One of the big steps in preparing for my baby’s arrival – packing a hospital bag. It’s where my childbirth prep starts. I wanted to make sure I have everything for a comfy and stress-free time. A hospital bag checklist is vital to avoid forgetting anything important. I learned form my first round that I wish I would had started this earlier to avoid feeling rushed and not realizing the fatigue I would feel at the end of my pregnancy.
From a breast pump to comfy pajamas and a nursing bra, I’ll cover all the essentials.
When to Start Packing Your Hospital Bag
As a new mom, it’s key to think about childbirth preparation early- something I wish I did! Packing your hospital bag is a big part of this. You might wonder when to start, and now that I know the answer is – it’s never too soon. Starting to gather new mom essentials in your first trimester can make you feel more ready and in charge.
Here are some important items to pack at each stage to help gather all your items:
- First trimester: Comfortable clothes, snacks, and things to do when you’re relaxing
- Second trimester: Toiletries, haircare items, and any medicines you need, baby’s clothes and items
- Third trimester: Finish up your hospital bag with things like insurance cards, ID,a phone charger, and any last minute items you didn’t want sitting in a bag for the last few months
Hospital Bag For Baby
It’s wise to pack 2-3 onesies and sleepers in each size, from preemie to 0-3 months. I anticipated my son to be bigger but didn’t expect almost 10 pounds! Usually the hospital will provide you with diapers, wipes, and formula, but if you want to use something specific go ahead and pack it. I felt like the pre-made formula bottles just came out way too fast and wish I brought smaller nipple bottles. If you are going to give your baby a pacifier bring a few different options, sometimes the first one they won’t like. My son’s favorite was the Philips Avent Soothie 0-3 Months. Finally, don’t forgot the special going home outfit if you plan on taking photos. At my hospital they offered professional photos on our last day.
Hospital Bag For Mom
Every mom is going to want or need something different to make her feel the most comfy during this time. I found that the more I had the better. Obviously my husband or mom could have brought me something if I needed it but I wanted to really think of anything that I may want during this time. I was induced on a Thursday and didn’t get to leave until Monday so I had to spend a good amount of time away from home. I brought 3 pairs of pajamas, I chose something light, baggy, and easy to fit over my postpartum care items. >> If you plan to pump or breast feed, a comfy nursing bra– I recommend going up one size because once your milk comes in you will be happy you did. Shower slippers as well as something comfy to walk around in while at the hospital, remember your feet can still be swollen. Airpods or earbuds and a speaker where a savior for me during labor and also to drown out my husbands snoring during the first night. Extra long charger cords are a must, whoever designed hospital rooms, put plugs as far away from the bed as possible. A portable charger will work just fine too. Again, if you plan to pump or breast feed some type of pump to help simulate your milk supply. I brought only my Momcozy Breast Pump Hands Free M5 and it worked just fine for what I needed while there. Some type of loose fitting outfit to go home in, I didn’t plan anything special, I brought one of the rompers that I basically lived in the last trimester and it worked great. Then of course whatever toiletries you will need to cover a few days. I wish I would have brought my own towel to shower, the hospital towels were very small and not the best quality. I did bring two of my own throw blankets because I typically get cold easy and it was nice to have extra.
These items helped me feel more at ease in the hospital. By focusing on comfort, I could take care of my health and my baby’s. Remember, comfort is key in the hospital. Packing the right items ensures a more relaxing stay. Always check with your healthcare provider for specific bag recommendations.
Hospital Bag For Dad
Yes, childbirth is about mom and baby but I believe for our support to be helpful, they need to be comfy as well. My husband packed a few changes of clothes, I recommend sweats as the hospital does get cold. A pillow and blanket were handy as my hospital ran out of extras while we were there and with the already hard chair bed, these helped out a lot. Toiletries as well, nothing out of the ordinary for a trip. Some form or entertainment, iPad, books, games, etc. While I was able to sleep and didn’t need anything he had some hours to pass while waiting. Snacks, snacks, more snacks. Yes, there is hospital food and Uber Eats, but for a quick fix at 3AM having a snack bag was a lifesaver.
Postpartum Care Items
Postpartum care items were provided to me while in the hospital, but only really enough for the few days I was there and maybe 1-2 days at home. This included Ice packs, extra long pads, a Perri bottle, disposable underwear, Dermoplast, and Tucks pads. All items I did purchase to use at home, however it was nice to not have to pack all of these, and not to mention it can get pricey! All the items I mentioned above I will link below.
- Dermoplast Pain, Burn & Itch Relief Spray
- TUCKS Medicated Cooling Pads, 100 Count – Pads with Witch Hazel
- Instant Cold Packs,Disposable Ice Packs,Perineal Ice Packs
- Frida Mom Women’s Postpartum Underwear, Disposable Boyshort
- Frida Mom Upside Down Peri Bottle for Postpartum Care
- Always Maxi Overnight Pads with Wings, Size 5, Extra Heavy Overnight
Documents
As you get ready for your hospital stay, it is key it is to have all your documents in order. This includes my medical records, insurance info, and birth plan – if you have one. Having these ready can make my stay smoother and less stressful.
It’s crucial to have medical records on hand. This means medical history, any allergies, and past surgeries. Depending on the state you are in there may be different requirements but It would be helpful to have I also need to have my insurance cards, ID, and ID of your partner if you are adding them to the birth certificate.
Remember mama, this time is about you and your baby. Do what feels right and bring what you know you will need to be the most comfortable during this special time.