What to Pack in your Hospital Bag
Every first time Mom, maybe even second time Moms wonder about what to pack in their hospital bag. I remember when I was pregnant, I was Googling and YouTubing what other Moms packed. I’m here to help you with my personal experience, and provide you with this list.
Check what your hospital already has!
First, call your hospital and check what they will be providing. My hospital provided essentials for my baby & I. For Lily, they provided diapers, wipes, burp cloths, swaddle blankets, hats, socks, and a new little outfit. They also provided a diaper bag. For me, they provided a hospital gown, non-slip socks, post-partum pads (giant ones), post-partum underwear, a small tube of nipple cream, and a belly band.
The hospital will provide you with basic things such as blankets, pillows, and everything you need for a newborn baby, so don’t worry about those things.
Here’s what you need to bring from home:
- Your ID / Driver’s License
- Insurance Card
- Money, Debit Card, Credit Cards (These should all be in your wallet, or purse)
- Birth plan (If you have one)
- Any forms or paperwork your Doctor has given you to bring to the hospital.
- A big envelope or folder to store all the paperwork the hospital will be providing to you.
Clothing for you:
- Nursing Bras / Nursing Tanks / Maternity Bras
- Post-partum underwear (Granny Panties)
- Tank tops / T-shirts / Sweats (Clothing you feel comfortable in)
- Pjs
- A cute outfit if you’d like nice pictures
- A Jacket / Robe (Hospitals can get really cold!)
- Slippers
Bring some comfortable weather appropriate clothing. You will probably want to bring your maternity clothes that you fit in when you were 6 months pregnant. You may stay in the hospital for one – three nights on average, so pack for that amount of time. Bring loose fitting clothing that is very comfortable and easy for breastfeeding, or lounging since you will be recovering from delivery and taking care of yourself, and that cute newborn of yours. I wouldn’t recommend bringing any of your favorite clothing, as they can get stained, ruined, or lost.
Toiletries:
- Face Wash
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash
- Lotion
- Deodorant
- Nursing pads (There are disposable and re-useable options)
- Pads (The hospital will give you some, but they are giant ones!)
- Glasses / Contacts / Contact Solution
- Hair ties & Hair Brush
- Chapstick
- Make up (if you plan on doing your make-up to be picture ready)
Electronics:
- Cellphones (Transfer your photos a few weeks prior to your expected due date. You’ll need all that space to take pictures of your new baby!)
- Chargers
- Cameras
For Baby:
The hospital will provide you with basically everything you will need for a newborn, so these are more for you to be able to see all the cute outfits you’ve bought for your precious new baby!
- CAR SEAT!
- A few onesies (Newborn / 0-3 month)
- Welcome home outfit
- Socks
- Hats
- Blanket
Don’t forget to pack a bag for Dad, or have him pack some clothes and his own toiletries.
Make sure to have your bags packed and ready to go at 35-37 weeks, you never know when baby will make their grand entrance into the world, all you can do is prepare! Also, make sure baby’s car seat is fastened and in the car, so you don’t forget it. You can’t take baby home without it.
I hope this article has been helpful to you!
Becoming first time parents is such a wonderful experience, it goes by really fast! Enjoy every minute of it!
Good luck!
© Liane Mayor-Means and lianemayormeans.com , 2017. Use and / or duplication of articles, images, and website content is strictly prohibited. A direct link may be used, provided that full credit is given to Liane Mayor-Means and lianemayormeans.com
