When I was pregnant one of my major worries was packing my hospital bag. The whole idea of packing a hospital bag was really overwhelming to me. I ended up looking at every checklist I could find on Pinterest which resulted in severely over packing for the hospital. We checked into the hospital with a diaper bag for my son, a duffel bag for me, and a duffel bag for my husband. Needless to say, we looked like we were moving in when in reality we did not use half of the things that we brought with us.
I made a list on my phone of things that we used in the hospital things, I wish I would’ve brought to the hospital, and things that I did bring but I forgot that I even had/did not need.
So in this post, I’m going to go over the reason why I’m including things on the checklist a well as a list of things that I brought and didn’t need.
Make sure to grab your free printable checklist at the end of this post.
Hospital Must-Haves
1. Hair ties/Scrunchies - It goes without saying you’re going to get pretty hot during labor. It’s so helpful to have something close and available to throw your hair up in a bun if needed!
2. Nightgowns/Pajamas - I ended up buying four different nightgowns to take with me. I made sure they were all button or nursing specific so I could easily breastfeed. These were probably my most used item because you are trying to breastfeed constantly. They were so helpful to have and so comfortable.
3. Long cord phone charger - You never know where the nearest outlet will be or how long you will be there. It’s super handy to have a very long phone charger with you so you don’t have to do without a phone or get out of bed (because you may not be able to) to charge your phone.
4. Handheld fan - This was super helpful for me to have because I had a lot of hot flashes during and after labor. I was able to set it on my little tray and have it directly on me.
5. Travel toiletries - The first shower after labor is where you become a human again. Having your own shampoo/conditioner/body wash/face wash was a game-changer. Of course, you’ll need your toothbrush and toothpaste as well.
6. Boppy pillow - This pillow was so helpful when learning how to breastfeed as far as supporting the baby. A regular pillow could be adjusted for support but this one was perfect.
7. Pillow and blanket for your partner - My husband was super happy with the choice to bring his own pillow and blanket. It made sleeping on the couch provided to him much more comfortable.
8. Pacifiers - Our hospital was not big on immediately giving a pacifier. We knew that before labor so we packed a few. Every baby is different but a pacifier was the way to go for our son. He was soothed immediately. I would highly suggest bringing at least one.
9. Baby book - One of my favorite things we brought was the baby book. There was a place in the book for the newborn footprints. My husband was able to get the nurse to put our son's footprints in our book when she was getting them for the birth certificate. It’s so cute to have them where we can look at them whenever we want.
10. Announcement props - We are in the age
of social media so odds are you have something you want to announce with. We used a letter board and brought a ton of extra letters.
11. Swaddles - The hospital does have baby blankets they will provide but we brought a few soft stretchy swaddles that seemed much more comfortable. Plus the nurses are the masters of the swaddle so they can teach you how to do it!
12. Going home outfit - You and the baby both need something to go home in! For the baby whatever you prefer is fine. For you, I would make sure it’s very comfy. A loose dress or soft leggings and an oversized shirt. You never know how you’re going to feel after having a baby so keep it comfortable.
13. Large towel - This is something I wish I would have brought. I couldn’t recommend this one enough. The towels provided are the size of hand towels. I read tons of women say the
towels were small and figured it was just their hospital. Turns out I wish I would have listened to that one.
14. Breast pump - I did not bring my breast pump but I wish I would have. A nurse told me if you bring it with you they can teach you how to use it. That way you are using the same
pump at home that you are in the hospital.
15. Clothes for partner - This one goes without saying but they have to change clothes too.
16. Carseat - This one seems obvious but it’s so obvious you could forget. Make sure to get that car seat installed before the baby comes.
Did Not Use
1. Make-up - I imagined getting picture-perfect after labor for photos but could not think of anything I wanted to do less than put on makeup.
2. Baby clothes - I packed probably five or six outfits for the hospital and used one. Our hospital required all babies to stay in the hospital onesie until discharge. All hospitals will be different so I would check with your hospital’s rules.
3. Robe and socks - I am a very hot natured person and did not touch these items once.
4. Large water cup - I didn’t use the one I brought the hospital provided one.
5. Nursing bra - This one is total preference. I was told to take my bra off to get my epidural and I didn’t put one back on the entire stay.
6. Diapers, wipes, or anything of that nature - the hospital provided all of these items for us so we didn’t touch the ones we had.
7. White noise machine - I forgot that I brought this with us but I didn’t feel like it was needed.
8. Diapers for myself - I bought the diapers that everyone had recommended online and actually thought they were really uncomfortable. I prefer the mesh underwear provided by the hospital. They will provide you with all of the postpartum needs including the spray bottle, the tucks pads, the ice packs, the mesh underwear, and pads.
Overall I think the most important thing for you to do is to not stress about the hospital bag. In the end, I could have not had anything and been 100% okay. Don't let Instagram or Pinterest let you think you need to pack for a 3-day getaway. Make sure to ask any questions you may have before labor. Our hospital gave us the option to tour the labor and delivery floor and I would highly suggest taking that opportunity if it is available. Every hospital is different so make sure to ask what is provided and what is not. Don't forget to grab your checklist and subscribe!
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