Packing for the hospital is so exciting and means your bundle of joy is almost here. For someone as high strung as me this meant list after list and packing weeks in advance. After hauling a gigantic bag around with me for my son’s delivery, I vowed to only bring what I truly needed the second time around. This resulted in a much smaller bag, and must less stress.
- Nursing Gown and Robe- It feels so nice to get out of the hospital gown. Nurses will need easy access to your lady bits and a nursing friendly gown is the best thing to wear in the hospital.
- Wallet- Only bring what you really need: ID, insurance card, and a credit/ debt card in case of emergency.
- Chap Stick
- Lotion
- Face Wipes- With zero energy to get up and actually wash your face, these are a lifesaver.
- Dry Shampoo- If you don’t want to shower in the hospital this is a must.
- Tooth Brush
- Tooth Paste
- Cell Phone + Charger
- Makeup- Don’t bring your entire make up drawer. People will be taking tons of pictures so a tiny bit of make up might make you feel a little better. Personally I brought a light foundation and mascara.
- Going Home Outfit- If your water hasn’t broken you can wear your going home outfit to the hospital. The moment you check in they put you in the hospital gown, so it’s not like your clothes are dirty.
For Baby:
- Car Seat- The hospital won’t let you leave without it!
- Swaddle/Blanket
- Going Home Outfit
- Extra Outfit- You might not use this. It’s often easier to keep the baby in a diaper and swaddle for those first two days. Remember, people will be in the room checking the baby every few hours.
- Pillow and Blanket
- Pajamas- If your husband is anything like mine you only need to pack him gym shorts.
- Comfortable Clothing- Two pairs of shorts, two t-shirts and a pair of thick socks were all we needed.
- Cell Phone + Charger
- Ear Buds
- Tooth Brush
- Tooth Paste
- Snacks: Granola bars, apple sauce packets, cookies, etc.
- Dollar Bills- Great for late night vending machine cravings.
Choosing a light weight bag is important since Dad will be carrying it around. Packing everything in different smaller bags makes is easy to find what you need quickly. Remember, the hospital will have most of what you need including any medication, diapers, wipes, and feminine products. If you are picky you can bring your own. Having experienced birth twice I can tell you that those mesh undies are the best things you will wear all year.