When your child faces cancer treatment, knowing what to pack for hospital stays can bring a small sense of control during an overwhelming time. After talking with countless families who've walked this path, we've compiled this comprehensive guide to help you prepare for both planned admissions and unexpected overnight stays.

We hope it helps!

The Foundation: Two-Bag System

Many experienced families recommend keeping two bags ready: one that stays packed in your car for unexpected admissions, and another for scheduled treatments. This approach means you're never caught unprepared when plans change—because with childhood cancer, they often do.

Comfort Items That Matter Most

• Your child's favorite blanket and pillowcase from home transform sterile hospital rooms into familiar spaces. Pack two sets so you always have a clean backup.
• A special stuffed animal or comfort toy becomes more than entertainment—it's a brave companion for procedures and a soft friend during long nights. Your child can help pick a designated "hospital buddy" that stays in your go-bag.
• Familiar pajamas and comfortable clothes make a difference. While hospitals provide gowns, wearing their own superhero pajamas or favorite t-shirt helps kids feel more like themselves. Choose items with easy access for port access or IV lines; button-up jammies are best!

Entertainment for Every Energy Level

Treatment affects children differently each day. Some days they'll want active engagement; others, they'll need quiet rest. Pack options for both:

• For higher energy moments: Colored pencils and drawing pads, small craft kits, card games, handheld gaming devices with chargers, tablets loaded with downloaded movies/shows.
• For quieter times: Audiobooks and podcasts, music playlists, photo albums of family, friends, and pets, and gentle fidget toys.

• Books deserve special mention—both for reading together and independent reading. Many families discover that revisiting beloved picture books from early childhood brings unexpected comfort, regardless of your child's current age.

Practical Essentials Often Forgotten

• Phone chargers and portable battery packs keep you connected to your support system. Pack extra-long charging cables since outlets aren't always in.
• Snacks for everyone matter more than you might expect. While hospitals provide meals, having your child's favorite crackers or fruit pouches ensures they'll eat something when their appetite is low. Don't forget snacks for yourself!
• Cash and coins for vending machines and parking meters. Many hospitals use card systems these days, but cash comes in handy.
• A notebook and pen for tracking medications, questions for doctors, and observations about your child's responses to treatment. Your phone works too, but sometimes paper is simpler during stressful moments.

Parent Survival Items

Your well-being directly impacts your ability to support your child. Include:

• Your own comfort items: A travel pillow, eye mask, and earplugs help you rest in uncomfortable hospital chairs. A cozy sweatshirt doubles as a blanket and pillow.
• Basic toiletries and a change of clothes, because you might stay longer than expected. Dry shampoo, face wipes, toothbrush/toothpaste, and deodorant help you feel human.
• Refillable water bottle and easy-to-eat snacks keep you nourished without leaving your child's side.

Special Considerations

• Masks for everyone remain important in oncology units. Pack child-sized masks in fun patterns, if possible. Small choices, like picking today's mask pattern, return some control to your child.
• Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes for extra protection, especially in common areas.
• A "boredom buster" surprise bag with new small toys, stickers, or activities revealed during particularly challenging moments can redirect focus and create positive associations.
• Important documents in a folder: insurance cards, medication lists, and contact information for your child's care team.

The Most Important Item

Beyond every practical item, pack patience and grace for yourself. No parent handles this perfectly. Some days you'll forget the iPad charger or run out of snacks. That's okay. Your presence is what your child needs most.

You're Not Alone

Remember, every family facing childhood cancer has stood where you're standing, wondering if they've packed enough, packed too much, or packed the right things. Hospital staff understand and can help with forgotten items. Other families in the oncology unit often share resources and suggestions.

At Cancer Kickers Soccer Club, we know that facing childhood cancer feels impossibly hard. While we can't make treatment easier, we hope this guide makes the practical aspects more manageable. 

You're doing an amazing job, even when it doesn't feel like it.