Practical Point:

If you have a few minutes before heading to the ER, pack medications, snacks, comfort items, entertainment, chargers, and anything that will make a long, stressful wait a little easier.

Need to leave fast? Here’s my ER packing checklist for a baby and toddler.

1. Medications (Prescription medications, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen)
2. Snacks
3. Stuffie and Blanket
4. Toys and Books
5. Phone Charger
6. Pajamas
7. Baby Items
8. Purse/Wallet
9. Water
10. Extra Clothes

Story

Both of our boys were sick. Really sick. Refusing to eat food and drink water. Callan, our 9-month-old, was starting to improve. Everett, our 2½-year-old, wasn’t. We called the pediatrician and spoke with the nurse. They had already been diagnosed with strep throat and hand, foot, and mouth disease. Then Everett refused to drink anything all day and stopped peeing altogether. 

They said the dreaded words, “You need to bring him to the ER.”

So we did the only thing we could: we started packing. We loaded up our dehydrated toddler, our baby, and everything we thought we might need. The four of us could be there for hours. We really had no idea. 

This is exactly what I packed for the night with the unknown of how things would play out. 

1. Medications: The baby and toddler antibiotics, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. We already had these at home, so there was no reason to pay hospital prices if we didn’t have to.
2. Snacks for Everyone: Granola bars, pouches, fruit, or whatever else your family might actually eat. Sick kids are hard enough. Hungry parents make everything harder.
3. Stuffie and Blanket: Everett’s bunny even ended up with some medical equipment of his own from the nurses. It turned something scary into something a little less intimidating.
4. Toys and Books: Even fifteen minutes of distraction is a win in an ER waiting room.
5. Phone Charger: You do NOT want your phone to die. Bring the longest phone charger you own. Your phone becomes your communication, entertainment, camera, and information hub.
6. Pajamas: If you’re stuck there for the night, pajamas from home are the move. Even if you’re not stuck there for the night, being able to change them into pajamas before the drive home is much easier than trying to wrestle sleepy, sick kids once you finally get home.
7. Baby items: Carrier, diaper bag items, and bottles (if needed.) The carrier is key. When both kids need you at the same time, having your hands free is huge.
8. Purse/Wallet: ID, insurance cards, cash, credit cards, and the everyday important things.
9. Water: Bring water for everyone. Sick kids (and parents) get thirsty, and sharing water bottles while everyone’s sick isn’t ideal.
10. Bonus: Pack a change of clothes: We didn’t pack this but I can see this being something we should have packed. Between potential blood, vomit, medications, and the general “icks” of the emergency room, having extra clothes is advised.

This was a really scary time. We were in the ER for several hours, got IV fluids for Everett, and were able to go home. He finally had some life back in his face. We were exhausted, but incredibly grateful to be heading home.

One Last Practical Point

Our emergency was not immediately life-threatening. We had the luxury of packing all these things. If the emergency you are facing is more urgent, leave immediately. The hospital can replace almost everything on this list, but they can’t replace time. None of what I listed is life or death. They’re simply things that can make a difficult situation a little easier.

Every family, and every season of parenting, is different. I’m not here to convince you to do things exactly the way we do them. I’m simply sharing practical ideas that have made our lives easier. Take what works, tweak what doesn’t, and leave the rest behind. If one small idea makes your day easier, this post has done its job.

Practical Parent Picks

If I recommend a product here, it’s because it’s something we’ve actually used or something I genuinely think could make parenting a little easier. Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting The Practical Parent HQ.

Charging Cord: This charges super fast and the cord is very long!

Spinner Toy: This spinner toy is my baby’s favorite toy. We bring it everywhere! 

Busy Cube: Both boys love this toy! It is like 20 different activities in one! I couldn’t find the exact one we have but this is close! 

Once Upon a Farm Melts: I bought these for my baby but my toddler loves them too! It’s a favorite snack at our house!