A new chapter
If you are getting ready to pack your hospital bag, you are getting close to the next chapter! I am 36 weeks pregnant currently and have packed my bag finally! As a second time mom, I’d like to say I learned what I can do without. However, every birth is different and our first delivery was not what we would have expected. It was during COVID times, I packed so much stuff but to be honest in that moment I was glad to be an over packer. We ended up having to stay for 4 days total and still didn’t have enough stuff. Thankfully, the hospital allowed someone to drop extra stuff off for us. This time I have packed a lot less in our bags, since there are no restrictions this time it’ll be easier to get extras if needed. So here’s a packing made easy, guide to packing your hospital bag!
I decided to pack a little less because I now know everything the hospital provides postpartum. I mainly focused on the essentials they don’t provide. It really all depends on preference, if you are a first time mom you won’t really know what you prefer yet. However, if you are the type A person pack anything and everything you feel you need. Every mom will pack something different that makes them most comfortable while in the hospital. There are some different items I am bringing this time around than what I brought last time. For instance, I packed several pairs of lounge shorts and t shirts the first time. Definitely not nursing friendly or easily accessible when they are constantly coming to change your padding.
Packing guide for you hospital bag
For me, I am packing one pair of button down PJs (nursing friendly), mainly for when our family brings our oldest son to the hospital. Otherwise I will just wear the hospital gown. They aren’t amazing but they are loose and comfortable for nursing & skin to skin time. They also allow the nurses to check you frequently and easily postpartum. I’m bringing my robe in case I want to change out of the hospital gown and be a little cozier. I packed shower shoes, you don’t want to risk slipping in the shower. I will be packing my own nonslip socks because the hospital socks are huge. My own nursing pillow to make it easier for me to feed baby.
Other necessities include nursing bras, I packed 3. Nipple cream, I am trying to come into this pregnancy/postpartum journey with more confidence in breast feeding this time. I am also trying out the “silverettes”. I have heard a lot of promising things about them and helping with nipple pain relief so fingers crossed. A going home outfit, since it’s summer I am packing shorts and cute shirt I found on Etsy. However, I may bring a pair of leggings just in case. I remember swelling pretty bad after my first son was born. I am not a fan of the hospital mesh underwear they provide so I will be bringing my own. Last time I used the Always discreet disposable underwear when I got home and they worked great. Lastly I will be bringing my own Frida peri bottle, much easier to use!
Packing for baby
With my first son, we were in the hospital for 4 days and I didn’t really pack enough for him. This time I am packing a little more for baby, even if I don’t need it I’ll still have it just in case. I am packing him 3 pairs of sleeper pjs. They have the option of unzipping from the bottom up making late night diaper changes much easier. I have his coming home outfit, a onesie with little pants packed, a beanie for the hospital because the rooms get cold, socks and mittens. Burp clothes because our first son had a TERRIBLE reflux issue as soon as he was out of the womb. We had to have one on us at all times.
Some extras I’m bringing are diaper ointment just in case. Our first son had really sensitive skin as a newborn and we struggled with diaper rash. 3 different types of swaddles we used for our first son. I personally didn’t like swaddling with the receiving blankets the hospital provided. We have a Velcro swaddle, the zip up “love to dream” swaddle from target, and a muslin swaddle to see what he likes best. I am bringing a couple pacifiers, I’ve heard not to use a pacifier at the very beginning for various reasons but that is up to your own discretion. Lastly, his personalized blanket I had made for him for his announcement photos and coming home.
For Dad
Packing for dad is very simple. They really don’t need too much. I packed 2 shirts and his “coming home” tshirt. Two pairs of basketball shorts so he’s comfortable and one pair of sweats because the hospital can get cold. A hoodie for the same reason, even though it’s summer, the hospital is always cold. 3 pairs of socks, slides for the shower because why not. Of course a few pairs of underwear and that’s about it. He is very low maintenance and always travels very light. We are also bringing a couple towels from home for the shower.
Other necessities
Other things you want to have on hand would be all your toiletries. I went to target and bought travel sized shampoo/conditioner, body wash, toothbrushes and toothpaste and mini deodorants for both of us. Make sure to pack your skin care regimen to help you feel at least a little put together after you give birth. It’s nice to be able to freshen up and give yourself that little bit of self care. I also packed hair ties, clips and chapstick. Of course, pack extra long charger cords in case the outlets are further away. I am packing my IPad/charger just in case. Some people like to pack their nicer cameras for pictures, I am just bringing my phone.
Important documents such as your hospital paperwork for when you go into labor & delivery. Make sure you keep everything together in a folder to make your life easier. Some people like to pack several copies of a birth plan/c-section plan. Make sure you have your insurance information and your drivers license. I am currently being treated for diabetes so I have my diabetic supplies ready to go. You can also bring headphones if you so desire and a mini fan in case you get too hot during labor. You can also pack a small speaker if you have a specific hospital playlist made for during your laboring process.
Conclusion
Overall, you don’t have to pack too much if you are a first time mom. The hospital does supply you with everything you need for postpartum care. However, if you have done research and there are certain things you prefer to bring, that’s fine too. They provide you with mesh underwear, pads, ice packs, pain killers, gown, nonslip socks, water jug etc. They do not provide your toiletries though, at least my hospital didn’t. For baby they offer all the necessities such as diapers, wipes, receiving blankets, and formula if you choose that route. If there is a certain type of formula you prefer to use, I suggest bringing it with you. they only supply you with specific brand and limited options.
I plan to have extra clothes and supplies set out at home in an easy to access area in case we need anyone to come get us anything. I prefer not to lug a ton of stuff this time around in the hospital. One thing I personally emphasize is to bring your own ibuprofen or Tylenol. Whatever you use for pain relief. With my first son, because he had jaundice I was discharged before he was but we didn’t have to leave him. However, since I had been discharged, they were no longer allowed to give me pain meds. I was miserable and someone had to bring advil in the middle of the night because I couldn’t take it anymore. Have fun packing your bag, you are about to enter an exciting new chapter! Don’t forget to check out my Pinterest page and some of my other posts :).