Packing the Hospital Bags

I’m 38 weeks pregnant today and after my doctor’s appointment yesterday, we were instructed to have our bags packed to be ready any day in the next couple of weeks! They are mostly packed with a few more odds and ends that need to be thrown in at the last minute. I am usually quite the extensive packer, feeling like I would rather have too much than too little but I tried to find a good balance for this trip – packing for the ideal situation while also keeping reality in mind of what can happen throughout labor. So, I am going to give you the list that I came up with after looking at plenty of other lists to pack our hospital bags. However, I am sure that I am packing more than I will actually need, so in a few weeks I will write another post on what I actually used and/or what I wished I had included!

For Baby:

• Going home outfit (including Socks, Mittens, and Accessories such as a headband)
• Swaddling Blanket
• Nursing Cover
• Cute toy or prop for first photos

For Mommy:

• Comfy clothes (remember you will still look pregnant!)
• Toiletries (including shower supplies, lotion face wash and creams)
• Extra rubber bands and headbands to keep the hair out of your face
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Contacts and glasses
• Slippers and flip flops for shower shoes/room shoes
• Robe
• Socks and underwear (Granny panties…)
• PJs
• Sweater or sweatshirt with no front zipper
• Nursing tank top or bra (buy a size up if purchasing before milk comes in)
• Essential Oils
• Nursing Cover (when you have to feed with guests in the room)
• Chapstick

For Daddy:

• Clothes (1-2 days worth)
• Socks and underwear
• Sweatshirt
• Comfy shoes – he may be on his feet for many hours
• PJs
• Toiletries – shampoo, toothbrush, Deodorant

Other (Labor/Post Labor Specific):

• Preggie Pops
• Toilet healing sitz bath (MotherLove brand)
• Tucks wipes witch hazel pads
• Maxi pads (you should get some at the hospital but you will want these purchased for once you get home)

Other:

• Snacks (LOTS – especially to keep Daddy’s energy up)
• Shaker Bottles
• Baby Journal and pen
• Phones and Chargers
• Camera
• Exercise Ball and Pump
• Ipod and speaker for music
• Cards
• Old Towels to sit on in the car
• Comfy Pillow (2 pillow cases to keep clean)
• Small gift for nurses and doctors
• Birth Plan
• Car Seat

Organize each category into different bags so everything is easy to find. Make a list of what is in each bag for easy access!

What were your lifesaver items that you packed in your hospital bags?