Based on our experiences today, with Jack’s minor surgery:
Always carry 10x the toys you would normally carry. Inevitably they will get thrown or touch something that kind of creeps you out (like the floor), and ou will need to replace it with another. And another. Aaaaand one more.
Also, the pacifier-savers that clip on to the pacifier and attach to the kid’s clothing are lifesavers–see above about things touching the floor.
Bring socks. Your baby will get cold in the OR under anesthesia, and while they supply a cap, they may or may not tell you to bring your own socks. We didn’t have socks.
Bring your own bottles. When they give you something for the babe to drink after coming out of anesthesia, like glucose water in a bottle that has a simple screw-on cap/nipple, guaranteed their bottle will leak all over the place. You will want to transfer the beverage to something that a) doesn’t leak and b) your kid will drink from with no problem. If you have a toddler, perhaps that bottle isn’t as familiar as a sippy cup.
Bring your game face. Your kid will need you to be as calm and happy as possible before the procedure begins. You can break down in the cafeteria or hallway, as soon as he can’t see you anymore. Or both.
Be prepared for major screaming when the anesthesia starts to wear off. This doesn’t have so much to do with you as it does with simply feeling really freakin’ weird after anesthesia. Be prepared for *your* reaction, which will be much more stressed-seeming than what the kid will think!
For the most part, if you have a baby, people are much more accepting and tolerant than if you were there for a procedure for yourself. Noone likes to be in the hospital, and they feel compassion and pity for a little one who has to be there who really has no choice or say in the matter. This helps a great deal, because people are more likely to open doors for you and your stroller, offer to tell you where the nearest restroom/cafeteria/vending machine is, and also laugh off when your kiddo decides to set up some high pitched squealing action in the corner. Of course, it sucks for them when you’re in recovery afterwards and your baby is cring louder and harder than he has ever done before. Sorry! He has no other choice. Of course, you’re so focused on your baby and trying to soothe him that you have very few thoughts to spare until he has dropped off into sleep after the anesthesia screaming stops.
*For the record, Jack had surgery to correct a minor issue due to hypospadias. He’s doing just fine, and has eaten like crazy since we’ve been home. We put him down for bed, and he seemed to go right to sleep. Thanks to everyone for their wishes and prayers.