I’m so excited to share what you REALLY need for your hospital bag today! I’ve done this a time or two, and my third time around I feel like I actually know what I’m doing! I didn’t get a chance to share what was in my hospital bag with Lennyn because she came unexpectedly early; so I’m sharing even sooner this time around!
I broke it down into what mom needs and what you need to pack for the baby! I figure dads can pack on their own (just make sure they do it)! I have also included checklists that make it easy to print out or screenshot so you can have an easy guideline for packing!
Let’s dive right in!
For Mom:
For Baby:
For mom, print this checklist!
Travel Rolling Bag – Project Nursery was so kind to send this over and I’m OBSESSED. Take a look at the inside and how organized it makes me! Ha! I love the dividers, the quality is AMAZING and I’m wondering how I lived/traveled before this bag. I honestly think it would make an incredible gift for your husband as well. I love the black but it also comes in grey. If you aren’t crazy about the rolling back, you can save and get the travel duffled.
Comfy Pajamas – Kickee Pants + Nordstrom Moonlight Pajamas are my favorites this go-round. Do keep in mind that you may want to pack a gown or two in case you are planning for a C-Section or end up having one. When I had mine, I didn’t want any pants on! Here is a great gown option that is nursing friendly!
Nursing Bras / Tanks – Kindred Bravely has been my choice of nursing bra this time. YALL. They feel amazing!! I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to find them and I’ve already nursed two babies. There are tons of different options: sleep nursing bra, simply sublime nursing bra, hands-free pumping bra, and nursing tank with built-in bra. I’m packing the sleep nursing bra and the nursing tank in my hospital bag and know that they’ll be used! I LOVE the way they feel and they offer great support as well as come in extended sizes.
Kindred Bravely has been so kind to offer you 20% off your first order at their website or on Amazon with code LOVELIES. Excluded products include the Sublime Nursing and Pumping Bra as well as the Sheer Cardigan and code expires on 10/31/18.
Robe / Delivery Gown – There are seriously so many options/prints out there for a delivery gown. I had them with both of my girls and honestly it made me feel so much prettier in a hospital gown than the plain ol hospital ones. I know it’s not a neccessity, but I do love having my own. I’m trying to decide between these two for my delivery this time: navy polka dot and plain navy. Which one should I wear??
Nursing Pillow – I went with the Nook Sleep Systems nursing pillow this time. I had the Boppy the last two times around but love the look and feel of this one. I’ll let you know how I like it in comparison! Also, don’t forget to take it with you to the hospital because you need it for those first few nursing sessions! Also, if you have little ones holding your newborn, you will want them to have this in their lap to help support holding the baby!
Panties / Depends – When I had my C-Section with my first, my mom found these C-Panties that helped support and heal the C-Section incision. They were LIFE SAVERS. If you are having a planned CS or think you may end up with one; invest in these. If you are having a vaginal delivery, get these Always Discreet panties. Use them as a pad/panty and then throw away. I love that they’re not bulky! These have been recommended to me several times since my second baby and I’m going to try them out this time! I’ll let yall know!
Camera / Chargers – You will need a long charger. I grabbed this one and will be taking the 10 ft cord.
Toiletries – These are different for everyone! I will just take my normal travel toiletries and makeup!
Socks / Slippers – How cute are these socks from Kindred Bravely? I love that they are gripped on the bottom so you can walk around without slipping! Plus, maybe I’ll get a foot rub out of the deal! 😉 I’m also packing these UGG slippers.
Water Bottle / Snacks – I like to take my own water bottle to make sure I’m drinking enough water while nursing! I try to fill this water bottle up 3 times and drink it throughout each day. That ensures that I’m drinking 100 oz of water which is recommended for pregnancy and nursing. I’ll wait to pack the snacks when it gets a little closer or send my hubby to get snacks for me!
Going Home Outfit – I’ll pack something comfortable such as a maxi dress and cardigan or yoga pants and sweatshirt!
Extra Suggestions: Dermoplast, Aquaphor, FridaBaby Fridet, Tele Ties, pillow from home, towels from home, blanket from home (I’m bringing this one from Cozys)
Print this checklist for baby:
Swaddles – I am packing a few Kickee Pants and then these two from Project Nursery: Copper Pearl Striped Swaddle and buffalo check plaid swaddle.
Hats / Bows – I got these name hats from Knots that are personalized with baby’s name!
Onesies / Gowns – We are packing lots of Kickee Pants footies and gowns! I also got a cute going-home outfit that is personalized!
Pacifier – They don’t give these out at the hospital anymore so if you know you want to give one then you might bring it with you. We are trying these Doddle & Co ones out this time around.
Socks / Mittens – I just ordered a package of these socks and also was gifted a package of Freshly Picked socks and theyre adorable!
Burp Cloths – I LOVE these from Project Nursery!
Carseat – We went with the Nuna for the carseat and also the Doona for a carseat/stroller for travel!
Baby Book – I just ordered this one and can’t wait to see it in person!
Diapers – You only need a few because the hospital will have plenty during your stay! If you have a preference in diaper brand then you may want to bring your own!
Name Banner / Letter Board – This is so cute to announce the baby’s name for the first photo!
I hope this helps pack your hospital bag! I know it helps me to list everything out! Let me know if I left something off that you know you need! I feel so much better that my bag is packed and ready for little man! When did you pack your hospital bag? What did you wish you had but didn’t have with you?
You can shop everything from this post in the tool below!
Want to know a few secrets from other moms that they learned from their hospital stay during delivery?
- Make “padsicles” which consist of pads + witch hazel premade and frozen for use after having the baby! Genius! DIY post here.
- Take all of the goodies they give you and then some! You paid for it, girl!
- Prepare to take a stool softener – that first poop after baby is brutal!
- Bounce on a birthing ball to help you progress! Your hospital probably has one, you just need to ask!
Do you have tips/secrets for the hospital stay? We’d love to hear them!! Good luck packing your bag and preparing for baby! I can’t wait to hear what you needed/didn’t need!
This post contains affiliate links and is partially sponsored by Kindred Bravely and in collaboration with Project Nursery. All content and opinions are that of my own!
Looks similar to my list- I LOVE this post! The only things I would add are nipple cream (I swear putting this on right away in the hospital helped me not get so sore the first time.) And your own pillow(s)/pillowcases. I’m so glad I had these my first time around since we were there almost a week, it was nice to have our own comfy pillows. Go with the navy gown, it’s going on my list now!
You are a true inspiration! Where did you get the outfit you are wearing in the photo with the beautiful wallpaper you put up?
You look beautiful-
Love to you and your family-
Elle