THE PERFECT HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST
1/19/2024
Heading to the hospital to meet your new bundle of joy is so exciting! Figuring out what to pack in your hospital bag is not always easy. Especially when you’re preparing for more than just yourself.
I remember thinking it was especially difficult packing my hospital bag for the very first time. I didn’t know what to expect! I wasn’t sure what to pack. One minute, I thought I had everything, then the next, I had too many things to fit in my duffle bag. Packing for your baby, in addition to preparing everything for the baby at home, can be chaotic. Being prepared long before the day arrives will help take some of that worry away. Below is a checklist that can be used as a guide for packing your hospital bag with the must haves for yourself, baby, and dad.
Hospital bag: for the mama:
As a second time mom, it was easier to recover wearing comfortable clothing such as stretchy leggings and soft robes. Honestly, you will want to have extra pair of stretchy, cotton undies, the granny panties. Trust me, they’re essential to get through the pain and tenderness.
Without a doubt, pack to heal yourself and allow yourself and your partner to relax while you can. Having on hand a hot/cold pack will keep your breasts comfortable if your milk comes in early (although generally, your breasts will produce colostrum at the hospital and milk will come after you return home, but it can happen.) I liked to be naked for the most part in the bed, but when I had visitors, and the nurses come in, I felt the need to cover up a little bit more with some soft clothes and stretchy pants. Don’t forget your maternity pants or sweatpants for when leaving the hospital. You will want to be as comfortable as possible on the bumpy roads along the way home.
Robe. Flipflops. Slippers. Nursing Bra. 2 Nursing Tanks. Nursing Pads. Nipple Cream. Breast hot/cold pack. Breast Pump (just in case). Comfortable, flowy top. Pajama/yoga pants. Granny Panties. Pads. Camera. Phone/phone charger. Insurance card. Photo ID. Snacks. Make up. Toiletries – I brought the following: toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, face lotion, face wash, body wash, hair ties, and brush.
A few PRO packing tips: I put most of my toiletries in a small bag so that if anything leaked, it wouldn’t spill all over our clothes and other necessities packed! What I love about this all-in-one bag, was having my make up AND toiletries all in one area! When packing valuables like a camera, wrap it in clothes for optimal protection!
Hospital bag: for your baby:
Must have a Car Seat available. We had small babies weighing 5lb 10oz and 4lbs7oz. So they had to do the baby car seat test. They have your newborn baby sit in it for 2 hours being monitored to make sure they fit well inside. A Going home outfit. Baby socks. 2 Onesies. Swaddle Blankets. Baby Blanket. Nursing Pillow. Diapers. Wipes. Diaper rash cream. Zip-up Sleepers. Newborn Hat/mittens. Pacifier (if Preferred).
During this part of the packing, don’t OVER pack. It’s easy to overthink, but you don’t need much more than what I mentioned above. The swaddle blankets were my favorite item to bring. Your newborn is going to naturally crave tightness when sleeping since they’re used to being cuddled up in your womb! Don’t forget a nursing pillow. These come in handy not only for breastfeeding but also for comfort to sit on while driving home from the hospital.
Packing the hospital bag for dad
Remembering to pack for your significant other is a great tip to have in mind as well. He will need something to do while he waits with you. Pack more than a few snacks, drinks and phone charger/books for him to do while he waits with you. Hospitals don’t feed you during labor, I know it’s tough to wait when you are hungry. So, make sure he’s prepared for long hours. Have a comfy outfit packed for him too! Bring an extra blanket and pillow for him cause the chairs aren’t very comfortable either.
You might also like these:
We at Hands & Toes helps this provides you a stress free, checklist to use as a guide for your newest adventures. Thank you for choosing our blog to read and we hope you have a safe and healthy pregnancy and baby.
|
Hi I'm Deanna! Mom of 2 little girls + laughing daily with my hubs. Here to share tips, tricks and encouragement to our fellow parents- to make you feel less alone through motherhood; parenthood. |