What’s in my Hospital Bag + Printable Checklist For You

What’s in My Hospital Bag?

There seems to be so much research that goes into preparing for a baby!  It makes sense because I have no idea what I’m doing!  I feel like I have to research everything there is.  What type of carseat is right? What are the pros and cons of this or that stroller? Do we want to breastfeed? Are there any recalls?  It’s a lot, and quite frankly it’s very overwhelming to a first time mom!  I’m sure many of you moms can relate to this and if you aren’t a mom yet, I’m sure you’ve heard people talk about this!

Aside from the baby registry and picking out the right items for Baby P, the second thing that involved a lot of time and research for me was what to pack in my hospital bag.  I asked my friends and family what was in theirs, I searched other bloggers’ hospital bag lists, and I even asked YOU guys on my instastories and received some great suggestions!  I combined all of these things and added some items I thought would be helpful, myself, to create this list for you today!

Since we are 40 weeks + 3 days, I don’t have an opinion of whether or not I need all of these items, but I’ll be happy to report back on that after the baby is born.  In the meantime, this list is what I thought were the essentials.  I will warn you, I’m not a light packer.  If you are a minimalist packer I’m sure you can eliminate some of these items.  That’s okay!  It’s just not me.  I find comfort in feeling like I have options.  It’s also important for me to remain as calm as possible, so I’ve chosen to bring a few things that will comfort me and hopefully relax me.

awww I just wish I could take this handsome fellow!  ^^ 

For Mom:

Toiletries:

• Travel Hair Dryer and Straightener – These may not get used at all because it’s likely I won’t care what I look like, but just in case.
• Travel Containers– I buy these travel containers so I can use my regular shampoo, conditioner,  (GET 15% off your Pureology order CODE: ESPRESSO15) and body wash wherever I go to!  I also found these mini containers for things like my face lotion, body lotions, etc. It’s cheaper than buying travel sized of these items every single trip!
• Mini Brush
• Travel Makeup- In case I’m up for looking decent for photos.  I purchased some travel size make up items so I don’t have to worry about taking my full size bottles of things.  I use this blush and contouring set, these travel brushes, this eye pallete,  tinted moisturizer, and this foundation.
• Chapstick– I hear this is a must because of how dry the hospitals are.  I never leave the house without it anyway!
• Dry Shampoo-  This is one of my favorite dry shampoos! It smells so good!
• Deodorant – It smells amazing!
• New Mom Bottom Spray
• Evian Facial Spray– I can see this coming in handy! It’s refreshing and adds back the moisture to the skin!
• Coconut Oil
• Nipple Cream – I have a couple different brands to try, but I’m just going to take one brand to the hospital.
• Heavy Pads– I’m told the hospital provides adult sized diapers basically.  Some people hate them and some people love them.
• Hair Ties
• Facial Wipes- These work wonders on removing make up!
• Witch Hazel Pads– Because apparently hemorrhoids are a thing after delivery.
• Colace– My friend who is a nurse suggested taking this right after the baby is born.  She said I will thank her later for this. Be sure to talk to your Doctor to make sure it’s okay to take!
• Shower Flip Flops

Clothing:

• 2 nursing bras
• 2 nursing tanks
• Boyshort Underwear
• Sleep Nighty– Something easy to nurse in and comfortable! I love this brand so much!!
• Nursing Pajamas
• Jersey Knit Robe
• Sleep Pants
• Labor and Delivery Gown– This is not necessary at all, but I wanted something that I felt comfortable being in that was mine.  This one is perfect because it has snaps on the shoulders for nursing and skin to skin, there is a flap to open for the fetal monitoring, and snaps down the back for epidural.  I think that covers all the bases!
• Going Home Outfit – I packed these post maternity leggings, shirt, and cardigan.  I also packed my oh so favorite ribbed knit dress just in case I have a c section.  If it’s cooler, I can layer my cardigan over top of this.
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• Comfort Items/Extras:
• Massage Oil– To help with back pain during labor.
• Tennis Ball – Helps to massage the muscles during labor as well.  This was recommended by my chiropractor.  I have awful back pain to begin with.  I’m not looking forward to labor back pain.
• Prenatal Vitamins/DHA
• Portable Fan– I love white noise when I sleep and a fan blowing in my face.  This isn’t necessary, but definitely a comfort item for me.  I think it will be worth it having it there.
• Extra Long Phone Charger Cord
• Pillow- I take my own pillow no matter where I am traveling to, so this is a must.
• Stuffed Animal- Yes, I do still have a stuffed animal and fully intend on bringing him
• Nursing Pillow– I was up in the air on this, but so many people suggested it from IG stories!
• Nonslip Socks
• Nurses Gifts- I decided to get the nurses a little goody bag with a Starbucks gift card, hair ties, chapstick, hand sanitizer, and some snacks!  I know I’m going to appreciate all their help!
• Baby Book – This is definite because if we have some downtown we need to work on finishing up some pages, but also so we can put the hand and feet prints in the book!
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For Dad:

• Clothing:
• 2 pairs sweat pants/joggers
• 2 White Tees
• Long Sleeve Shirt
• Going Home Outfit
• Dop Kit
• Extras:
• Book– Currently on Game of Thrones (who isnt?!)
• Blanket
• Pillow
• Snacks- I went for all his favorite snacks!
• Waters/Gatorade
• Birth Plan- I decided to put Joey in charge of the important documents.
• List of Who to Contact
• ID/Wallet/Insurance Card
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• For Baby P:

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• Clothing:
• Going Home Outfit
• Swaddle c/o of Copper Pearl 
• Swaddle for Pictures
• 2 onesies
• Hat
• Socks
• Mittens
• Extras:
• Carseat
• Blanket to take home to the dogs

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• I managed to fit all of our clothing, snacks, and essentials in my Vera Bradley Weekender Bag and the Duffle Bag.  The nursing pillow, pillows, blankets, and waters are separate, but I was pretty proud of that accomplishment.

I feel so comfortable with my list, although, I don’t think you can ever feel fully prepared for the labor and delivery.  At the end of the day pack what you think is most important to you during your stay at the hospital.  Think of things that are going to make you feel comfortable and prepared as much as you can be for your sweet new arrival.

Here is your free Printable Checklist!