I read countless blog posts as I packed our hospital bags to ensure we didn’t miss a thing! While we didn’t end up using every item we packed I felt great about what we had with us and a well packed bag made our stay so much sweeter. We started packing around week 25 (first time mama here, obviously!) and added things to our stockpile as they were recommended to us. I highly recommend having your bag fully packed as early as possible – it will help calm your nerves those last few weeks! While we’re on the topic, get your car seat installed asap, one less thing on your to-do list when it’s time to head to the hospital!
Bags We Used
A canvas weekender for me, an overnighter for dad, AG’s diaper bag (currently on sale for $79!!), and our extra-large boat and tote for everything else.
What’s In AG’s Bag
- Receiving Blankets – The hospital will provide these during your stay but it’s nice to have a few that smell like home!
- 2 Coming Home Outfits – We packed this sweet outfit in NB size but it ended up being too big for AG (she was 7lbs for reference). We ended up putting her in this Ralph Lauren Kimono Set (NB size fit well.)
- Big Blanket – The hospital was a bit chilly so we loved wrapping baby girl up in this one when a swaddle or receiving blanket wouldn’t do.
- Swaddle – Love this one that matches her nursery wallpaper!
- Burp Cloths – Handy for feedings! We packed a couple favorites from this set.
- Onesie – We brought a onesie just in case, but you may not need it. Baby girl was content swaddled up most of our stay.
- Hat – Pack a few of these to keep baby’s head warm. The hospital will provide but we liked having our own in addition to what they put her in. I ordered these bow hats on Amazon in a couple of colors. Can’t beat $3 a hat!
- Nursing Pillow – I was a bit out of it when we first started nursing so I totally forgot about my Boppy and ended up learning a couple of other feeding positions from the lactation consultant. But if you want to nurse with a Boppy – it would be helpful to have it handy when the consultant stops by. We use this cover with ours.
- Toiletries – The hospital will provide everything you need, but it’s definitely not the best quality. We introduced our own nontoxic wipes, diapers, bodywash + lotion.
- Baby Book – You’ll want to have this handy during delivery for baby’s first footprints!
- Socks & Mittens – AG hates to be cold, glad we had these with us!
What’s In Mama’s Bag
- Nightgowns – Stock up on oversized cheap nightgowns that you aren’t worried about getting messy. It’s so nice to get out of your hospital gown and into something clean and comfy. Loving this one for nursing.
- Robe for Lounging – Perfect for when you have visitors stop by and want to cover up a bit. This one is almost identical to what I purchased.
- Robe for Pictures – Something dressier to make you feel like a million bucks in post-baby photos.
- Coming Home Outfit – Nothing fancy, just something comfy for the car ride!
- Nursing Bra – I stocked up on this one. Can’t beat the price!
- Postpartum Belly Wrap – I didn’t end up wearing mine right away but you may want to.
- Flip Flops – Totally necessary if you take a shower during your stay.
- Slippers – Purchase a cheap pair to wear to and from bed, that way you can toss them when you get home!
- Post-Delivery Toiletries – tuck’s pads, depends, dermoplast spray, nipple balm.
- Face Mask – Helpful for getting a little shuteye despite all the lights and monitors.
- Overnight Toiletries – Makeup, hair supplies, etc. We purchased travel versions of our favorites so we didn’t have to worry about packing the essentials when it was “go-time.”
What’s In Dad’s Bag
- Toiletries
- Pajamas
- Comfy Outfits
- Shower Flip Flops
- Slippers – We didn’t pack any but they would have been nice for dad to have!
Other Things We Packed / Asked For
- Camera + Charger
- Laptop + Charger
- Extension Cord – We didn’t end up needing it but some rooms definitely call for an extension cord if you want to keep your devices charged from bed.
- Heating Pad
- Night Light
- Phone Charger
- Snacks
- Water Bottles
- Birthing Ball
- Peanut Ball – Our hospital provided one so you might want to check with yours. I LOVED this thing during labor. I truly believe it helped me progress quickly!
Another handy tip – we kept a list on our phones of everything we needed to grab at the last minute that wasn’t already packed (laptop, chargers, water bottles, etc.) We went to the hospital thinking we might have a baby FOUR times, so we got really good at going through this list and making sure we had our ducks in a row.
love y’all, mckenzie
