What’s In My Hospital Bag? {The Third Time Around}

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This is my third time packing a hospital bag and I can tell you that its a LOT LESS than what it was with my first labor and delivery experience. With my first baby, I thought I needed to pack the kitchen sink-and the moon and stars while I was at it. But to be honest, I did not need a whole lot at all. The second time around, I packed a lot less. Now? It’s a bit less but I know EXACTLY what you truly need to bring to the hospital. Use my guide and ignore the extra fluff so you can enjoy this special time even more. So lets just get right to it, shall we?

FOR MOM

• Hospital Bag: This time around, I got a duffel bag and I chose this cute one from Caden Lane. You will need a large bag to pack your goodies. Sure, a suitcase does fine too!
• Nursing Pillow: If you are planning on breastfeeding, a nursing pillow is a good idea to pack along as it can help you position your baby the right way for easier feeding. I got mine from Snuggle Me.
• Postpartum Girdle: Every delivery, I have packed my Belly Bandit BFF postpartum girdle. It has so many benefits and basically helps to shrink your uterus back down to its original size helping to get rid of the mommy tummy. I also included the Hip Bandit in there as well. Its my little secret. Use code SIA for 15% off all goods here.
• Comfy PJs: I always wear comfy pajamas home from the hospital. I dont feel like wearing anything that constricts and you wont either! Get you a nice pair of soft, bamboo pajamas because you deserve it. I got mine from Cozy Earth.
• Robe: I packed a bamboo robe from Caden Lane that matches my son’s knotted gown I have packed for him. It allows me to be comfy for the time after delivery and easy access for showering and feeding my new baby.
• Cute Hospital Gown: I love packing my own delivery gowns because hospital gowns are too rough and dont fit well. I got mine from Pretty Pushers. This one allows for epidural sites to be easily accessed and for the tummy area to open up if needed. I packed a secondary hospital gown to wear after from Kindred Braverly because I will likely get stuff all over the first one!
• Comfy socks and panties: Hospitals are cold so make sure you bring some nice fuzzy socks. Comfy panties are a must as you will be wearing the biggest pad every after delivery from bleeding so much. The roomier the panty, the better. Think granny panties that you dont mind getting possibly ruined.
• A Nursing Bra: This is a no brainer. Find a good supportive nursing bra to wear after you give birth and for the ride home. I chose a nursing bra from Kindred Braverly because their bras are always so soft and cute.
• Flip Flops: This may be optional for some, but I do not like showering in the hospital without a pair. Its just for sanitary reasons. I typically wear flip flops home from the hospital with my pajamas anyway.

MISC ITEMS

• Medications
• Pineapple Juice (great for breastfeeding mamas to boost milk supply)
• Snacks (oat bars are great for supply-I like the KIND brand)
• Tech goods (to keep you entertained for two days)
• Lip Balm (dry lips are common due to not being able to drink prior to delivery)
• Toiletries
• Your own pillow and blankets from home (because hospital beds suck)

FOR BABY

The great thing about hospitals is that they typically give you everything that you need for baby while you are there. This includes wipes, diapers, hats, onesies, blanket, and sometimes even pacifiers.

• Diaper Bag: One might argue that baby does not need their own bag yet, but you will eventually need a diaper bag when you get home so why not start now? Pack baby a bag too. We love the Ju-Ju-Be brand.
• Fluffy Blanket: The hospital will give you a blanket but its thin and not so soft. Therefore, I have a fluffy blanket to receive him in as soon as he comes out and gets clean so he can get warm and acclimated to being out in this world. Plus, its cute for photos! Caden Lane has an amazing selection of baby blankets!
• Swaddle: A swaddle will help your baby sleep a little more peacefully as they adjust to being out of the belly.
• Carseat: The baby will need a carseat so that goes without saying but in the panic of things, you could forget! Especially if baby comes unexpectedly. This should already be installed into your car 4 weeks prior to your due date. But I always bring mine in the hospital to buckle baby in and carry baby out for the first trip to make sure they are secured correctly. We love our Doona carseat.
• Knotted Gown: I have a knotted gown and hat for my son which will be his first photo outfit. I like the knotted portion because it will keep him warm while easy to change. I got his outfit from Caden Lane.
• Name Sign: The name sign is not a huge biggie, but if you are planning on announcing and showing off your baby from the hospital, go the extra mile and make baby a wooden name sign to show the world who they are! I got mine from Caden Lane.
• Going Home Outfit: The going home outfit is from Caden Lane as well. I love that site!!! They have a ton of personalized goodies for babies. Its going to be cold in January so I got him a sweater romper with his name on it.
• Beanie: Hospital beanies are not the nicest so I got him a beanie with his name on it from Caden Lane to match his sweater romper.
• Diapers and wipes of your own: That is, if you are picky and do not want to use the hospital’s. Otherwise, disregard and save money from using the hospital’s stash!
• Pacifier: This may be one to skip as well. but your baby may be picky with what type of pacifier they like. Just bring one just in case because your diaper bag needs it anyway! We are trying these pacifiers out first.

FOR DAD

Lastly, don’t forget to pack for the dad to be. He will need the least amount of items but depending on how far away your hospital is from your home, it could be more than usual. Here are my top items to pack for dad in his backpack so that he can stay entertained and ready:

• snacks because hospital food is mehh
• a good magazine or two
• a good book (things may take a while)
• cash for vending machines
• a warm hoodie and joggers
• a handheld game console or ipad
• his own pillow and blanket from home
• basic toiletries

And there you have it! Make sure you pack your bag at least 4 weeks in advance as you just never know when your baby will make their grand appearance. If I missed anything, feel free to comment below and let me know what you packed or did not need!

Your trainer and friend,