A perpetual over-thinker, my latest preoccupation is with what I should bring to the hospital with me. Granted, the brand new building is more like a 5-star hotel than a hospital…minus the toiletries in the bathroom. (Although they do provide hairdryers!) Plus, it’s only 15 minutes away from my house, so if I forget something crucial, JB or a family member can run home to pick it up.
Still, my goal is to pack my hospital bag as thoroughly as I can this weekend, as I will officially be 37 weeks on Saturday, but I’m honestly not sure what I need to bring! I’ve heard of some women who live in their hospital gowns for the full two days of their stay and others who change into stylish lounge pants and nursing tank tops. Should I bring a robe, socks and slippers? Will the baby need any clothing other than his going home outfit…and what should I dress him in for that? Are hospital receiving blankets sufficient or should I bring a special swaddling blanket? Do I need My Brestfriend while I’m there?
At 29 weeks (way to be ahead of the game!), Claudia drafted an extensive list of possible items to bring with her to the hospital, including multiple changes of clothing for her and her baby, pillows, massage oil and a laundry bag.
Marichelle had fewer items on her list when she packed her bag at 36 weeks (that’s more like it!), which included comfy pajamas to lounge in, nursing bras, a baby book (I still need to find one!) and a Boppy.
So tell me, friends: What do I really need to pack in my hospital bag? What clothing should I have on hand for me and for the baby? What essentials should I be sure not to forget, and what extras might I want to bring just in case?
Please share your thoughts below!
{checklist via Lay Baby Lay}
lollipops b/c they don’t want you to have sucking candy during labor (although we only used them later anyway), any drinks you may wants (i don’t really drink water but drink a TON of seltzer) and the camera battery charger! i only brought avery’s going home outfit which included socks and a hat but no extra blankies or anything. i also brought a book and some magazines which were nice to have. so exciting!
Definitely bring:
A couple pair of socks
Toothbrush and tooth paste
Brush
Hair ties/headband if you like
Lip balm
Toiletries for a nice shower
Going home outfits for you and baby
We had two bags of stuff packed and that’s all I used!
I feel like we walked in with our entire house. I didn’t need the pillow I brought.
I did like changing into my own pj pants, nursing tank and short robe. All necessary toiletries, too. I only brought a going home outfit for the baby. I think I was just focused on having the baby I didn’t think to bring other clothes for him! Actually, I think I did bring blankets, wipes, diapers and bag and they were unnecessary.
Have you seen these baby books? http://www.ragandbonebindery.com/babybook.aspx
I didn’t take mine to the hospital though.
I took books and magazines and didn’t open a single one. I took things to help during labor, too. Like tennis balls/golf balls in socks for back rubs.
Have JB pack his bag early! My husband had to take some time before leaving the hospital to throw clothes in a bag real quick. Recommend comfy clothes for him, too.
Something I wish I had done was pack two separate bags. One smaller with stuff needed for labor (tools, snacks, ipod?, camera, etc.) and after the baby was born I would have brought up another bag filled with clothes and such. I think our other stuff was in the way a bit and wasn’t needed right away. If that makes sense.
Big giant granny panties, hair ties, lanolin (for sore nipples!), and your phone. Those were the only things I really needed (other than clothes and shower stuff). What ever you forget or think you need your hubby can run home and get it. 🙂
Granny panties are a must, something for hubby to snack on, our hospital took baby pics so we had an outfit for him for that and a take home. I did take my boppy for nursing but it was uncomfortable so I used regular pillows, hair products & ties are a must, a camera and you made need your breast pump to get the milk going. Half the items I packed based on lists I found, I didn’t use. The hospital provided everything the baby needed. I I found I didn’t need much more than what I just mentioned.
Shit, I wrote you a super long comment and there was an error and now it is gone!!!
Anyway, as long as you bring granny panties you will be fine 😉
I had a crazy long list because we are 45 minutes away from the hospital, we don’t have a car and the hospital doesn’t provide anything (well, you know, except towels, big pads…and mega flat pillows…this is why I was super happy to have my own pillow).
Take care 🙂