What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag – #blogcember Day 4

Initially I was going to post about “What I packed in MY hospital bag” but after reviewing the list, I realized there were a lot of things I didn’t end up using, as well as things I wish I had brought with me. So here is the revised list of things I would pack in my hospital bag the NEXT time (if there is a next time…relax mom, I’m not pregnant)

Keep in mind that when you are packing your hospital bag, you’re not just packing for yourself; you’re also packing for your significant other, and your newborn baby. Below I’ve created a list of things that I think are helpful to have during labour, delivery and the day after.

For Mama:

• A comfortable night robe (Bring one that you don’t mind getting dirty. The aftermath of pregnancy can be quite messy)
• Socks (it can get cold in the hospital)
• Slippers (I suggest getting ones that don’t separate the toe, so you can wear them while keeping your socks on)
• Lip balm (I don’t know why but my lips were SO SO dry during labour)
• A hair tie (trust me you won’t want anything near your face)
• Toiletries (I’ll leave that up to you, but honestly the ONLY things I used were my toothpaste, toothbrush, face wash, moisturizer and deodorant… trust me I had A LOT more)
• A breastfeeding bra (If you plan to breastfeed, convenience is key)
• Pads (I brought the whole pack, preparing for the worst, and they definitely came in handy. I used the big, fat, extra long overnight ones)
• Grandma panties (leave your nice underwear at HOME. You need to go to Wal-mart and buy the big panties that go up to your tummy and cover EVERYTHING… just trust me…you’ll thank me later)
• Going home outfit (I actually forgot to bring one, I ended up wearing the same the I wore to the hospital back home *face palm*

For Baby:

• 2 – 3 sleepers (take a couple different sizes, you never know how big or small your baby might be)
• Diapers
• Pacifier (if you want your baby to take one)
• Mittens (Aria was born with some claws, and somehow her hands would always find their way to her face)
• Hat (to keep their little head warm)
• Swaddling cloth
• Blanket
• Baby wash (for baby’s first bath. Our hospital had their own)
• Going home outfit (keep the weather in mind. Aria is a winter baby so we layered her up with an inner, her onesie, a sweater and a blanket, as well as a hat on top)

For Daddy:

• Change of clothes (Something comfortable for him to lounge in or sleep in if he stays the night)
• Phone + phone charger (he will be the one in charge of updating family members)
• Toiletries (If he stays the night)
• Snacks (I would bring some snacks for the poor guy next time. I am sure he must have been hungry, but couldn’t bring himself to leave my side … OK OK FINE… I didn’t want him out of my sight for even a second!)
• Cash for vending machines (I need to put this on a list because we NEVER have cash on us when we need it)

 Extras:

• Camera (we brought one but only took it out once or twice, the best pictures were taken in the moment with our phones)
• Treats for the nurses (The nurses were seriously SO incredibly amazing. They were all so patient, warm, and gentle throughout the whole process. Just a little something to say thank you)

I’m sure I still forgot to add something on the list; you can never be too prepared! If you think I missed something, leave a comment down below! If you’re packing your hospital bag as we speak, good luck for the journey ahead!

Hugs and kisses to all!