Well, it’s that time again…. Time to pack the hospital bag! I’m pretttty sure I had my bag packed around 35 weeks with Abe, and even though he came at 37 weeks, I’ve been procrastinating this time around (surprise, surprise). But it’s finally getting done, and I’m excited to share with you what I packed in it, in case it’s helpful to other expecting mommas out there. Not gonna lie, I feel like I did an excellent job packing with #1, and I feel really confident I know exactly what I’ll need with #2. So this might be the only list you’ll ever need. Just kidding 😉
I do want to begin by saying I am a minimalist when it comes to packing. You’ll see other lists floating around the internet that have things such as your own pillow, a comfy robe and slippers, delivery robes, pajamas, etc. etc. on there. This is not one of those lists. You’ve been warned.
The Bag
1 | First off, I wanted to share the bag I’m going to be taking. It’s the All-Day Organizing Tote from Thirty-One (I used to be a consultant) and I think it will be great. I’m not planning on taking either of my expensive diaper bags (a Lily Jade and a PPB) with me to the hospital, because I don’t want them to get all gross or ruined or lost. I don’t think that would happen…. But just in case. With Abe, I ended up using a reusable shopping bag I picked up at Target, which worked great, too. You’ll just want to make sure it’s large enough to add all the things you’ll be sent home with when you leave the hospital.
For Momma
1 | A change of clothes to go home in.
For me, this consists of my maternity leggings, my favorite sleep bra, and cute, loose, comfy shirt.
2 | Electronics and chargers.
Depending on your preference… For us, we just bring our phones, phone chargers, and camera (making sure the camera is fully charged already). Others might want to bring a tablet, laptop, etc. to use during labor. It’s up to you!
3 | Toiletries.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, make-up removing wipes, face lotions, hair ties, bobby pins, chapstick, any make up you might want, etc. The specifics are up to you.
4 | Notebook and pen.
I like to have a notebook so I can keep a running log of the labor and delivery process. Some might just do this on their phone, but I like good old paper and pen.
5 | Miscellaneous Entertainment.
I didn’t have a long labor experience with Abe, but I did take to the hospital a book and a couple of card games, in case it went long. That would have entertained me and Kyle for a while, had we needed it. It’s up to you of course. Even though we didn’t use it last time, I might throw them in again, just in case.
And that’s it. No, really. Either the hospital has everything else you need or you don’t need it. For peace of mind, here’s what the hospital provided for us: hospital gowns/robes (I promise you don’t need to spend $50 on one), a million pillows (so I didn’t need my boppy), anything breastfeeding related (the lactation consultant sent me home with a nipple inverted, nipple shield and lanolin). pads and underwear (you will want to wear these, the underwear are the most comfortable things known to man and the pads, while huge, are designed for precisely the reason they are given to you, so use them).
And a hint, TAKE ALL THE THINGS. Anything that is obviously not the hospital’s is placed in your room for you to use. Take it home. Take home all the pads and underwear, the mini hand sanitizer, all the breastfeeding things, etc., etc. I almost took home a blanket I loved it so much, but figured that might be going a little far…..
For Dad
1 | A change of clothes or two, depending on how far away from the hospital you live.
This is actually something we didn’t pack last time, so when it came time to sleep the first night, Kyle was sorely missing a pair of basketball shorts. We only lived about 15 minutes away from the hospital, so it wasn’t a big deal, but definitely something we’ll be packing this time around!
2 | Toiletries.
Really, he only needs a toothbrush and toothpaste.
3 | Change/cash for vending machines.
Some hospitals provide meals and snacks for your support person, and others don’t. If yours doesn’t, your husband/wife/best friend/mom will be in a world of hurt (and hunger!) if they don’t have any cash on them.
For Baby
1 | An outfit to go home in.
2 | A blanket to go home in.
3 | The carseat.
That’s it. I promise. The hospital will provide diapers, wipes, a shirt for baby to wear while there, a hat, and anything else they might need. And again, take home all the things. Our hospital sent us home with the leftover diapers and wipes we didn’t use from the pack in our room, a thermometer, travel size baby wash, and like 5 hats. (I wish they would have given us the Halo SleepSlack they kept him in… But such is life.)
So those are my lists. Pretty simple, yes?
My last tip to you? Go on a hospital tour. It is SO helpful to see the rooms and know how to get around, and plus it will clear up any questions you may have about what your hospital provides for you, or how your hospital runs things. Do they promote skin-to-skin? Do they weigh/wash/measure baby in your room or the nursery? Do they have a nursery? Do they provide meals for your support person? Do they have visiting hours? The tour guide will answer all these and more, so definitely sign up for one. It will give you peace of mind 🙂
Wife to Kyle, and momma to Abe, Eliza and Jonah. I'm a stay-at-home momma by day, and a blogger by naptime. I graduated from BYU with a degree in Human Development, and I love to read more than anything. I love my Savior, and sharing His love for others is my greatest passion.
