What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

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Packing up your hospital bag will be one of the last things you do before baby arrives. Depending on your delivery you’ll be there for 1-3 nights, or longer if you or your baby has an extended hospital stay. I packed everything up for myself and baby around 36 weeks, because during that last month anything could happen. For my hubby, he packed his clothes last minute…. typical man! Check out my list of hospital bag must-haves!

Packing your bag for Mom –

• Your Birth Plan (If you have one!) – I had gone over my birth plan with my OB prior to delivery, so I didn’t have to bring one along with me, but it’s not a bad idea to bring one if yours is super specific especially when things get hectic!
• A Robe. Pink Blush Maternity offers gorgeous hospital robes that are perfect for you to labor in and to wear after baby is born.
• Nursing Bras – These were a must have for me to have in the hospital especially when I was a first-time mom nursing, I was super modest and this with the robe was a perfect match!
• Underwear – You’ll want to stock up on some bigger sized, cotton underwear. In the hospital, you’ll get the mesh ones, which I personally loved but once you get home you’ll want to wear these! Some people hate the mesh ones, so always best to pack your own.
• Slippers or Flip Flops – If it’s winter time I would bring slippers to walk around in, but if it’s summer I would definitely go with the flip-flops.
• ChapStick – Hospitals seem to be super dry, so you’ll definitely want to make sure you have this in your bag!
• Snacks – While you’re in labor if you have an epidural or are getting prepped for a c-section, you won’t be able to eat but for after the baby arrives you’ll want some snacks next available for you, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
• Music – Download some of your favorite music or have your favorite Pandora station ready to go from your labor music mix.
• Pony Tail Holders – You’ll want to have some on hand to pull your hair back out of your face.
• Toiletries- Make sure you have your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body soap, fash wash, and makeup.

Optional, but not necessary –

• Boppy Nursing Pillow – This was great to have to help with different nursing positions in the hospital, especially with the option of having help from the lactation consultants.
• Breast Pump – If you plan on pumping and your hospital doesn’t offer breast pumps to use while you are there, I would bring yours along. Make sure to check with your OB first to see if the hospital has some available for use.
• Nursing Pads 
• Nipple Cream

What To Pack For Baby –

• Car Seat – You will want to get your car seat base installed properly and ready for when it’s baby time. The hospital will not let you leave without one, and they will usually want to make sure it is installed properly as well.
• A coming home Outfit- It is so fun to pick out that outfit to bring your little one home in, maybe even pack two if you can’t decide!
• Baby Hand Mittens – These were a must both times in the hospital because babies scratch their faces up so easily. We didn’t use them when we got home, but in the hospital, those first few days were a must.
• Baby Blanket – The hospital will provide you with a baby blanket but they aren’t very warm so we brought along our own that we had picked out prior.
• Baby Book – The hospital will do those first baby footprints in your baby book for you, so make sure to bring it along!
• Outfits (Onesies) – This is more optional, I found that with my last baby that the whole time we were there he was just in a diaper until we were getting ready to come home.

For Husband/Partner –

• Bedding – The hospital beds they usually get to sleep in aren’t very comfortable, so bring along their own pillow/blanket to use.
• Money/Change- For the vending machine, during the stay, you’ll need some cash or change so make sure to have this packed.
• Clothes
• Toiletries
• Phone Charger
• List of People to Call when baby arrives

 

The last thing you’ll want to do is make sure you have an extra bag or room in your bags. The hospital will give you SO many items to bring home such as diapers, pads, mesh underwear, and lots more! Now get packed and get ready to enjoy your new bundle of joy!

 

Xo,

Ashley