What to pack in your hospital bag when you’re counting down for your new little ones arrival can be stressful! As this is not my first rodeo, I am going to tell you what I really needed and used. My list and what I packed from the first time around to the third has drastically changed as I am sure you can imagine! I’m trying to pack as minimal as possible this time around. Keep in mind everyones needs and preferences are different. Also, don’t forget people go to the hospital with nothing and are just fine in the scenario of quick labors/emergency situations so don’t stress!
Oversized Bag: First you will want a good oversized bag, something that has a zipper, space and good pockets/compartments. I packed my items in my Fawn Design Weekender Bag. It is so stunning and well made.
Robe & Towel: Having a robe is nice to throw on over your open back hospital gown and provides easy access for breastfeeding/all those postpartum checks. Bringing a towel from home is nice as that first postpartum shower is glorious but the hospital towels are not the greatest.
Flip Flops & Slippers: Flip flops are a necessity for the shower and slippers or grippy socks (most hospitals give socks to you) to walk around in and keep things cozy.
Button down cozy jammies or night gown: When you can get out of the hospital gowns this is what you will be wearing. Dark colors are good and again buttons for easy access to nursing and skin to skin.
Nursing necessities: Nursing bras, breast pads, nipple cream (your hospital most likely has lanolin and nipple guards if needed).
Toiletries: Whatever you like to use at home in and post shower. Don’t forget chapstick, hair ties/headbands/cleansing wipes (so great to be able clean your face if you can’t get up bc of epidural/c-section), dry shampoo, nail clippers and this is a big one baby soap/wash for the baby’s first “bath”. The hospital will use what they have on hand, I prefer to bring my own that I know and trust. Make-up if you want it.
Miscellaneous items: Phone/long cord phone charger, snacks for you and the hubs, water bottle, camera/charger, playing cards, book, journal/pen, birth plan, insurance card/ID, glasses if you wear them, disinfecting wipes (if your crazy like me for bed rails, room phone etc).
Carseat: This should be installed in your car by now, but just in case!
Going home outfit for Mama: Keep it comfortable and simple. I packed these leggings that have an insane amount of good reviews that are $12 and a pair of joggers with a light sweater.
For baby: I packed two layettes, two onesies. Bringing this amazing set from Newborn Nest. It includes darling necessities for the baby to use at the hospital, and for once you head home (newborn gown, burp cloth, cuddle blanket, swaddle, bassinet sheet, top knot hat/bow). What a lovely gift to give an expecting couple! Also bring a nursing pillow, socks/mittens to put on baby’s hands so they don’t scratch their sweet little face! If you want hats/bows/special outfits or items for photos don’t forget them! I packed a card from this milestone card set that is so precious, and Lucas the lama from cuddle + kind!
Backpack for items from the hospital: My hospital lets me bring home anything that is in the room for the baby and I. Think diapers, postpartum needs etc, I am bringing this awesome backpack to stash those items in when we bust out!
A few tips:
- Pack like things together in packing cubes or separate bags, this makes it easy to find things!
- Have daddy pack a bag that’s ready to go as well. Change of clothes (think comfy layers), water bottle, snacks, iPad, slippers.
- The two hospitals I delivered at had all the postpartum needs from witch hazel pads, spray, ice packs + disposable undies (*BEST TIP EVER* these icepacks and ugly gauze undies are amazing stash them in your go home bag and ask for more anytime you can so you have extra to bring home).
- I am going to have a couple generic thank you bundles for the nurses, you will quickly realize how much they rock! A simple thank you note, a few snacks, chapstick, change for vending/coffee, water bottles/coffee for day/night shifts to keep at their station as a simple thank you for the great care they are giving will go a long way!
Is there anything you don’t see on here that you loved having in the hospital? Let me know in the comments and I’ll add to the list! Now go put your feet up and relax mama :).
xoxo,
Jenny