgery on your upper half or have had a baby as you will constantly be having to undress your top half and you might be quite sore - otherwise you could wear a jumper.
• Cosy slippers - Either for keeping your toes warm in bed or for shuffling around on the cold hospital floors.
• A hot water bottle - If you are prone to the cold, or simply just to snuggle up to for comfort.
• A laundry bag - To hide away your dirty smalls, rather than just shoving them to the bottom of your bedside drawer.
• Entertainment - Don't forget your laptop, kindle, iPad, magazines, books etc.
• Treats - A little bit of what you fancy! Cake, biscuits, sweets, chocolate, crisps, your favourite tea etc. I always take squash with me.