Ok, I’m officially 34 weeks so I guess it’s time I packed my hospital bag! I was gifted this Lily Jade Diaper Bag and it was actually the perfect size for my hospital bag. It’s funny because I needed to pack a whole duffel bag for my first 2 kids…not this time!
As a seasoned 3rd time mom, I found my packing list to be completely different than it was with my first born! I didn’t pack nearly as much as I did because I know the hospital has most things ready for you.
This is what I ended up with:
FOR MOM:
- Flip Flops
- Socks
- Comfy Top
- Leggings or Yoga Pants (make sure all clothes fit as if you were about 6 months pregnant)
- Underwear (granny panties!)
- Nursing Bra
Many lists I found online mentioned bringing your own robe or hospital gown. With my 2 previous births, I found that I just use the gowns from the hospital. It’s so much easier (you can change them more often) and one less thing to bring/worry about.
I also read that some people bring their own pillows, but I get weird about taking my personal pillows/blankets outside of my home LOL, so I just use the hospital pillows also.
Some people bring their own breast pump also, but the hospital has one for you to use so that’s not necessary either. However, if you’ve never used one before and need help figuring out how to use your breast pump, you should probably bring it and someone at the hospital can teach you how to use it.
You also don’t need to bring your own pads – the hospital has all of that ready for you and will even send you home with some!
FOR DAD:
- Change of clothes
- Slippers
We don’t need much for my husband. We literally live about 5 minutes away from the hospital and they will allow him to leave and come back as needed to get things – this is something you will want to check with your own hospital because they may have different rules due to COVID. Obviously if they won’t let your partner leave, you’ll need to pack more.
FOR BABY:
- Going Home Outfit
- Wooden Name Tag for photos
- Onesie*
- Swaddle Blanket*
- Baby Blanket*
- Pacifier*
*These items are actually not even necessary. I just know I will want to take photos of baby in the hospital wearing these things! They have hospital shirts ready for baby to wear and, if I remember correctly, the hospital even had little bottles and pacifiers for my last 2 kids.
OTHER:
- SNACKS!
- Toiletries (Shampoo/Conditioner, Deodorant, Face Wash, Toothbrush/Toothpaste, Moisturizer, Chapstick)
- ID + Insurance Cards
- Phone Charger
- Camera & Tripod
- Reusable Water Bottle
The most important thing on this list is SNACKS!!! LOL no lie. I learned that with my first born. Baby could take FOREVER to come. I was in labor for 20 hours with my first and I went to the hospital at 5am without eating breakfast and they wouldn’t let me eat. I know you’re *technically* not supposed to eat in case you have to go thru an emergency C-section…but I’m a little bit of a rule breaker and feel like a little snack here or there won’t hurt LOL. I was miserable and being hangry did not help. But if you’re one to follow the rules, you will need those snacks after baby arrives anyway for both you and your partner…you’re gonna be hungry after all that pushing so definitely bring them!
HUGE TIP for those who are packing their bags for the first time: take anything and everything the hospital will give you! The nurses are your best friends! From diapers to pads to those ugly disposable underwears to extra dermaplast sprays…everything! It will help in the long run.
If you have any questions about what they will have, you can always call your hospital and ask. That way, you can decided if you really need to bring something or not.
Hope this list helps anyone else packing their hospital bags! Drop a comment below if you have any questions.
Leave a Comment