5 Things to Pack for Surgery Week

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of SoCozy. All opinions are my own and not edited by the sponsor.

Addie’s leg surgery is coming up in 3 months and I am in full-prep mode, as we will be traveling to Delaware for a week (or more)! If you’re like me, prepping for travel always includes a trip to Target. They have literally everything- which makes travel preparations easier. Unlike vacation, getting ready for a week in the hospital doesn’t come with the luxury of being able to run to the store for last minute needs.

Of course, we have friends and family who are at the ready to help us, but knowing the specifics are covered makes requests for snacks or an extra blanket easier to make. So… what are my 5 top things packed for Addie’s surgery week?

1. Nightgowns

   When your child is in the hospital, especially post-surgery, with the medicine bloating their bodies and them working so hard to recover, adding a drafty hospital gown in an uncomfortable fabric does nothing for the process. I always bring night gowns for Addie to wear once she’s released from PICU onto a recovery floor.

   

   These nightgowns are always tank/short-sleeved so all lines can fit through and be accessed easily by staff, and so she is comfortable. Hospitals are chilly, but with different medications, the body can heat up, sweat, and cool all in the same 30 minutes, so a light gown is perfect… and a favorite sweater or hoodie from mom or dad will be the perfect comfort over top when needed.

2. Music

   Addie loves movies, but more than that, she loves music. Packing her favorite movie soundtracks will pep her mood, and give her an activity that she doesn’t have to focus on. For a day or so, post-surgery, focusing on anything can be hard. Music can be soothing and a real mood boost, and turned on while her eyes are closed.

   

3. Gentle Products

   When I think of how to wash her luscious locks when she’s in double casts, I cringe. Her beautiful hair is such a part of her- almost another person to care for some days! For day-of, I keep her hair in braids. This makes any bed transfers less likely to knot, and not having ponytail holders higher up in her head means less tugging on the scalp when I have to pull them out. So- French-braid pigtails it is!

   

   For the days following… that’s a whole other animal.

   

   I browsed the aisles of Target looking for the most sensitive, non-toxic products- nothing with junk and gunk- just simple products that will keep her hair easy to manage. The baby care aisle answered my wishes for such a product with on of my favorite brand SoCozy. Their new line, HUSH, is dermatologist and allergy tested to treat sensitive scalp and has an entire line for hair care for kids. The line includes Hush Sensitive Serum, Hush Sensitive Foam, Hush Sensitive 2in1, and Hush Sensitive Detangler, to tackle everything from tangles to frizzies, flakiness, and bedhead.

   

   The really cool brush that comes on the shampoo is also amazing! To massage the scalp and care for her gently, even in the worst of times.

   

   I make sure to bring a gentle, organic lip balm as well… which we share- to remedy dry mouth from oxygen masks, hospital air, and dehydrating medications.

4. Books and Activities

   Quiet activities are so important in hectic situations.

   

   I packed a few new books, as well as workbooks, which are her favorite quiet activity. The options of reading, tracing, mazes and the like are a great distraction from pain, discomfort, itching, lethargy and the like. Post-surgery days can be a blur and letting your child sit and stare at a screen all day is so tempting… but don’t let that take over!

   We like to switch up surgery days with movie, activity, snack, walk, nap, repeat. This gives time to veg out, work the mind, have nourishment (we opt for fresh fruit over crackers or sugary snacks), some fresh air and movement, and a bit of a rest (where I can put some music on or read a book to help encourage the mind to settle and body to shut down and heal).

5. Glass Water Bottle

   This is an absolute must for us, as glass is far simpler to wash in a sink than any other material AND doesn’t crack when held tightly.

   

   In hospitals, the cups are typically styrofoam or plastic. This material is not ideal with small hands in unfamiliar situations who are on medications. Often, it is squeezed too hard, or the lid isn’t on quite right, or even when it’s dropped the whole thing spills all over. Our Life Factory water bottles are perfect- easily washed to reuse, a sleeve that makes it easy to hold and nearly unbreakable, and a straw that’s easy to sip from and doesn’t spill out when tilted.

Of course, there are 1,000,000 other things that can fit in that bag- thank goodness for Target’s delightful selection of luggage… I chose a big floral slouchy bag with interior compartments which allow me to pack a lot, separate dirty laundry from clean, and has shorter handles that will hook easily on a wheelchair, making moving from room or floor to floor that much easier than a rolling bag!

If you’re going through surgery with your child and have any questions, please reach out! I would love to help guide you if you have any questions or concerns!