Third Time Around: What’s in My Hospital Bag

We’ve done this a couple times and with both deliveries had different experiences. The first had us in the hospital for about 5 days while the second had us in and out in 24 hours. So, when packing my bag, I tend to prep for the possibility of being there for 3 days. If your visit goes over, then you can send a partner or friend home to grab some things (pro tip: have these things already home laid out and easy to find should this be the case). I’m notoriously not a list person, but this is one of those times where it’s worth busting out your notes and creating a checklist. While nesting is a very real thing, pregnancy brain fog is just as real and may have you blanking. I would also recommend you aim to have your bag packed (and your partner’s) by around 36 weeks.

While packing, there are a couple things to keep in mind: 1) How easy it is to wash what you’re bringing? When you get home, you wont want to go through a complicated cleaning process. Avoid items that need hand washing. 2) Consider the size of the products you bring. It’s worth picking up some travel size options or separating out toiletry products you want to bring along into travel size containers. You won’t need full size products.

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Things That Make Packing Easier:

• Hanging Toiletry Organizer

• Packing Cubes

• A Bag You’re Familiar With (this really isn’t the time to learn where you have new pockets)

Comfortable Clothing:

• 1 pair of maternity (or at least super loose) jersey shorts/pants.

• 1 Tank/Tee, or loose fitting top

• Nursing tank/Nursing bra

• 3 Pairs of cozy socks (I did slippers last time and was grossed out by not being able to easily wash them)

• 2 House Dresses

• 1 light robe

• Shoes/Sandals that can accommodate swollen feet

Toiletries:

• Deodorant

• Facial Soap

• Toothpaste/Toothbrush

• Dry Shampoo

• Skincare

• Makeup (minimal)

• Makeup Eraser

• Lotion

• Lip Care

• Hair Tie(s)

Postpartum Care:

• Frida Mom Peri Bottle (the hospital will provide a peri bottle but trust me, this one makes life a lot easier)

• Adult Diapers (for vaginal delivery)

• Nipple Cream

For Baby:

• Breastfeeding Pillow (should you be breastfeeding)

• 2 Small Bottles (should you start off bottle feeding)

• Ready-To-Drink formula bottles (The hospital will have formula available if you’re formula feeding but if you have a preference or potential dietary concerns for baby, consider bringing a couple of your own).

• Swaddle (if you have one you prefer)

• 1 (both NB and 0-3M) take home outfit

• Mittens

• Newborn Hat

• Your pediatrician’s contact information

Other:

• Your own pillow

• Blanket (if you’re like me and a diva about blankets)

• Phone charger (extra long)

• Sound machine (if separate from phone)

• Sleep mask

• Reusable water bottle

• Bluetooth speaker (with playlists on hand)

• Electrolyte Drink (2 Liquid IVs is what we went with)

• Snacks (Vending machines will be available but we know we all have more preferred snacking options. Also, these can go in your partner’s bag.)

• Foldable tote for anything given to you by the hospital

I’ve linked specific products I prefer but this is not a sponsored post. It’s also worth nothing that this is my list. It may not match up with other lists out there, and that’s a-ok.