I can’t tell you the amount of lists I looked at trying to cultivate the “perfect” hospital bag. Here’s the kicker, it’s pretty difficult to plan for an event you don’t REALLY have control over. My best advice is to pack what you think you’ll want or need but be prepared to be flexible. Even better, if you have friends, family or a partner that are available to help out…USE THEM! After listening to all my friends advice and reading every list I could find, I still had to have my husband and parents bring me things I didn’t know I’d need. Based on what I experienced, these are the things I’d pack in my future hospital bag.
1. My own labor and delivery gown
This is something I did when I had my son and I would ABSOLUTELY do in the future. Labor and delivery are hard enough as it is without adding ill fitting, unflattering, stiff fabric that a thousand other people have worn into the mix. I loved wearing something that was comfortable and that looked “happy”. Standard hospital gowns do not look happy and that was not the vibe I wanted in my room. Just make sure it snaps on the shoulders and down the back (mine linked here). Is your own gown a necessity? No. Did I LOVE how it made me feel? 110%.
2. An extra long phone charger
You’re going to want your phone near by to update friends and family, take pictures of your new bundle of joy etc but your charging cord is likely going to have to travel over the river and through the woods (or from behind your bed at least) so make sure it’s longer than the standard.
3. A good water bottle
I never understood what a “good” water bottle was until I found one that I loved. Everyone is going to have different preferences but I love how the water flows out of this one so much that I now own 6 of them. Yes the hospital will provide you with water but it’s likely going to be out of a Styrofoam cup that someone comes to fill every so often and if you’re planning on breastfeeding, you’re going to get pretty darn thirsty so a little 12oz cup isn’t going to do it.
4. Chapstick
Hospitals tend to be dry and you’re probably going to be doing a good amount of breathing exercises. The last thing you need to add to your plate is chapped lips.
5. Unscented toiletries
From day one, your beautiful bundle of joy will be able to recognize you by your scent so it’s important not to cover that up. I received this Dr. Bronner’s gift set and LOVED it.
6. Aden and Anais swaddles
My son hated being swaddled but I LOVED these swaddles for everything else. At the hospital, I often used them to cover up while nursing if I had visitors. They’re a great size, so soft and very lightweight. They were also great for others to lay across them while holding my newborn for two reasons:
- no itchy fabrics or strong perfumes against his perfect face
- it served as a burp cloth if he spit up.
7. Food. SO MUCH FOOD
Yes, the hospital has food that is yours for the taking but have you eaten hospital food lately? The biggest problems I ran into were that I was trying to maintain somewhat of a Paleo-ish diet (very difficult when depending on hospital food). AND as a nursing mother, I was always hungry and the kitchen wasn’t open at all hours of the night. I did have a nurse give me a heads up to order a bunch of food in the evening to keep in my refrigerator for late night cravings but again…not the best options in general.
You really don’t need to worry about this until after delivery but I’d recommend packing your favorite granola bars, crackers, trail mix etc to snack on when you need something. These grass fed beef sticks were a favorite of mine. As far a meals go, if you can have someone bring you take out or food from home at least once a day, that’ll help a ton.
8. Labeled Zip Lock bags
Did I look like a total neurotic weirdo with multiple ziplock bags all labeled with what was inside in my hospital bag? ABSOLUTELY. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY. I can’t tell you how many times my husband or nurse would go to get something out of my bag for me. Instead of them having to sift through 10 pounds of nonsense, they could just pick up a ziplock bag and read what was inside. The bags were labeled with things like…going home clothes for me, going home clothes for baby, swaddles and hats, extra onesies and my pajamas. Do it, thank me later.
9. Makeup wipes
To each their own but I didn’t even wear makeup in the hospital. It was still really nice to take one of these to my face when I felt gross but didn’t feel like getting up to wash my face.
10. Hair ties
The last thing you’re going to want while nursing or holding your baby is to have your hair in the way. Bring plenty.
Like all of my posts, please remember, these are things that worked for ME. I highly encourage you to look at many lists like this one and decide what makes YOU comfortable and what makes sense for YOU. I’m proud of you.
