Pregnancy 101: Hospital Bag Necessities

Things are getting mighty exciting, beautiful mama. You’re to the point of getting ready to pack your hospital bag because if you’re anything like I was, you only have about 10 weeks left to go in your pregnancy and your packing is part of your nesting craziness. Not you? That was just me? Either way, packing your hospital bag can be quite the process. As you can you can see in the picture above, clearly, I thought we were going on vacation. Now that I’ve been through it, read about a bazillion articles on what to take, and have my brain back a year later, here’s my take on what to bring to the hospital.

{Necessities for Mama}

1) Pillow: This is quite possibly my favorite pillow. It’s the Serta iComfort pillow, and it helps me sleep so sound. Although you probably won’t be getting tons of sleep while in the hospital, when you do, you’ll want to rest your head on something other than the typical hospital pillow.

2) Cosmetic Bag: I love this cosmetic bag. It’s huge, fashionable, waterproof, and holds just about everything I’m about to list, along with the travel toiletries below. When you travel, undoubtedly you need all of your cosmetics. This hospital stay is one of the most important occasions of your life, so you’ll most definitely need to bring along all of your gear to make you feel pretty. Don’t forget your contacts case, solution, glasses, lip balm, hair ties and clips.3. Travel Toiletries: When in the hospital, you’ll want to be sure to bring your own toiletry items if you have favorites. The hospital you’re going to might have you covered, but I like my own stuff. Remember to bring your deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, razor (just in case), hair brush, face wash, lotion, toothpaste, and toothbrush. I love Aveda products, so here is a link to some of my favorite travel size items.

4. Hospital Gown: I bought this before I went to the hospital, and I did indeed wear it. However, when I bought it, I was still a pretty “normal” size in my pregnancy. Once I delivered, I was huge and the size I had ordered barely fit. That being said, size UP just to be safe. I swelled up even more after delivery (I had a C-section), and the regular hospital gown was much more comfortable for me. I would have loved this thing even more had it been roomy enough.

5. Big Pajamas or Night Gown: Depending on how long you’re in the hospital, you’ll more than likely want to have at least one wardrobe change to freshen up. If you have a vaginal delivery, I suggest some really big normal pajamas that are suitable for nursing. If you have a C-section like I did, I suggest a nursing night gown. Since I had a C-section, I felt much more comfortable in a gown. I didn’t pack one prior to my hospital stay so this was something I had my mom go and find for me after I had delivered. If you don’t know what your delivery will look like, I would suggest to take one just in case. I’ll definitely be prepared next time. The night gown I’ve found from Motherhood is a nursing gown, and it has a robe to go with it. This would have been perfect! The price is even amazing.

6. Slippers & Robe: These slippers are perfect for cold hospital feet. I chose to stay in the generic hospital socks at all times, so these slip-on slippers are perfect for keeping the socks on. Fashion went out the window for me while in the hospital, but these are cute, too. I’m going with the notion that you’ll want slip-on slippers, because after having a C-section, there was no way I was going to bend over to put any type of shoes on. I had taken a similar pair with me to the hospital, and my swollen feet fit into them just fine. You’ll also want a robe if you’re going to be walking around. If you choose to go with the gown I’ve picked out above, you’ve already found your robe, but if you’re going with something else, make sure to take one to cover up.

7. Nursing pillow: Remember when I said you’ll want this nursing pillow on your baby registry? Now it’ll finally come into use if you’re going to be nursing.8. Music: I don’t even remember turning on the TV the entire time while we were in the hospital. It may have been turned on, but I was pretty medicated. Anyhow, what I do remember was listening to John Mayer’s Pandora station. We took our Bose Sound Dock, hooked up our iPod, and had the music on all day and night. Music soothes my soul. If it does for you, too, don’t forget to bring something to play your tunes.

9. Cellphone/Charger & Total Baby App: You’ll absolutely need your cell phone and charger, because you will have a million people calling and/or texting you about your new little bundle of joy. I mentioned in this post that I used the Total Baby App (and still do). I made sure I had it downloaded in my phone prior to our hospital stay. The nurses will ask you to keep track of your baby’s soiled diapers and nursing sessions, so this was the easiest way for me to keep up with that information. Hopefully, it’ll help you, too.

10. Going Home Outfit: Just in case you were wondering if you’ll lose all of the baby weight after you deliver and will go back to looking like a fashionista immediately afterward, I hate to tell you, but it will probably be a while, sister. However, you may very well be the next Kate Middleton and look flawless. I was not that girl. Nonetheless, you’ll need to pack an outfit to go home in, and I’ve found the perfect dress for you! I would have loved to have worn this. It’s black, loose around the tummy, and it’s even a nursing dress. Bam. You might have noticed that I didn’t include shoes. Wear whatever fits. The only thing that fit my fat feet were Crocs. Seriously. Flawless.11. Nursing Bra: The only time you’ll probably need this is when you’re ready to go home and you’re getting ready to put that fabulous dress on. But if you’re dealing with leaky boobs (sorry for the TMI, but I’m keeping it real, girlfriends), you’ll need this bra, which is my favorite nursing bra ever. You’ll also need these little things below.

