What’s In My Hospital Bag?

I first wrote this blog post before I had my little one and I was hesitant to post it because I wanted to share what I actually used. Now that everything’s written, I’m going to make notes on each item to let you know what I really used and what I didn’t! Honestly, there was a lot of items that I didn’t end up using so I hope you find the edited version helpful!

Since I’m expecting my bundle of joy in the next couple of weeks, I have to have my hospital bag ready! While I’ve read so many articles, Pinterest pins, and blog posts, I felt so overwhelmed on what to pack. By the way, I’m a huge over-packer! I always bring too many things when I travel because I’m scared to forget something. I might’ve overpacked my hospital bag, but I feel like it’s better to be prepared than not. People say to at least have your hospital bag ready by 32 weeks. Honestly, you never know. I started packing mine at 28 weeks, left it open and didn’t really finish packing my bag until I was about 35 weeks. At 37 weeks, I moved my bag from the garage to the trunk of my car. One recommendation I do have before you start packing your hospital bag is when you go to your hospital tour, ask what they supply for you and your baby while your there so you know what you don’t have to bring. I also hear to stock up on those mesh undies at the hospital because you won’t be able to find them anywhere! So today, I’m going to share what I have packed in my hospital bag.

For Me:

Button-down Pajamas/Robe *I didn’t end up dealing with my button-down pajamas, but I loved wearing my own robe after the 1st day. I got so tired of the gown so having my own clothes to wear was such a relief!

I heard that it’s best to wear something that’s easy to breastfeed so I’m bringing both a robe with a sleep dress as well as a full button-down pajama. I don’t think I’d want to be in a hospital gown the whole time I’m there.

Nursing Bra *Definitely a must if you plan on breastfeeding! I just wore a nursing bra with my robe and it was perfect!

I’m only bringing one since I plan on not being at the hospital for too long.

Socks *I didn’t know this, but my hospital put socks on me as soon as I got admitted so I didn’t need my own. I ended up removing mine after labor anyway.

I’m bringing regular comfy ankle socks, but I hear some women wear compression socks. I’ve heard about people wearing socks during labor and I don’t know if I’ll have to so it’s good to have them just in case!

Plush Slippers + Shower Shoes *The plush slippers were great to sleep in since my feet ended up getting cold but I didn’t end up using my shower shoes since I didn’t shower while I was there.

I heard your feet can get cold and someone gifted me these really soft white slippers so I figuired I’d bring them. If I use them, I plan on just throwing them away afterwards. I wouldn’t get ones that are too fancy, I think if you find them at Target or TJ Maxx you’ll be good! And my shower shoes (the pink ones- hilarious looking!), I found on Amazon for like $10. They’re actually quite comfy too!

Eye Sleep Mask *With all the gadgets going on and off and people coming in and out of you room, this was a lifesaver! I bought a pack and my husband thought it was totally unnecessary, but he ended up wanting to use it so he could get some extra Z’s in while the nurses were checking on me.

I honestly don’t know if I’ll get much sleep in the hospital, but I can’t stand sleeping with any light on. Even the door cracked slightly open with light coming through bugs me! I bought one for me and for hubby in case he wanted to use one too.

Travel Toiletries *Starring everything I actually used!

The usual. Toothbrush, toothpaste, and shower items. I just packed all my travel size items since it’s only a couple of days.

Minimal Beauty Essentials (all travel sized)
- Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water
- Biossance Squalane Superstar (Biossance is my holy grail and this comes with travel size versions of the Squalane oil + Rose oil as well as a full size eye gel. I have to remember to keep my skin hydrated especially with pregnancy and postpartum, who knows how my skin will change!) *It helped me to look a little more lively when we had visitors. haha
- Dr. Bronners Baby Castille Soap
- Juice Beauty Tinted Moisturizer (I really have no plans of wearing makeup in the hospital. So I figuired the tinted moisturizer might just give me a little pick me up for when guests visit) *
- Tangle Teezer The Original *
- Glossier Boy Brow (I have this thing where if I don’t have makeup on, at least my brows are done. lol) * I used this because we had photos taken in the hospital by the hospital photographer

Outfit for when you leave the hospital

I’ve heard from other moms that when they left the hospital, they didn’t want to wear anything fancy or tight fitting because a) You’re just going home and b) your down there will be all kinds of sore. So I just pulled out a super loose maxi dress that I’ve had for years that’s super comfortable and easy to throw on. I’ve seen photos of people in sweatpants, but since I rather not deal I like the dress idea. *So I didn’t realize that my “super loose” maxi dress wasn’t actually that loose. I was still swollen and my stomach was still big so the dress felt a little uncomfortable. I definitely recommend a looser dress or something not fitted.

Towel(s) *I definitely used a towel to sit on when we were on the way to the hospital, but I didn’t end up showering. I think it’s good to have it just in case you decide to.

Many people say that the hospital towels suck so I’m bringing 2 extra towels. I also hear that you might need a towel for when you’re on your way to the hospital!

For Baby:

Boppy Nursing Pillow *Totally used this!

I hear that this is a great idea considering that the hospital won’t have anything like this for you! I know it’s quite bulky, but I don’t think I’ll regret my decision to bring it.

Swaddle Blanket *I didn’t need this

Normally the hospital will supply a beanie, onesies, and a beanie for your newborn. I know some people bring their own for photo opps. I’m bringing one blanket, a couple onesies, and a hat for when we go home. Make sure to bring some kind of footie onesie for the car ride home!

Footed Onesie *A newborn top and pants is another option.
Newborn Beanie *The one from the hospital didn’t fit his head so I’m glad I brought my own that was a little bigger.
Carseat

This is a total obvi! Everyone always says make sure you know how to use the car seat before your due date. Honestly, it took Dennis and I a while to figuire that bad boy out!

Extra Accessories:

Phone Charger (s) *
Music Player *Didn’t bring or need. We used Dennis’ phone to play music during labor.

Maybe? I think I might bring my Amazon echo.

Gift for Staff *We ended up buying our nurse that assisted me during my labor a Starbucks gift card because they had one at the hospital and she mentioned how she always needed coffee during her long shifts.

I heard homemade baked goods is a great idea! If you know you have a scheduled c-section or induction, you’ll have time to plan ahead. If I don’t give birth early, I plan on trying to bake something.

Partner’s Hospital Bag: Packing for him was super easy! My husband did it in like 10 minutes. Just a change of clothes, extra blanket and towel, and toiletries. *I think he wore the same shorts the whole time and changed his shirt maybe once. Haha
Snacks: I know the hospital has excellent cafeteria’s and snacks, but I’m a huge snacker (even before Pregnancy) so I want to have my favorites :). *Snacks is a great idea, but I ended up having Dennis just get me things from the cafeteria.

I hope all my moms to-be found this to super helpful! Also, I definitely recommend asking your nurses for extra items to take home because you’ll need them! I also recommend getting some with hazel wipes and Motrin for post-labor.

If you have any other questions or questions about labor, feel free to comment or DM me on Instagram.