ULTIMATE HOSPITAL BAG CHECK LIST || WHAT YOU ACTUALLY NEED
HERE IS WHAT YOU ACTUALLY WILL NEED TO PACK FOR THE HOSPITAL, WITHOUT OVERPACKING LIKE I DID WITH MY FIRST.
Hi! I'm Jessie a mom of 4 kids under 4. And nope, no twins, just a set of Irish Twins! :) I'm an expert on just two things in life; 1. apparel design and development and 2. all things pregnancy/babies!!! And in my usual communication style of being a straight shooter, and a mom that enjoys some comedic relief and over-sharing, I'm going to share with you what I recommend packing in your hospital bags.
(image is of my husband Tim, our four kids and me)
And, if you have little ones at home and are wondering what to pack for the toddlers. Check out my blog post for tips and tricks for preparing the older siblings for the new babies’ arrival.
As your due date is getting closer, you're probably getting antsy and want to start packing your hospital bag. You have also most likely seen what feels like a million reels, sponsored blog posts and ads from first time moms sharing what they packed in their hospital bags. The truth is, most of the crap (and yes I mean crap) that you'll pack into your hospital bag for baby #1 you won't actually need. I've finally learned after baby #4, so I'm going to share with you a few items that you will really want to bring with you, and a few items that you can definitely leave at home. :) Believe me your husband will thank you, as mine was basically a pack mule the first time I gave birth.
When to Pack Your Hospital Bag -
You will want to have your hospital bag planned out and "somewhat" ready to go around 36 weeks pregnant just in case you go into labor before your "due date". I say somewhat ready, because most of what you actually need you won't be able to pack until you're in labor and heading to the hospital. I like to make myself a check list of "Go Time List" that is list of items I need to grab at the last minute before heading to the hospital. Feel free to copy and paste mine into a shared notes app for you and your husband to reference when the time comes.
Some of the items listed below are essential (car seat); and others are creature comforts that will make you feel right at home (pillows!!!). I have also put in some notes next to a few items for the moms that are onto their 2nd, 3rd and 4th kids, as the recovery and postpartum process is a little different for those that are past their first baby/birthing experience.
Below is a list that is broken down into different categories for mom, dad and baby. I recommend packing at least 3 different bags to help keep thing organized when going into the hospital. You do not need to bring everything into the hospital right away when you show up to deliver. The car seat and baby items can stay in car until baby arrives and/or is ready to go home.
What to "Pre-Pack" in Your Hospital Bag for Mom -
Nursing Bras. Nursing bras are a must. You will be nursing your baby often once he/she is born, so you want to make sure that you have a nursing bra in your postpartum bag. You will be living in a nursing bra as long as you are nursing your baby, so I recommend stocking up on a few different options before birth. I personally haven't found one that absolutely love yet, so definitely buy different options from multiple brands and see what works best for you. Do yourself a favor and avoid the blanqi nursing bra along with the third love nursing bra. The rest I have tried so far are okay and get the job done, but I have yet to find the unsung hero. Also, don't forget to pack a few for the hospital in case you need a change or two during and after labor.
A Comfortable Going Home Post-Partum Outfit. Don't worry about packing anything special for your drive to the hospital or during labor. If your water breaks at home, just throw on a robe or your husband’s old sweats/tee and drive! Once you're there they will have you put on the hospital gown and most likely give you a plastic garment bag to put your dirty outfit in. However, you want to make sure you have a very comfortable outfit for going home, which means saying no to any pajama or loungewear set with a traditional elastic waistband... talk about OUCH! Instead, pack the RASKANA Ruby Top & Bottom Loungewear Set I designed. This is my favorite garment to bring to the hospital for postpartum, and is also an amazing garment for during pregnancy too. However, the Ruby Loungewear Set really shines during those early postpartum days. During my first pregnancy/birth, I couldn't figure out what to wear postpartum with my first baby and ended up overpacking, and wearing something ugly and uncomfortable home from the hospital, because nothing fit me quite right. That's when I knew I needed to design maternity clothes that are very comfortable and ACTUALLY fit moms before, during and after pregnancy.
All of our RASKANA waistbands are made from our signature buttery soft fabric with incredible 4 way stretch and recovery, to ensure they will last you from the beginning to the end of your motherhood journey. The Ruby Loungewear Collection uses our signature fabric and has a wide leg pant opening for easy on/off capabilities during the 3rd and 4th trimesters. It is the only garment I packed in my hospital bag for going home with baby #3 & #4. My sister-in-law, who has had 2 c-sections, claims that these are the best bottoms for all the c-section mamas out there. Side note, I don't recommend leggings going home from the hospital because you will be wearing a diaper for the first week or two, and speaking from experience, it ain't a good look. ;)
Easy to wash shoes/slides. This is pretty self-explanatory, but you will want a pair shoes that you can easily clean urine, blood and other bodily fluids off of. I'm thinking Crocs, Birkenstocks (rubber/plastic only), or plastic slides. Make sure the shoes are easy to slide on and off, in case you have additional swelling during/after delivery.
