If you take care of kids, than you already know that at some point in their lives you will more than likely end up in the emergency department. It is bound to happen. Kids are more prone to injury and accidents and they can become very sick when your pediatrician’s office is closed.
So what can we do as parents and caregivers to be ready for this?
Pack a Go Bag
The bag should have stuff that would help make the experience at the emergency department a little less stressful. This is a bag that can be left in your car or in a closet at home.
Items for the Go Bag:
- Extra Clothes for Baby/Child- Sweats, pajamas, socks, underwear, diapers (anything that will be comfy).
- Extra Clothes for Parents- T-Shirt or Sweats (Having a shirt full of blood or vomit isn’t too comfortable).
- Blanket, stuffed animal, pacifier- something that is soft to cuddle up with or to help self soothe
- Current Medical Record- Your pediatrician can print out your child’s vaccinations, height/weight, allergies and current medications.
- Current Insurance Information
- Extra cell phone charger
- Note pad and pen- great to write down questions, concerns and information from the medical team.
- Snacks-crackers, granola bars, juice box, baby food (anything that will help fill some empty tummies during a long wait)
- Single dollar bills or quarters for vending machines
- Coloring book, crayons and stickers
- Look and Find Book or I-Spy Book
- Reading Books
- Baby Toys- teething toys, soft plush toys, small toys that light up or make noise
- Bubbles
- Deck of cards
- Small rubber ball or squishy toy that kids can squeeze (this can help during an IV insertion or blood draw)
- Small action figures, cars, dolls- just small enough to pack up
It doesn’t take long to pack a Go Bag and trust me you will be thanking yourself for doing it.
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