Now that I’m having my third baby, I feel like I know what I need in my hospital bag. Through some trial and error from my last two babies, I’m confident that I’ll have everything this time! 🙂
Now every hospital is different, so you may need some additional things, but I’ll mention those as well. Here’s my list of
What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag When Having a Baby
Here’s a break down of the list:
For the baby
1. Take home outfit – I’ve had a bigger and smaller baby so I’m bringing a newborn size and 0-3 month just in case.
2. Baby mits
3. Socks
4. Hat (especially for cold weather babies)
5. Jacket (for cold weather babies)
6. Baby blanket
7. Car seat – this has to be installed in the car and checked before you leave the hospital
8. Pacifiers – some babies don’t like the ones from the hospital and it’s always good to have extras
9. Burp Cloths – I use cloth diapers for this. They are so absorbent!
10. *Diapers and wipes – the hospitals I’ve been to provide these, but you can bring some extra if you like
11. Journal – I write about my child and their birth story while I’m at the hospital so it’s fresh in my mind. This is the beginning of a journal I start for them and write in every few months and on their birthday.
12. *Nasal aspirator – my hospital provided this
13. *Onesies – my hospital also provided these, just simple white ones. So if you want to bring extras you definitely can! I will just in case.
For your spouse
1. Extra change of clothes
2. Reading materials
3. Toiletries if they’re staying overnight (my husband only did with the first baby 😉 )
4. Camera and/or video camera
5. Phone and charger
6. Snacks
For you
1. Nursing bra
2. Nursing pads – I prefer washable ones, they’re so much softer!
3. Maternity clothes to wear home – sadly you won’t snap back to your pre-baby weight overnight. In fact you’ll still look about 6 months pregnant. So make sure you bring clothes that fit you while you were pregnant. I’m bringing a maternity shirt and a baggy pair of sweats. I also just wear the hospital gown while I’m at the hospital. It’s just easier.
4. Socks or slippers
5. Reading materials – books and magazines while you wait for the baby to come (I do an epidural) or for down time after the baby is born and they have him/her in the nursery or when they sleep.
6. Nipple cream – if you’re breastfeeding, you’re going to need this! Those first few days are pretty painful. I’ve used Lansinoh in the past and this time I’m trying an all natural kind (it was cheaper).
7. Toiletries – deodorant, face wash, hair ties, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush, shampoo, conditioner, you know the basics
8. Contacts and glasses if you wear them
9. Your journal – if you keep one to write down your thoughts and feelings
10. Phone and charger
11. A list of people you want to call/text/email/Facebook.
12. *Pads – my hospital has always provided these – in fact I still have extra – but you can bring some if you like. You’ll definitely need them for when you’re at home.
Well this is what I’m taking! Is there anything I’m forgetting or something you like to bring that I didn’t mention? And don’t worry, it will all be ok! Good luck!
Eden House News and views says
Gosh this would have been good. When. I had mine 23+'years ago