Here is my checklist of items and tips for What To Pack For Your Hospital Bag!

Every mom wonders… what should I pack for my hospital bag?  Here are my essentials of what to Bring to the hospital, when it’s GO time! It is suggested that you have your hospital bags packed, and in your car by 35 weeks or at least by the front door.

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• Birth plan (if you have one).
• Paper work: Copy of insurance or any pre-registration hospital paperwork you may need.
• Comfortable clothes and night-wear (think yoga pants, comfy t-shirts, nightgowns that you don’t care if they get ruined).
• Underwear: (granny panties)- Some women love the mesh underwear usually provided by the hospital, (not me, I couldn’t wait to get those things off!) Bring your own roomy cotton underwear.  The hospital will provide sanitary pads because you will bleed after delivery.  Make sure you have stocked up on pads for when you go home.  *Tip-before you leave make sure to ask for more pads and you can take a bunch home with you if you haven’t already prepared.
• Comfortable Footwear: Socks (my feet always get cold) and flats or flip-flops. Your feet may be swollen and you yourself are still somewhat sore, so be smart about your footwear.  You will eventually get to wear your favorite heels/wedges soon, promise!.
• Going home outfit: pick something comfortable, but different from your hospital stay. Finally, you are out of a bed and starting to feel human again.
• Sleep aids: your own pillow (have pillow case in a pattern distinguishable from the white hospital bed so remember to bring it home).
• For your partner/spouse: a change of clothes, hoodie (can be cold in the room) and basic hygiene products.
• Nursing aids: Nursing bar or bar with no underwire. Whether or not you decide to breastfeed, you are more than likely going to be tender and swollen when your milk comes in, which can happen anytime during the first few days after delivery. A good bra will provide some comfort, and breast pads can be added to help absorb any leaks. I really liked Bravado! Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra. Comfort is the key!                                                            Also bring nipple cream and nursing pillow. I used a Boppy Nursing Pillow.                                             If you do decide to breastfeed, check out my post on Breast Milk Storage Guidelines Spreadsheet.
• Snacks: Hard candies maybe the only thing you are allowed other than ice chips during delivery. After delivery you may not want to rely solely on hospital food. Bring your own – crackers, dried fruit, nuts, granola bars, pop tarts, favorite candy bar or whatever you think you may want.
• Toiletries: Pack a few personal items, such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, Chapstick, deodorant, a brush, makeup, and a hair band or barrettes. Eye care (eyeglasses, contact solution/case). Hospitals usually provide soap, shampoo, and lotion, but you might prefer your own.
• Extra empty bag: This is to pack extras you will accumulate. You may get baby gifts from visitors and here is a handy tip **The hospital provides diapers, wipes, swaddling blankets etc. to care for the baby while at the hospital.  You may take all of the baby care products provided by the hospital home with you.  Don’t leave it there!! They are yours.
• Electronics: Phone, iPad, Kindle, and camera are the main items most people want/need. Pack the chargers, and even bring a mini power strip, or extension cord.  Nothing like having your phone/iPad almost sitting next to you, because your cord doesn’t reach your bed.
• For Baby- Have car seat installed and ready to go. Going home outfit: bring a few different ones as you don’t know how big your baby will be, or which brands/styles will fit the best.  My Silly Monkey has body suites from 0-3 months Also, remember to bring seasonal gear if it is especially winter.

**Tip-For the drive to the hospital, you may want to bring a towel you don’t care about and a trash bag. Put the towel down on your car seat.  This way, if your water breaks on the way to the hospital, there will be less of a mess to clean up.

Please let me know what you think, or share with other expecting moms!

Thank you for reading~

Carrie

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