What To Pack In Your Hospital Bag

I’m on the last leg of my second pregnancy and am just beginning to get serious about preparing for the new baby girl that’s about to join our family. The first go-around, I researched to the high heavens what to bring to the hospital and shockingly, I was still fairly streamlined with what I brought – the nurses even commented on how “impressed with the small a bag I brought – for a first-time mom and all.” (Small pat on the back occurring right now.)

Overall, I was happy with what I brought along, but learned a few things in the process that I think I’ll be a bit smarter about this time. Bottom line: Here’s what I can tell you, there are millions of posts out there for what to pack in your hospital bag and while there are plenty of things that can be thrown in “just in case,”  try to remember – you’re likely staying there 24 – 36 hours. Don’t bring the world, just bring what you need.

That said, here are the essentials I’d recommend a momma bring in her go-bag. Use this as base, then modify it to meet your needs and hopes (<- key word there) for what you’d like your labor and delivery to look like.

• Cell Phone and Charger: This should be a no brainer since most people’s cell phones are now basically a third arm. Just don’t forget that charger – a dead cell phone is useless.
• Camera: While your phone can work in a pinch, it’s nice to have “the good camera” on hand since this is a pretty big life event. And like the cell phone, don’t forget the charger.
• Slippers/Socks/Flip Flops: For walking the halls during labor and from your bed to the bathroom after.
• Entertainment: Now, I am not saying you’ll actually get to read that magazine or watch that show you had queued up on your iPad, but it’s nice to have something to entertain you/pass the time if it works out. For me, I didn’t touch anything I brought along in this category, but I know my husband appreciated it.
• Cosmetics: While labor is no beauty pageant, it’s nice to have the option to clean up and look presentable after delivery. Don’t plan on giving yourself a full-on blow out, but pack what you might normally pack for an overnight trip. Because that’s essentially what this is.
• Clothing: COMFORTABLE is the key word here. Don’t expect to walk out of the hospital in your pre-baby jeans. Think sweats, leggings, nursing camis, nursing sleep bras and cozy cardigans. Some people even throw in a robe.
• Outfit for baby: The hospital will provide a blanket and hat, and likely, during the hospital stay, your baby will live in that blanket and hat, plus a diaper. But you’ll need an adorable outfit to bring them home in, so be sure to pack one in your bag. Also, those tiny little thumb-less mittens are nice to have too – just to protect that little angel’s face from the razor-sharp talons they were born with.
• Cash: For the husband’s late night trip to the vending machine, or to snag some snacks from the hospital cafeteria.
• Paperwork: Insurance info, hospital forms and ID. Boring, but necessary.

There are a few more things that I would consider “essentials,” but when I arrived, I found the hospital provided for me and sent me home with enough to at least get me through the first few days and weeks of life with a newborn.

If you have questions on what your hospital keeps in stock for new mothers, it might be worth a call ahead of time. Plus, if you’re particular about brand/style, you may still want to bring your own.  If you’re curious, I delivered at Abbot’s Mother Baby Center, and this is what they provided and sent me home with in 2013:

• Tucks/Witch Hazel pads
• Mesh underwear and ginormous pads (Oh, so glamorous!)
• Nipple cream
• Breast pump
• Disposable nursing pads
• Water bottle
• Diapers, hat and receiving blanket for baby

* And don’t forget your husband in all this. Just like you’ll need a change of clothes or charger for your cell phone, so will he!