Birth Plan. If you have a birth plan, print and bring a few copies of it to give to the labor and delivery nurses, and one for your room. They will likely review it with you if they get a chance, but if baby decides to come quick, you might want to brush your hubby up on the birth plan before hand so he knows where to find it and what your preferences are. If this is your first baby, I highly recommend taking a few birthing classes leading up to birth, so you have a better idea on what to expect and what birth will be like. It is nice to know the pros/cons to each and every decision you might need to make during labor, prior to actually being in labor. Every decision you make will have upsides and downsides depending who you talk to and what birth route you take, so do yourself a favor and figure out what works best for you! When you get there you will be grateful that you and your partner took the time to discuss different scenarios prior to being in labor and giving birth.
Cell Phone Chargers. Don't forget your chargers at home, and if you happen to have an extra long charger, be sure to grab that one too. The beds are often far enough away from the wall/outlets, so having a long charger can be useful. But if you only have the short ones, feel free to ask your husband to lend a helping had to plug your phone in when you get a chance to sleep between feedings and baby's wake hours.
What to Pack Last Minute for Mom (& Dad): Your "GO TIME LIST" -
Toiletries. These are the items that are hard to pack until you're running out the door. I recommend gathering these items in your bathroom and putting the all in a travel toiletries bag during the weeks leading up to birth. This is an easy way make sure you can still use them, but they are all in one place when it's time to boogie. You'll want your hairbrush, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, hair ties, glasses and/or contacts lenses and solution (if you wear them). Pro tip, if you're like me and looking for things to lighten your load, most hospitals will have toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo available, so if you don't want to pack them you don't have to. I recommend confirming with your provider before hand just to make sure.
Pillows & Blanket. The hospital pillows and blankets are terrible. I recommend bringing at least one pillow/blanket from home for both you and your husband. If you're in active labor when you get to the hospital you can leave the pillows/blankets behind until after baby is there. You won't likely want to use them during labor to avoid getting bodily fluids all over them. It's best to have them clean for sleeping after baby arrives. If you are getting induced, you might want to bring them in for during labor because you may be there awhile. The hospital pillows are waterproof and will work great for between your legs if needed during labor and after birth.
(image is of sweet baby Phoebe, me and my favorite down pillow from Macy's)
Electronics. Once's its time to go, make sure to grab phones, wallets, extra phone chargers, headphones, iPads, kindles and any other entertainment devices you may want to have handy at the hospital during and after birth. Each mom has her own preferences, so it should be fairly straight forward what electronics you need to pack last minute.
OPTIONAL PACKING LIST -
Robe - You don't want to deal with pants until you're actually leaving your room to go home, so if want something to wear other than the hospital gown, I recommend getting a robe. If you plan to have visitors at the hospital and want something that is a little more "glamorous" than the hospital gown, I recommend our RASKANA Goldie Robe. This robe is very breathable, easy to nurse in with the help of the fitted sleeves that roll up and out of the way during feedings, and has lots of coverage for your diaper and breasts if you want a little more modesty if the in-laws are stopping by.
Nursing Pillow - Bring this for baby #1, less useful for baby #2 if you're looking for things to reduce the load. Because you're just learning how to nurse with baby #1, I recommend bring the nursing pillow to reduce back pain from being hunched over constantly while trying to figure it out. with baby #2 your bean bags (boobies) already know the drill and are stretched out, so nursing it usually much easier and less painful your second time around (except for the nursing cramps... but that's for another post)!
Snacks and Drinks - The hospital has plenty, but if you have any preferences/cravings don't hesitate to pack them. Pro tip, get take out delivered, if nothing strikes your fancy on the hospital menu.
Portable Bluetooth speaker and playlist. If playing music is part of your birth plan go ahead and pack a mini speaker. Labor can go long, so make sure to have a long enough playlist that you don't mind listening to. If you're like me, you might prefer watching trash TV during early labor as well, in that case, grab your headphones if you're bashful like I am and don't want the nurses to know what your watching/listening too. And if it's not your first baby, then your baby might come in under 75 minutes like my third.
Re-useable Water-bottle - You can bring one if you prefer to, but you will probably end up loving the disposable Styrofoam cups with crushed ice and water that the hospital has. I literally love the cups and ice so much that I end up brining it home from the hospital to use during the first week. I know the cups aren't toxic free and the plastic straws are probably bad for me and mother earth, but something about those cups tickles my fancy postpartum!
BABY PACKING LIST -
Car Seat - This is pretty obvious, but have your husband install the car seat base and car seat into your car around 34-36ish weeks. This way it is ready to go and there is not need to think about this once "mom brain" kicks in.
