A hospital bag is a pretty important component to your pre delivery planning. It will store all the components that you deem essential to your needs and comfort during and after the birth process. I have gone through delivery once before, and used nearly everything in my bag. Here is a list of my “must have” items, along with a few other things I found useful.
My bag is actually a small, rolling suitcase that doubles as a carry on whenever we fly. I figured it would be easiest to unpack and repack because it offers different compartments for easy organization.
The Essentials
- Comfortable bottoms – pajama bottoms, shorts, loose sweatpants, anything non constricting and comfortable. You’re not going to slide back into your old clothes right away!
- Loose fitting tank tops or T-shirt’s. If you plan on breastfeeding, make sure these items are loose up top too for easy access.
- Socks. Hospital rooms may be hot or they may be cold. It all depends on the hospital you’re in. Nothing is worse than cold feet.
- An outfit to go home in. Make sure it’s comfy!
- Nursing bra.
- Nursing pads.
- Absorbing pads or diapers for after birth. I purchased the Always brand.
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Hair brush
- Elastics
- Lip balm
- Contacts, contact case, contact solution
- Glasses
- Snacks
- Cheap slippers
- Phone and charger
The Optionals
- Make up
- Make up remover wipes
- Moisturizer
- Hair products and tools
- “Fancy” camera
- Journal
- Water bottle
- Entertainment for during labor and after delivery (books, magazines etc).
- Extension cord.
For Baby
- Going home outfit
- Baby hat
- Body suits and sleepers
- Baby blanket
- Car seat
- Newborn diapers
If you think I forgot something, please comment below and I will add it on. What were your essentials? Happy packing!
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I brought my haakaa with me. I definitely recommend it if planning on breastfeeding. I know a lot of people say not to take it because your milk won’t come in until you get home, but mine came in the end of day one/morning of day two and I ended up saving 70ccs in syringes that they stored in the breast milk fridge until we came home. It was nice coming home with a little stash.
Also, does your hospital not provide diapers? They supplied diapers and wipes for us, as well as gave us a pack of newborns to take home with us! Different hospitals do different things but I think providing diapers in pretty standard. Don’t forget deodorant! And if you want to be really comfy, bring a pillow and towel from home for the recovery room after birth. I wouldn’t have made it without our own pillows.
My hospital did end up providing diapers and wipes, but they didn’t have the coveted mesh underwear! I was super disappointed. Every hospital is different! Thanks for your suggestions.