OH BABY: 10 Items To Pack For The Hospital
I can vividly remember all three of the times that I told my husband, it’s TIME to go! Good thing I had my hospital bag ready to go the second and third time. The first time? The bag was just thrown together after a squishy gush of fun surprised me while I was doing some antique shopping. When I got to the hospital, I realized that I forgot to bring quite a few things that would have been beneficial to have.
Instead, I was stuck wearing those nasty net panties and licking my lips to keep my lips moist until the nurse brought me a thick wad of Vaseline to put on. I would have much rather had my Burt’s Bees, but I dealt.
Here is a list of my top 10 things you should pack for the hospital BEFORE you are ready to welcome that baby.
Here is your ultimate hospital packing list:
1. Your Clothes, Particularly your own comfy panties that you wouldn’t mind getting dirty (aka preferably the ones you would wear during your period…not your G-string Victoria Secrets).
Not only will you need some comfy pajamas to wear, but a nice bathrobe would be nice to have with you because do you really want to be in that thin hospital moo moo the whole time you are there? Oh and be sure the clothes are roomy. You are not going to be at the same size you were before you were pregnant. Expect to wear clothes that would fit you if you were six months along.
2. Toiletries
You will need a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, brush, lotion and anything else that you feel you cannot live without. Go easy on the makeup. I highly doubt you are going to want to get all dolled up while you are there but some mascara and powder may be ideal to have just in case you want to snap some photos. DON’T FORGET THE LIP BALM!
3. Socks and/or Slippers
The hospital floors are cold and your room probably will be too. So, don’t neglect your tootsies.
4. A Pillow Or Blanket From Your Own Bed
If you want to make your stay a little more comfortable, bring your own pillow or blanket. Trust me, you will be grateful you brought something from your bed with you.
5. Nursing Accessories
If you are going to be nursing, it is a good idea to bring your breastfeeding pillow or Boppy with you, along with a nursing bra.
6. Entertainment/Relaxation Tools
When you are waiting for that baby to come, you are going to want some activities to keep you busy. As if labor pains weren’t enough, right? Well, to help pass the time, take a couple magazines, books or a deck of cards with you. Perhaps you enjoy crossword puzzles or you are a Candy Crush addict?
I brought along some music and believe it or not, my third baby I gave birth with John Mayer playing in the background.
7. Food
After birth you are going to be hungry. Trust in that! Instead of that nasty hospital food, you can bring along your own snacks and drinks that you enjoy.
8. Your Significant Others’ Things
He/she will be hanging around too, so they must also have any items that they want when they stay the night. Toiletries, extra clothes and perhaps aspirin?
9. Important Documents
These may include your birthing plan, a picture ID, health insurance information, and hospital registration forms.
10. Baby’s Diaper Bag/Car Seat
You will need to have baby’s first ensemble ready for when you go home. The hospital will give you a few diapers, some wipes and a small going home package so you won’t have to worry too much about those items. But a nice cozy blanket would be pretty sweet too. Don’t forget the baby’s car seat or else you won’t be taking your baby home with you!
What was your must have item that you packed for the hospital when you went into labor? Or what do you wish you would have packed?
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I had a hospital bag packed, but my youngest ended up being born at home. After we got to the hospital, my s/o went back during the day to get stuff.
Don’t forget a swaddle blanket for when it is time to take the child home! A cap too!
This is a great little essentials list to bring with you if you are having a baby in the hospital. I had my baby at home so I had everything I needed there with me, that was cool.
At my hospital the only thing you need is probably something to read. Everything else is provided for you so I guess it depends on the hospital. I just love their heated blankets. The car seat gets to you on your check out so you don’t need to have it right away as well.
It has been awhile for me. Quite awhile. But..I took the classes that were offered and pretty much took what they recommended and I think we were good. Now days, I would make sure I had my laptop or iPad, LOL.
What a great list – thank you so much for sharing, I will have to pass it onto some friends. x
Great list of items to take. i have to admit I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been but then again son came earlier then expected.
Definitely snacks and reading material. You definitely want to keep your mind occupied while waiting to deliver. Oh and slippers!
Looks like you have a great list. All ready to go for the big day.
I really don’t think I would know what to bring to the hospital… and I have 3 kids! All of mine came early though and I didn’t have any bags packed. Stuff for me would have been all I needed since all of my kids went straight to the NICU. I would be lost packing for a baby too.
YES FOOD!!! As a pretty healthy person, I wanted fresh fruits and veggies. Recovery food!
great list! Bringing a pillow from home is a fantastic idea and will help someone get comfy.
Have my own nightgown and slippers really made it more comfortable. Great list!
My must item was my favorite pillow and blanket and of course comfy pajamas.