12. Nursing Pads: When you wear your nursing bra, you’ll want these washable pads. I went this route versus the disposable, because the cotton was way more comfortable than the synthetic fibers. (More on nursing in a future post.)

{Necessities for Dad}
Dads are way simpler when it comes to packing. Here is a handy checklist for him.

1. Pillow: Don’t forget to bring his, too. He’ll need a comfortable spot to rest his head as well.

2. Pajamas: For the overnight stay.

3. Change of Clothes: One or two changes of clothes will suffice.

4. List of people to call or text when baby is born: Make sure to give your hubs a list of people you want notified when your little babe is born. I let MJ handle my phone the day Charlotte was born, and he did a great job corresponding with my best friends letting them know all the deets. I had written a list in transit to the hospital of all of my friends he needed to contact.

5. Toiletry Bag: He’ll need his things as well, like his own toothbrush, razor, hair products, glasses/contacts, and deodorant. Everything else I think you guys can share.

6. Cell phone & charger: He’ll need his, too.

6. iPad or laptop: If you find any downtime, this may be useful. We didn’t ever really have downtime, but every situation is different. It’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared in my book.

7. Camera: This is huge. Definitely take a camera for all of the great first pictures. My guy did a phenomenal job capturing Charlotte’s arrival into this world.

8. Paperwork, Important Documents: Let your hubs be in charge of any paperwork that you may need to take to the hospital. Things like insurance card, birth plan, and your ID are just a few things I can think of that you might need.

{Necessities for Baby}
The little baby will be well taken care of at the hospital, but here are some things you just might want to bring.

1. Baby Book: Definitely bring this if you want your baby’s footprints and handprints done in your baby book. We took this into the delivery room, and the nurses were awesome in helping us document a very special moment.

2. Infant Carrier: This is just a duh on the list. You won’t be able to take your baby home without it.

3. Going Home Outfit: Be sure to pack your little babe’s special going home outfit and all its accessories. We had chosen a gown for Charlotte with a little hat and socks to match. We also had the hospital take her picture in the same outfit.

4. Baby Blanket: I almost didn’t pack this, but I am so glad I did. If you received a special blanket for your little babe, be sure to pack it in your baby’s bag. You can use this for special pictures and just for holding your sweet little baby.

5. Baby Gown or Outfits: Poor Charlotte. I didn’t pack any clothes for her except for her going home outfit, and I was so mad at myself for not packing anything for her. My sister and mom went to get her a few things. Keep in mind that your baby will have a big clip on his/her umbilical cord. I found the infant gowns to be the easiest to get on and off while in the hospital.

6. Baby Beanies: The little hats are the cutest. If you have family who wants to play dress up with your new baby doll, these are always fun. I was so out of it during my hospital stay, I was too weak to change clothes often, but I’m glad I had my family helping me out, keeping Charlotte looking ever so cute.

7. Baby Mittens & Socks: Definitely pack these. Babies have the sharpest fingernails, so you’ll want to keep your little one clear of any scratches, if it’s at all possible. And little baby socks are the cutest. Don’t expect the hospital to equip you with the cute stuff.

{Necessities You’ll Find at the Hospital}

Here are some things that are absolutely necessary, but things that the hospital will provide. You pay a pretty penny for this hospital stay so be sure to use these things up and pack up what you don’t use.

1. Mesh Undies: After delivery, these are a heaven send. You’ll see what all the rage is about shortly.

2. Mega Huge Maxi Pads: Enough said.

3. Nipple Cream: This will be your best friend if you’re nursing.

4. Water Jug & Food: I still use my hospital water jug. You’ll need all the water you can get to stay hydrated and to flush out all that extra fluid. And the hospital will keep you fed, too.

5. Baby T-Shirts & Cap: The hospital will indeed clothe your little babe, just probably not in the clothes of your choice. Charlotte looked cute in the hospital clothes, though. She looks cute in anything as I’m sure your little one will, too.

6. Diapers & Wipes: Thanks, hospital.

8. Baby Toiletries: Definitely take home what they give you. I still use the little baby brush and nasal aspirator we got from the hospital. Lotion and baby bath are also given.

9. Swaddle Blankets: We used these for wrapping her up like a burrito. We used our own swaddle once we figured the whole swaddle thing out.

10. Formula: If for some reason you have issues with nursing, they have formula in ready to feed bottles with slow flow nipples. Be prepared to use these and take the leftovers if this happens to you. I had to supplement while waiting for my milk supply to come in, and we were fine. And just an FYI, I nursed for an entire 14 months.

11. Pacifier: We did not use a pacifier the first three weeks, but the hospital does offer it to those of you who choose to use the paci.

That’s that folks. When I packed my hospital bag, I used this checklist from Hello Bee’s website. I printed it out, checked things off, and took it with me; it was so useful. The list I’ve provided is a more specific version of this checklist, with some additional items, to boot. I am such a rule follower and for some reason let the Hello Bee’s checklist be the end all and be all of my packing. That being said, trust your instinct on what to take. Now that I know better, there are definitely some things I was missing. I hope you’ll be more than prepared for your wonderfully exciting hospital stay. It most definitely will be quite the adventure. I hope you find this list to be helpful for you. Happy packing, sister! :)