What I Packed in My Hospital Bag
I am a planner through and through. When I was pregnant, I googled everything from “what to pack in my hospital bag” (and started packing weeks in advance) to “what to expect when you bring home a newborn”. Five months later, I realized nothing from that second topic was even close to preparing me for what life is actually like when you have a baby 🙂 However, I picked up a lot of helpful information from different posts about what you should bring in your hospital bag and thought I would share what I ended up bringing with me. I over packed (what else is new) so for any future babies, I will pretty much only bring what is on this list!
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- A medium sized bag with a zipper – I bought this bag from my Sister-in-Law’s shop (Lily Lane) with the intention to use it for weekend trips. It ended up being the perfect bag to bring with me to the hospital because it was big enough to hold everything I needed, but not so big it was difficult to schlep around the hospital. It also zipped closed and had a few small pockets that I used for small items like chapstick, my ID, jewelry, etc.
- Black Robe – This robe was great to wear once I moved into the postpartum room. I wanted something dark and something that wasn’t TOO expensive in case it got ruined (just trust me on this). It was great for nursing and to wear those first few hours when you are too tired to get dressed.
- Comfy Slippers – I love these slippers! They stay on your feet better than the traditional slide on style and have a hard sole bottom which came in handy when I finally was able to get up and walk around the room.
- Button Up Pajamas– I pretty much only brought pajamas for my stay at the hospital and to be honest…it’s all I wound up wearing until I was released. The ones I wore the most were sleep shirts that buttoned up. It’s easier to not have to wear pants and the button up style was great for breastfeeding while still staying modest when visitors and nurses popped in and out of the room. I also ended up exclusively wearing this style for at least the first two months after I got home and still wear them most nights, so feel like it’s a pretty solid investment.
- Toiletry Bag– I showered every day in the hospital, but didn’t end up doing my hair and only wore minimal makeup. Still, I was glad I had some basic makeup and toiletry items with me to help me feel more human.
- Flip Flops – This one is a no brainer…the thought of stepping barefoot into a hospital shower gave me the heeby jeebies so these were a must-have in my book.
- Make Up Removing Wipes – These were a lifesaver while I was in the hospital. I was so exhausted and had trouble getting in and out of bed, so I was able to grab one of these cleansing wipes to take my makeup off and wash my face for the night.
- Snacks – If you know me, you know that I get HANGRY. In fact, having enough to eat was the thing I was most worried about when we were on our way to the hospital after my water broke so I made Blake stop at Dunkin Donuts haha! I threw a bunch of Clif Bars into my bag and had one almost immediately after I gave birth and was given the go ahead 🙂
- Water Tumbler/Bottle– Once I moved to my postpartum room I was given a hospital water bottle, but I was so glad I brought my own for when I was in the L&D room. Water and ice chips were about the only thing I was allowed to have and I chugged water to make sure I was hydrated heading into the actual delivery. I have the one pictured in the image and had it personalized from the online shop I mentioned above (Lily Lane).
- Going Home Outfit (Mama)– Whatever you bring…make sure you are comfortable in it. I had heard a lot of suggestions to bring an outfit you wore when you were six months pregnant and I totally agree. Besides the fact that your body takes time to readjust after giving birth, you’ll be tired, uncomfortable and swollen. I brought maternity leggings and a long tunic which worked great (I gave birth in December…I would just bring a flowy swing dress if you are giving birth in the warmer months!).
- Going Home Outfit (Baby)– This is such a fun outfit to buy! Make sure there’s a matching hat if you want a complete outfit, or bring a separate one that coordinates. We had a sweater and pants set and the only thing I would do differently is potentially get a zippered or kimono style outfit because it’s scary putting clothes over their wobbly heads when they are so little!!
- Extra Long Phone Charger – You have a LOT of downtime in the hospital which, if you can, I would use to sleep! I unfortunately couldn’t sleep at all while I was there so ended up using my phone for entertainment throughout the night while Blake and Luke slept. The outlets are not always convenient to your bed, so bring an extra long cord so you can reach (and so your phone is always charged when you want to snap a picture!).
I hope this is helpful for anyone who is currently pregnant or will be in future! For any of my mom friends…what items were a must have for you in the hospital??
xoxo,
Lauren
32 Comments
Leigh
This is such a helpful guide! And everything looks perfectly cosy! Love the layout — so easy to see what to pack!
Lauren
Thanks, Leigh!
Alexandria
This is great idea to be prepared! I’ll have to keep this in mind to share with my friend who is having her first baby soon!
Lauren
Thanks, Alexandria!
Elaine
What a helpful article. I saved it for future reference for my next trip.
Lauren
Awesome, hope it helps!
Kat
Nice list, good to keep it to the essentials. I ended up taking too much stuff the first time around – despite all the lists its really hard to know what to expect since everyone is different and experiences vary so much. I hauled the snoogle pillow and maybe boppy too the first time around – I was sure to leave those behind the second time. The first time I didn’t take breast pads – the second time I made sure I had them – check out Bamboobies – so soft and nice.
Lauren
Yes you’re right – it’s so different for everyone! I never needed breast pads but who knows if I’ll need them for the next one!
Jubilee D Meyer
Seriously so helpful! And Clif Bars are the best, good choice!
Lauren
I devoured one within 5 minute of delivering my soon haha!
Brittany
Yes to all of this! Especially the robe. I don’t think I ever took mine off in the hospital! So convenient and comfortable 🙂
Lauren
Right?? I wore mine at least 95% of the time I was there! There was no way I was putting on real clothes!
Heather
I wish I’d had the foresight to bring the long charger!!!
Lauren
I’m so thankful I had it!!
Heather
You were ready to go! Loved the robe and pj’s!!
Lauren
The PJs are so comfy and easy to slip on/off!!
Angela Amores
This is such a good guide of what to pack for a soon to be new momma. Love the comfy slippers.
Angela
Lauren
Thank you, Angela!
Sheila
This is a great list and I love the extra long phone cord. It is a MUST! Congrats to you and many blessings. I agree about the slippers in the hospital….and ones that are washable when you come home 🙂
Lauren
Oh yes good point! I wanted to wash everyyyything the second I got home!
Leigh Suznovich
Love this, you are a woman after my own heart with how prepared you were and thinking of everything! Saving this for when my time comes.
Lauren
I had my bag packed and ready to go SO far in advance!! You never know… 🙂
Katie
This is a useful list. You forgot the maxi pads, nipple pads and giant granny knickers though! 😉 lol
Lauren
HAHA!! I actually packed those and didn’t end up using them at all! My hospital gave me more than enough pads and mesh underwear…I even had enough for 2 weeks once I got home 🙂
Cass
This is a great idea! I’m horrible at planning ahead for things – I love the robe!
Lauren
I wore the robe probably 95% of the time I was there 🙂
candy
This is wonderful list for those first time moms heading off to the hospital. Some tend to over pack or under pack so this give them a wonderful ideas.
Lauren
I definitely overpacked and it was such a struggle to get everything home when we checked out! Won’t be making that mistake again 🙂
Amber Battishill
Great list and totally things that are useful and needed! I wish that I had brought a button up shirt for nursing!
Theresa Bailey
Comfy slippers are a must! I even bring my when I travel anywhere.
Amanda Martin
I’m no where close to having kids but I always take snacks, comfy PJs and a long phone cord wherever I go haha
Jessi
I love all of your suggestions! I always bring my water cup with me wherever I go so that would def come with me!