What to Pack for the Ronald McDonald House
The Ronald McDonald House is a wonderful charity that allows families to relocate near the hospital in times of need at little or no cost. You will find that the RMH is similar to a hotel and will already provide much of all you need. However, parents have found that bringing a few extra things allows for a more comfortable stay. Popular items of your own to bring are:
Bedding: Bedding is provided, but most parents prefer to use their own full-size sheets, mattress protectors, pillows, and blankets. Some opt to bring a mattress topper for added comfort.
Towels: The RMH provides two per room, you might be able to get more by asking the front desk, but most choose to bring their own, bigger, softer, towels.
An extra laundry basket/bag: There is one in the room, but an additional can be helpful for sorting. Big blue IKEA bags are cheap, great, and compact. Ones with wheels are really helpful if you have to have a c-section and don’t want to be lifting anything.
TV: There is no TV provided in your room, so many parents bring a small 19” TV and a device that allows them to stream Netflix, Hulu, etc. onto their TV. Or it’s common to bring a tablet that you can stream from too. They do have community TV rooms if you decide not to bring a TV.
Portable fan: It can get hot in the rooms, so having your own fan allows you to be more comfortable.
Door Hanger and Organizer: Storage is limited, so a door hanger or over the door organizer can be convenient to hang towels, bathroom bags, robes, purse, etc. or hold and organize small items, shoes, etc.
Hangers: There is a small space to hang clothes, but only a handful of hangers are provided. Another pack of hangers would be ideal.
Laundry detergent/ fabric softener/ dryer sheets: These are provided, but many like to use brands they are familiar with using at home.
Mini-Fridge: RMH provides refrigerators. However, if you are pumping, having a small fridge in your room will be ideal.
Slippers: Having a pair of slippers that you can easily slip on for around the house is helpful.
Essential Oil Diffuser and Disinfecting Wipes: You will be living in a house with families that spend most of their time in the hospital. It is important to make sure you clean your space often to eliminate germs as best you can. An oil diffuser will clean the air, and disinfecting wipes will clean the surfaces.
Items you will need after giving birth: Remember to consider your needs after delivery. This will include pads, tuck pads/dermoplast, breast pads, nipple cream, and other postpartum things you may need.
Breast Pump and pumping supplies: If you plan to pump, you will want to bring your pump, parts, anything you need for cleaning the parts, a pen, and a little bag to bring milk to and from the hospital.
Your hospital bag for Delivery: Click here for a list of things you may want to include in a hospital bag.
A bag for the NICU: Click here for a list of things to pack for the NICU.
Computers, Tablets, and Phones
Clothes, Shoes, and Accessories
Toiletries, make-up, and sunscreen
For more information on what to pack for delivery (click here), and what to pack for your CDH stay (click here).
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