What do I put in my hospital bag? That is the question you ask yourself over and over again as you get ready for your bundle of joy. I scoured the blogs and google looking for what to pack. Below is my list of things I packed and used, didn't use, and the hospital ended up having. Take a look and choose what you think you need. Remember there are no right answers as to what you can and can't bring!
Things I used and highly recommend:
- Hair ties (you can never have enough)
- Chapstick, chapstick and more chapstick (This is a must. Your lips get very chapped during labor)
- Phone charger (You know you will be posting and sending a billion pictures of that newborn)
- Warm socks with non-skid (I got some for $5 at Walmart and they are awesome I still wear them. Mine weren't Christmas but the type of sock can be found here)
- Nursing bras (If you are breastfeeding these are great and comfy! Can be found here)
- Robe (They keep you warm and covers that booty, not pictured above)
- Flannel PJ's (They were super warm in that freezing hospital)
- Sweater (Again hospitals are always cold)
- Going home outfit (I chose a maxi dress for roominess and leggings because it's cold in February in Oregon)
- Toothbrush and tooth paste (Nothing like a fresh mouth)
- Lotion (My hands get really dry in the winter)
- Deodorant (So you don't smell after all that sweating)
- Face wash (A clean face is always refreshing)
- Brush (You will want to brush you hair after long hours of labor)
- Makeup (I was one of those ladies that got an epidural and was fixing my makeup lol)
- Flip flops (They are always good to have as quick slip on shoes, not pictured above)
- Extra bag (for all that extra stuff you get at the hospital)
- Baby book (For those little foot prints)
- Popsicles (these were amazing during labor and nurses kept them in the freezer, not pictured above)
Don't forget dad and baby!
For Baby:
- Car seat (Can't go home without it, not pictured above)
- Going home outfit (I know you already have that cute outfit ready to take all those going home pictures of)
- Extra onesies in different sizes (Never know how big or small they will be)
- Blanket (You will probably get some at the hospital, but nothing like a soft blanket from home)
For Dad:
- Clothes (Dads are easily forgotten in the hustle and bustle. Make sure he has something comfy to wear while he is helping you through the pain)
- PJs (Needs something to sleep in)
- Toiletries (Dads need the essentials too)
- Phone Charger (For all those pictures that will be taken)
I brought, didn't use, but glad I brought just in case:
- Hard candy (I actually totally forgot I had these but could have used one!)
- Book/magazine (Once, I got my epidural I slept but this was good to have just in case)
- Cash for vending machine (We ended up bringing some snacks)
- Sports bra (I ended up just wearing my nursing bra)
- Dry Shampoo (I luckily got to take a shower before the hospital so my hair wasn't too bad but you never know)
- Nipple cream (I used this the day after we left the hospital. He bit my nipple wrong and boy was this a life saver)
I brought and the hospital had (check with your hospital to see what they provide. They told me most of these but I just wanted to be safe):
- Blanket (I have this listed in the baby section but the hospital blankets are never as soft and nice as the ones from home)
- Bath towel (I brought my own but ended up using the hospitals since I didn't want to stain mine with blood. Yes, you will be bleeding after giving birth!)
- Body Wash (I just used theirs)
- Shampoo/conditioner (I just used theirs. I was really just enjoying the hot water)
- Pads (They had extra large pads that I used and saved mine for at home, not pictured above)
- Pack of underwear (Again, I used the cloth diapers they gave me that were actually really comfy, not pictured above)
- Diaper cream (Didn't end up needing any diaper cream plus they had some if we did)
I brought and didn't use:
- Camera (We brought our nice camera but ended up just using our phones. This would be good if you have someone else to take pictures, not pictured above)
- Hot/cold breast pads (Good to have but I didn't need them in the hospital. I did use them during that first week of breastfeeding)
- Baby Powder (Didn't need, not pictured above)
Anything I missed or something you had in your hospital bag that you couldn't live without?
