Getting Ready for Birth: What’s In My Hospital Bag

Can’t believe I’m just 3 weeks away from giving birth. I mean WOW I don’t know if I’m even ready! I am packing a hospital bag so that I can feel most comfortable with my own things. Know that you technically don’t need any of these items since the hospital provides most of the essentials (say for example if you unexpectedly gave birth and couldn’t bring your bag with you, that’s ok!)

MAMA

• Robe & PJs. Packing a couple of my favorite sleep shirts and a comfy robe because nothing beats your favorite sleepwear in an unfamiliar hospital setting.
• Delivery gown. I ordered this pink one from Kindred Bravely. The hospital will provide gowns though so this is just a preference to bring my own.
• Going home outfit. I have loungewear packed. I do not plan on looking cute leaving the hospital…
• Flip flops/shower sandals. I want to avoid being barefoot on hospital floors, especially the showers.
• Socks. Favorite Barefoot Dreams socks packed? Check! Although it may be smart to bring a pair of grip socks instead.
• Nursing Bras. Opting for these cheap ones first time around then I’ll maybe splurge on a nicer one.
• Lip Moisturizer. I loooove Lucas Paw Paw. Also Rosie HW’s favorite lip product.
• Phone charger. Get the 6′ one so it stretches fine from the outlet to your bed.
• Hydroflask.
• Pain-relieving spray for down there. You’ll get stuff at the hospital but I’ve heard from other mamas to stock up on Dermoplast.
• Granny panties. Hospital will hook you up with mesh undies but if you want to bring your own, be sure to opt for dark colors.
• Peri bottle. Again, the hospital provides but I’ve heard other moms rave about this specific Fridet momwasher so I had to get for myself.
• Hair dryer. If you plan on washing your hair, but check with your hospital first if they have in the room.
• Shower cap. I don’t plan on washing my hair as of now.
• Portable nightlight. Excited to try this VAVA one. You can toggle between soft yellow light or LED white. Much better than overhead hospital lights in the wee hours of the morning to breastfeed. Side note: got the VAVA baby monitor as well for at-home use. It was highly rated.
• Bluetooth speaker. I’m making a soothing spa playlist and maybe bringing some battery-operated candles to help with the ambience.
• Portable fan. I’m bringing this stroller fan so I can have it right next to my face if need be.
• All my own skincare and toiletries. Face wash, toner, moisturizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, loofah, contact case & solution, glasses, maybe a face mask.
  

DAD

• Snacks.
• Clorox wipes. So he can wipe down all the armrests, sink/shower faucets, etc. This is a habit I do anytime I get on the plane, check into a hotel room, so no different situation here.
• Change of clothes x2.
• Toiletries.
• Phone charger.
• iPad.
• Headphones.
• His favorite pillow. We will see if he wants to bring his own bedsheet and blanket.
• Slippers.
• Professional Camera.

BABY

• Car Seat. Make sure it’s installed ahead of time! I ended up getting this Stokke Pipa by Nuna one.
• Going Home Outfit. I’m bringing a few different options because I can’t make up my mind. They are all footies so I won’t be needing any baby socks. I’ll plan on using hospital-provided mittens.
• Birth announcement name plate. Love this wooden one you can personalize from Etsy.
• A onesie or two.
• Swaddle. Bringing a couple basic ones and this Ollie swaddle.
• Baby Shusher. I’ve heard from other mamas that this is a must!

With COVID, the hospital is only allowing two support people in the room with you. We’re required to get a COVID test upon admittance and if negative, I won’t have to birth in a mask (what a way to give birth!)

I’m also letting my dog Lexi sniff all the baby things and get familiar with them. She likes hanging out in the nursery. 🙂

Final Tip for Packing Your Hospital Bag

Since there’s no way to predict exactly when your baby will make his or her arrival, you should plan on having your bag packed and ready to go by the time you hit 36-37 weeks just in case. Maybe sooner for you ultra-planners. You’ll already have everything you need for the best possible start to your amazing journey into motherhood if the unexpected happens.