What you really need to pack in your hospital bag

There is no milestone quite like “hospital bag packed,” it is usually one of the final steps in preparing for baby’s arrival, but what do you bring?

This isn’t a seven day cruise but also the idea of sending your birthing partner out to get something while your in labor or immediately after you get to kiss that sweet little face usually has Moms packing somewhere on the spectrum of toothbrush and toiletries only, to half the house.

So what should you actually pack in your hospital bag?

This list created with the timeframe of 2-day hospital stay for a vaginal birth and three days for a surgical birth.

Typically the hospital provides: mesh panties, pads, peri bottle, perineal cooling spray, diapers, wipes, baby wash and shirts with long sleeves/hand mitts.

Unless you want to use your own instead, you can go ahead and take those out of your hospital bag.

Moms, you’ll need your usual toiletries, you know yourself best. If you’re a hair and makeup everyday kind of girl then you’ll probably want to bring your tools and makeup, especially if you’re going to want them done for your post-birth photos. 

–Toothbrush & Toothpaste

–Hairbrush & HairTies

–Face wash & lotion

–Deodorant

–Makeup & Hair Tools 

–Any daily prescriptions

–Any other item you use daily

Clothing wise a Robe will be your best friend for not flashing your sweet mesh panties to your visitors.

Leggings will be great for holding the icepack, mesh panties and pad in place without picking up those hospital germs with loose pant legs and bringing them into your bed. 

A nursing bra/tank or three will be a lifesaver.

So will an easy-open sweatshirt of some kind, sitting still in those chilly hospital rooms can make you reach for all the paper-thin blankets with little relief.

Slippers & Socks, again cold rooms and gross floors.

Phone charger, you’ll take approximately 512 pictures and want to share all over social media about your babe’s arrival, all that chatting and FaceTiming with your family and friends will quickly have your phone in low battery mode.

Going home outfits for both you, babe and your partner, again think of the pictures and what you want them to look like in 20 years.

Snacks so many Snacks, yes the hospital has a cafeteria and you can order food, but have you ever experienced post-workout hunger? Birth is like running a marathon and breastfeeding is like running another one while you’re still recovering. Trust me you’ll be famished and when starvation hits at 2am the last thing you’ll want is some vending machine cookies, it’ll just anger the beast.

If you can’t sleep without your pillow I highly suggest you bring yours, it’s going to be hard enough to sleep with everyone in and out of your room what seems like every few minutes.

You and your TinyHuman will be the star of the show at the hospital so don’t forget to pack all the things for your partner: their toiletries, hoodie, pillow, any medications they may take or need, chargers for their gadgets, outfits for the photos you’re dreaming of, mints it’s close quarters during birth and snacks for them too (cause you won’t want to share).

Be sure your car seat is installed and ready to go so you can take that sweet baby home and start the next chapter of your lives!