Well, we are two and a half weeks away from meeting our sweet baby girl!
(That’s if she decides to come on time!)
It’s so crazy to me that it’s already here.
I have to be honest, I was super nervous to get pregnant just because of all the horror stories I’ve heard about how terrible the 9 months can be. I’ve been SO lucky and I’ve really had a super easy pregnancy. I feel like myself (except for the basketball I’m carrying around), I’ve been sleeping relatively good (5 hours of sleep works for me!), I haven’t had any acid reflux (knock on wood) and overall I just feel great.
So I really can’t complain!
Now that she could come at any time, it was essential that my hospital bag was packed and ready to go this week. Since this is my first birth and pregnancy, I’m no expert on this topic BUT I’ve done my research for the last couple of weeks and think I’ve got most of the basic necessities covered! I thought I would share them with you guys on here in case any of you ladies are packing your bags for the hospital as well!
(Even if you aren’t, you might want to save, bookmark or pin this post for when you do have a babe and need help packing your hospital bag!)
FOR MAMA:
– Tote Bag
(This one is SO big and great for holding a lot of stuff – c/o of Marleylilly)
Update: this bag was PERFECT! It is huge but held everything I needed. Any big type of duffle/weekender bag will do!
– Nursing Bra or Tank
(I’m bringing two of these amazing tanks & one of these nursing bras)
Update: I ended up not liking the nursing tanks as they were tight and made me hot while nursing – the CAKE nursing bras are my favorite for during the day because they are like a sports bra and I like these ones for nighttime as they are comfy but add no support so I don’t wear them during the day. I ended up wearing these tanks even after baby because they are so comfy, breathable and stretchy.
(Preferably with buttons for easy breastfeeding access – I’m bringing this pair – seriously so soft!)
Update: These pjs were one of the best decisions I made! They were so comfortable, made me feel at least a little put together and were very easy for breastfeeding. Also, they are breathable and light (when you are breastfeeding, your hormones are all over the place and you go from hot to cold in seconds). Trust me, I usually just wear a pair of sweats and a t-shirt to bed….not anymore!
– Phone charger
Update: Yep, definitely needed this, maybe would have brought two.
– Chapstick
(If you watch my Instagram stories, you are laughing right now)
Update: You guys were SO right. You definitely need chapstick or a lip mask as the hospital air is so dry.
– Comfy socks
Update: YES. Bring these.
– Shower sandals
Update: Heck yes – our hospital room was only cleaned one time during our entire stay….let’s just say, you never know how clean those shower floors are.
– Your own bath towel
(The hospital bath towels are SO small, not soft, and sadly not the cleanest!)
Update: An absolute must! Makes you feel so clean and the hospital towels are the size of hand towels.
– Your own water pitcher
(Another pet peeve of mine – I refuse to use the hospital provided one for good reasons)
Update: I brought my Yeti and loved loved loved it! It kept my water super cold and was mine so I knew it was clean!
– Nipple cream
(Many of you guys recommended this one)
Update: Definitely needed this for when I got home, but when I was in the hospital, they had this on hand and gave me a bunch of packets – you don’t need to take it to the hospital.
– Bottom spray
(This one was also recommended by you guys)
Update: They also had this in the hospital so you don’t need to pack it in your bag, but make sure you have some for when you get home.
– Hair ties
(I’m currently loving these ones – CODE ASHLEYD35 will get you 35% off)
Update: Definitely needed!
– Nursing pads
(I’m giving these ones a shot)
Update: My milk didn’t come in until after I got home (aka my boobs didn’t start leaking until a week after birth or so), so I didn’t need to pack these.
– Snacks
(Simple granola bars or nut packs in case I get hungry and can eat)
Update: Yes! Bring snacks…even though you can’t eat while you are in labor, it’s nice to have snacks on hand for the moment when you can finally eat.
– Toiletries
(Shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, lotion – packing all of these in my favorite travel bag)
Update: Definitely bring your toiletries!
– Extra undies
Update: Yep! Needed.
– An outfit to go home in
(I plan on going home in this top, my favorite leggings, & these comfy sweater UGG boots)
Update: I ended up wearing leggings, uggs and a henley tee (sold out on AE) and it was super comfy!
– Ipad
(So I can finish The Crown on Netflix, JUST in case I have some free time)
Update: Didn’t use it.
– Camera
Update: Yep! We used this a lot to take some more “professional” photos while in the hospital. If you don’t want those, an iphone will do.
