It’s safe to say I didn’t use half the things I packed in my hospital bag with my first baby boy (yeah you probably won’t have time to read that book…), and wish I had known about half the things I actually needed. Thanks to the experience of a few babies, but also talking with friends, and reading up on recs, I finally got it figured out. You don’t need much, but it sure helps to have a few lifesavers stowed away for the hospital! I’d love to hear your favorites as well.
Hospital bag breakdown:
Socks – they keep rooms pretty cold, and bringing your own blanket probably wouldn’t hurt either..
Phone & charger
Camera Bag – My personal favorite due to all the pockets and padding. (c/0)
Camera & Charger
Robe – You really want to get out of the itchy hospital gown as soon as you are able, so I usually bring a few comfortable pieces to change into when I get back to the recovery room. This robe was so soft and is convenient for nursing.
Blanqi Support tanks and leggings – Fantastic for post partum support. I wear these for weeks after.
Nursing bras
Diffuser & Oils – my friend Christina made me a few mixes that helped with labor contractions, post uterus contractions, milk supply, etc. and I was able to use them in roller bottles and in a diffuser. It filled the room with an incredibly calm aroma and also made a big difference in labor and post delivery. (You can message her to get a hold of some!)
Larabars – I always crave hearty healthy food and those fill you up and give you much needed energy. I also find myself dreaming of ways to take home the hospital ice machine. THE perfect ice pellets.
A bag to fit everything in. – Mine pictured is old, but here is a similar one.
Your own pillow. – Because you guys, hospital pillows…
In addition to your standard toiletries, these are a few things that really come in handy:
Lip balms – you tend to have really dry lips during pregnancy and post birth, so pack your faves!
Lansinoh Gel pads & Lanolin – because holy smokes it’s painful to breastfeed the first few days.
Bottom spray – oh the wonders…and things they don’t tell you about post delivery;)
Disposable nursing pads
For baby:
Swaddle blankets – (The few I brought from here and here. Personalized name blanket from Swell Forever)
Pacifiers – (The hospital provides these! Although my favorites are Natursutton)
Sleepers – I love sleepers and baby caps for those first few days. The white gender neutral outfit is from Flora & Henri.
The hospital takes care of everything else, unless you have preferred products. They really only need diapers, onesies, and a whole lot of skin to skin time with mama!
What were your hospital must haves? 🙂
