What should I pack in my hospital bag?
I knew that I was probably going to have to amend my first attempt at a hospital bag list, but I’ve seriously learned so much from this community since then! With baby boy’s arrival right around the corner, Adam and I are are now all packed and ready, so I thought it might be helpful to share my updated list of everything we’re bringing.
When should I pack my hospital bag?
I started thinking about it around 33 weeks, but we didn’t have this full list all packed and ready to go until I hit 37 weeks. I think it depends on your anxiety level, what feels essential to you, and how quickly you can gather what you need if you go into labor early.
I personally think 37 weeks is the perfect time to pull everything together because it (hopefully) still gives you a chance to fill in any gaps that you might have forgotten about.
What should I pack in my hospital bag?
Hospital Bag for Mom
Pajamas
So many people recommended bringing dark colored pajamas to the hospital because… there’s a lot going on after you give birth. I realized that most of my PJs were light colors, so I ordered this pant set and this nightgown from Amazon. I’m super impressed with the quality of both, and I like that they both have buttons for easy breast feeding access.
And yes, I know that a nightgown in winter might seem silly but I was reminded that nurses need to check on you a bunch and you might not want to mess with pants right away. I’m also bringing these Lake Pajamas that don’t have buttons but are so super cozy.
Going Home Outfit
I had planned on wearing this Varley sweatshirt and matching sweatpants home, but my mom got me this waffle pullover and joggers for Christmas and now I’m not sure which one to bring! Both are really comfy, which is exactly how I want to feel when we leave.
Shoes
I plan on wearing my Kizik sneakers since I can just slip my feet right into them instead of needing to bend down/tie laces. I’m also bringing slippers, and I was told to get shower shoes – not because their showers aren’t clean, but because depending on when you go in, your water could break on your feet, you could bleed on your shoes when walking, etc. This way, you can easily wash them off if anything gets on them.
Nursing Bras, Underwear and Socks
I ordered myself 3 nursing bras from Kindred Bravely – this one and this one have clasps and this one just pulls right over my head. I packed a pair of underwear from them too, which I’m pretty sure I won’t need since I’ll be in diapers… but I weirdly feel like I need to pack at least one pair? And lastly, socks! I packed a few with grippy bottoms, a regular pair and a compression pair in case I swell a lot.
Comfort Items
I didn’t think about bringing a fan initially but I’m so glad it’s in my bag now! I hear that you can really work up a sweat during labor/pushing and having a fan right at your bedside will be key!
I was also told to leave my Frida Mom postpartum kit at home since the hospital will provide that stuff – but 1000% bring this peri bottle since it’s better than the one they give you there.
A few people also mentioned bringing an eye mask to help you sleep, as well as a pillow and blanket. Adam is definitely bringing both, but I’m still unsure if I’ll bring those for myself.
Breastfeeding Items
I don’t know how much of this I’ll need, but I want to be prepared so I have reusable nipple pads, nipple butter and silverettes. I’m not bringing my pump because my lactation consultant said it’s not necessary – and I also don’t want to risk leaving it there.
Cosmetics
While I don’t plan on getting full glam, I did pack a cosmetics bag with things like foundation/concealer, blush, mascara, deodorant, contact solution, hair ties, a travel size of shampoo and conditioner and other items like that for when I want to freshen up.
Extras
Of course, hydration is key. I was going to pack my travel Owala bottle ahead of time but the more I think about it, the more I want my big 40 oz Stanley with me. I’m also bringing a bunch of GoHydrate packets since they’re our favorite electrolytes. You can also now get 30% off their site with code LAKESHORELADY – very excited about that!
Since it can take a while, we also have snacks ready to go (for both us and the nurses as a thank you!), along with a Fire Stick to watch TV, and long cords to charge our phones.
And lastly, I printed out some important info (my insurance, our pediatrician’s phone number, etc), we’ll bring an extra tote bag to fill with items that the hospital provides, a folder for all of the paperwork we’ll get, and I’m bringing both this tripod and this little magnetic tabletop one in case we want to take any of our own photos while we’re there.
Hospital Bag for Baby
Going Home Outfit (and backups!)
My parents got us this Barefoot Dreams set that has a cardigan, pants, hat, and socks all in a little keepsake suitcase. You can even write baby’s name, birthday, weight, height and more on the inside. How sweet is that?!
That being said, I have been warned to have backups so I’m also bringing this H&M set and these pajamas. I also have two neutral swaddles in case we want those for photos, and a blanket for the car ride home.
Burp Cloths and Wipes
I was told that Prentice doesn’t have burp cloths and wipes, which seems weird to me? I’m bringing them just in case.
Sound Machine and Nightlight
Since hospitals can be loud and the lights can be harsh, I am bringing our portable sound machine and nightlight. I think I’ll use the sound machine even before his arrival, and the nightlight will be handy during feedings.
Electric Nail File
This wasn’t on my radar at all, but someone mentioned that their baby had very long nails and we have an electric nail file… so why not bring it??
Carseat
Obviously you can’t leave the hospital without a carseat! We decided to get the Nuna Pipa RX and it’s all ready to go :)
Hospital Bag for Dad
Adam pack light no matter where we go, but he did make sure to pack comfy clothes like his favorite joggers, as well as essentials like underwear, tees, and a sweatshirt or two. He’s also bringing his Nintendo Switch to keep him company when I don’t need him, and a Chappywrap blanket and pillow to help him sleep.
I’ll be sure to update this post afterwards, too! Also, have you subscribed to my Substack? I plan on sharing more motherhood content over there – don’t miss out!