– A comfy robe
(I’m bringing this one)
Update: I only wore this once…I think because I had the cute pajamas, I didn’t really need it.
FOR BABY:
– Diaper Bag
(I’m in LOVE with this one by Fawn Designs)
Update: Yes, we put all of Eloise’s stuff in here to keep us organized.
– A onesie or two
Update: Didn’t need. Eloise’s stayed in her hospital shirt and swaddle the entire time.
– A going home outfit
Update: The only outfit we actually needed.
– A swaddle
(We love these ones & these ones)
Update: Didn’t really need our own. I used one of our cute ones for a photo but otherwise we used the hospital swaddle the whole time.
– A hospital hat
(My mom got us this one and it’s just so dang cute!)
Update: We loved the one we brought, but the hospital also has these too.
– Pacifier
Update: Didn’t need – hospital provided us with one.
– Car seat
Update: Definitely!
– Socks
Update: Didn’t need – baby was swaddled the whole time and when we took her home, her onsie covered her feet.
FOR DAD:
– A change of clothes x 2
– Toiletries
(Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shower items)
– Snacks
– Books, magazines, ipad
(For entertainment in case of down time)
– Comfy pants
– Socks or slippers
– Phone charger
Update: Bryan basically used all of the above. He probably would have brought more snacks for himself if he had to do it again!
Now remember, this list isn’t perfect because I’ve never done this before, BUT I plan on going back to this post after baby and sharing my updates! What I used, what I didn’t, what I forgot, etc.
If you have ANY other must have items, please leave me a comment on this post! I want to be as prepared as possible 🙂
Also, mamas….do I REALLY need to bring my own Depends?! I keep hearing that these are a MUST and I’m hesitant….Depends?! I’m in my 30’s!
HA!
Let me know!
Thanks for reading & happy Friday!
Update
(I went back through and updated this post with what I used and didn’t use in the hospital)
Tips:
– At the last minute, we brought our boppy and I’m so glad we did because it helped me A LOT with breastfeeding.
– You don’t need Depends…they have pads/underwear at the hospital and when you get home, just use regular pads.
– Before you leave, ask the nurse for some of the ice pack pads for home…they are the BEST.
– All in all, you don’t have to listen to my list…if there’s something your think you might want with you in the hospital, bring it! It’s better to have it than to not!
Great list! Some moms swear by depends but I just used what the hospital had and pads once I got home and I was fine. I don’t know how depends work, but it seems like if you have to pull them on that’s a lot more work than swapping out a pad? I also brought shower shoes but our room ended up being recently renovated and I ended up not caring! I had a C-section and so I only wore the hospital gown until I was able to change into my own clothes. Then I wore loose yoga pants with a nursing tank and a robe. Looks like you’ve got it all covered! Good luck and enjoy these last few weeks!
I would consider adding headphones for you and the hubs in case of down time. Good luck and congrats!
Seems like you've got everything you'll need….p.s., I'm also obsessed with my Fawn Design as well 🙂 It's amazing! And I'm about to have 2 little ones so hands free is the way to go! I'd recommend and eye mask because even though they turn the room lights off at night the computer/monitor screens stay on and they're SO bright. This really helped me get some sleep when I had my first. Also, no need for depends, LOL! The pads they provide at the hospital work just fine! Just take a ton home with you and you'll be good!
Make sure to ask for a couple pacifiers, the ones we have at Valley Care are really good ones! You never know which kind your baby will take to. Also, if you have a Medela pump, ask your postpartum nurse to set you up with a pump (leave yours at home) to teach you how to use it. This will get you a whole extra set of pump parts to take home for free which will save you so much time (and headaches) later when you’re pumping often.
I'd add a water bottle for your husband and a sound machine! It is a huge lifesaver trying to sleep in the hospital room. Definitely a necessity. Bring a hands-free bra for pumping, just in case you end up having to pump, it's small and will be a huge lifesaver if you need it. We also liked having some baby lotion for the babes, their skin is so dry and it makes them smell so sweet.
Hi- is there a reason to avoid the hospital provided water pitcher? I’m due this Spring and looking for any helpful tips. Thanks!
Thank you for updating this post Ashley!! Just packing my bag now and was checking back to your post. Great to know what was needed and what was not necessary so I don’t have to pack our entire house! Hope you are enjoying Mom life and your sweet new bundle of joy. ��
Would a Getaway bag work? Starting to plan for baby arrival, looking at all your posts!