Coming Home Outfit - Pack and infant outfit, or two if you are waiting to find out babies gender at birth! You might be tempted to bring a bunch to try on baby, but the hospital has super convent long sleeve shirts for the first day or two that make for easy diaper changes and skin to skin time with baby. You really don't even need an outfit to go home in, but if you want some stinking cute pictures of baby in the hospital or on the drive home, one outfit is fun to have. I personally bring one of our RASKANA Top + Bottom Infant Sets, and the swaddle to match for the drive home and to snap a few cute pictures of our new babe!
Pediatricians Contact Information - You will be asked for this information multiple times by the doctors and nurses so make sure you have researched and selected a pediatrician so they can forward your babies medical records to the pediatricians office. What I generally love in a pediatrician is when the doctor looks like they are 10 years past retirement age. That's when you know they have seen some $*!T and will probably not over diagnose or overreact to very normal baby sicknesses and stuff. Most older doctors have the experience to recognize what's "not normal" which is key.
WHAT NOT TO PACK -
Grippy Socks - honestly, the hospital has grippy socks that are comfy enough so you don't need to buy any, because you'll probably drip blood on your socks when going the bathroom postpartum anyhow, so no need to buy cute grippy socks to ruin. Save them for later when you are at home with baby.
Extra Hospital Outfit During the Stay - Don't even bother wearing actual clothes during the first 24 hours after baby is born. You will go from freezing to sweating during nursing sessions form all the hormone shifts and changes, and the hospital gown is perfect to wear during those first 24 hours because it is easy to nurse, pee, poop and sleep in. I recommend getting a robe in lieu of additional clothing.
Towels from HOME! - Some blogs recommend this, but I do not! If you bring these, you will wreak them. Yes, the hospital towels can be less luxurious, but you will literally be drying blood off yourself after your first shower, so do yourself a favor and leave your nice ones at home so you have less to clean during those first few days.
Nipple Cream - The hospital will have this for you to use while you are there. If you're a first time mom they will likely bring it to you before you even ask, but in case they forget don't feel shy asking for it. Apply generously and be proactive. Your boobs will thank you later. Order a small tub of nipple cream from Mama Bear Supply Co. prior to birth and leave at home for after baby is born. As for you 2nd time moms, guess what!!! You probably won't even need it. Those bad boys are soooo stretched out after your first baby that most likely nursing will be easy and not half as painful as your first rodeo! Swing low sweet chariots! First exciting perk of being a second time mom. As for the postpartum nursing cramps, I have bad news for you, those get worse after every baby! :( I'm looking forward to trying the after ease from Mama Bear Supply Co. for my next baby post-partum cramps. I will keep you posted on how it works for me once I try it!
Adult Diapers and other postpartum care products - The hospital will hook you up with pads, mesh undies, hot packs, tucks, cold packs, witch hazel, perineal spray, and other postpartum needs. You do not need to buy any of this in advance. I still have a stack of 20+ depends from my first pregnancy that will never be used. The mesh undies are the best undies for the first week postpartum. Anyone that tell you different is lying and trying to get your $$$ for no good reason. You can also get a prescription from the hospital if you have tearing during birth for additional postpartum arsenal. You will likely get extras of these items if you simply ask before leaving. Also, don't forget to raid your hospital drawers for extra supplies before you leave. You can and should take it all with you! :) If you are planning a home birth and need postpartum care, I recommend purchasing the Labor and Delivery + Postpartum Kit from Frida.
Portable Fans - I have read a few blogs that recommend this, but check first with your provider. Many hospitals have small portable fans available for you to use during and after labor. If your provider doesn't offer fan, then I recommend bringing one in case the PP hot flashes get the best of you.
Diapers and Wipes - Don't bring these. Just don't. The hospital has plenty of them for you there and will send you home with some. If you have skin allergies and need a specific brand, then I would recommend bringing your own.
Bottles & Formula - Okay... I know this is a sensitive topic, so please read my nursing journeys here for context first. That being said, you don't need to bring these items. I recommend trying to nurse regardless if you want to formula feed eventually, as nursing is a great way to bond with your baby and provide the best nutrients and antibodies to your baby during these early days. You won't regret nursing you baby even if it is just for a little while. And if you're like me and your milk never comes in (just for baby #3), then beg your sisters or fellow mom friends like I did for some freezer milk and then supplement with formula when you absolutely need to. The hospital will also provide formula if absolutely needed, but you can also try to hand express colostrum prior to birth to supplement baby during the first 3-5 days if needed. Just make sure to use a curved type syringe (the hospital will have these) so you can have baby nursing on your breast while you supplement with formula or colostrum to make sure you're stimulating your breast as much as possible to increase your supply.
(image is of sweet Beatrice admiring baby Phoebe while I pump!)
If you enjoyed my advice, then download and print the checklist below as a quick reminder.