Hospital Bag Must-Haves
Just like everyone’s pregnancy journey is different. Everyone’s birth story is different. Having a good hospital bag full of essentials is so helpful when you’re in labor.
There are so many go-to’s out there about what you should or shouldn’t bring with you. I’m here to share my two sense from my own personal experience. With my first baby I packed all the things…and I mean ALL the things. It was alot and I didn’t use half of them.
I quickly learned what was a must-have and what wasn’t. I majorly downsized for my second child’s delivery and was much happier. The truth is the hospital will have a majority of things you need so you don’t need to truck towels, pads, etc in with you.
Everyone’s preferences are different so you may not use all of my essentials or want extras added on and that’s OK. You want to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Packing for labor and delivery doesn’t need to be stressful or full of items you won’t use. So I wanted to share what I have found as must-haves in the hopes it helps other momma’s to be out there be better prepared.
Toiletries
Typically you won’t be in the hospital too long if you have a simple birth so you won’t need a lot of items but you’ll still want your typical toiletries. With my first two kids I was discharged 24 hours after birth. These are my go-to toiletries to pack:
- Shampoo/conditioner
- Witch hazel
- Lotion
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss
- Dry shampoo
- Deodorant
- Chapstick
- Hairbrush
- Headband
Mom Items
I make sure to include my mom must-haves when packing. My personal go-to’s are:
- Purse (with all essential IDs, etc)
- Hair ties
- Phone/camera and all chargers
- Comfortable coming home clothes (maternity bra, big underwear, pants, shirt, etc)
- Belly band (postpartum belly band to help stomach shrink back after birth)
- Hip band (belly support/hip band to help hips shrink back after birth)
- Water bottle
- Snacks
Baby Items
Probably the most items I pack are for the new Baby. My go-to’s for Baby are:
- Boppy pillow (for nursing and taking photos)
- Baby’s coming home outfit
- Pacifier
- Baby memory book (the nurses will take a footprint of Baby after birth and put it into the book for you)
- Baby accessories for announcement photos (bring along anything you want to take photos of Baby. For me it is usually blankets or clothes, a custom hat, and a cute boppy pillow cover. You could also include any name signs, hats, etc)
I hope that these tips come in handy for you and help to better prepare you for a more relaxed hospital stay. All us mothers have been where you are. Just know you are not alone! If you have any suggestions of other must-haves that I didn’t list please comment below and let me know.
