I never actually managed to pack a hospital bag until I was pregnant with Risi. I didn’t have the money for things, and really only tossed a few baby things in a bag and thought I was good all the other times!
With Lisi, I didn’t even get that far.
This time though, I was super prepared and had a hospital bag packed and in the van a little over a month before the baby was born.
Here is a list of things I recommend to have in your hospital bag to make things more comfortable during your stay:
- Travel sized containers of your own favorite shampoo, conditioner and lotion.
- Chapstick, a new stick of your favorite type. Hospital air is extremely drying.
- A bag of change and $1’s for the vending machine, for the middle of the night hungries.
- A comfortable Pajama dress/shirt, and your own robe so you’re not stuck wearing hospital gowns.
- At least two pairs of socks, no slip are great if you can stand the way they feel.
- A couple of outfits for the baby
- Swaddling blankets for the baby
- Your own ‘hospital’ style hats (like the one Risi is wearing above) are awesome too.
- A spare charger for your phone.
- A towel from home.
- A book/ereader/tablet
- Hairbands and a spare hairbrush that you don’t need at home before the baby is born.
- Digital camera with batteries, don’t forget your memory card!
- Clothes for you to change into for when you leave the hospital.
- Spare clothes, toiletries and a towel for dad.
- Any pacifiers or soothies you intend to give the baby.
- A copy of your birth plan.
- Any snacks that the vending machine may not carry.
- At least one pair of large underwear.
- A change of clothes for two for dad, as well as a towel for a shower. (Forgot to add, thanks to the commenters for reminding me!)
Really I can’t think of anything else that may have been useful other than my Itzbeen, but if you don’t have one of those a pen and some paper to write down feeding and diaper change times works well too. 🙂
Billie @ Rowell Reviews says
This is a great list. I’m sure it’s hard to remember everything in the moment, so best to pack a little early.
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Kim says
Its helpful to have a list like this, especially when you are so busy preparing for the arrival of the baby. One less thing to rack your brain thinking about!
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Wood Arts Universe says
Great information for first time mommies!!! I would like to add one more thing– Boppy pillows are helpful for when you feed baby and even when not feeding they help support baby when being held. It’s especially good for those who are uncomfortable holding baby for a first time because you can sit them in a chair and put the pillow in their lap, and the rest is down hill. Also hand sanitizer for all the people that will come and hold baby, helps kill germs that could make baby sick.
Becky Lyons Borgia says
This is a very comprehensive list. Thanks for sharing.
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Joanna Sormunen says
What a lovely little cute wonderful tiny baby girl! Congratulations! She is perfect! And the list is very usefull too.
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Brandi says
Handy tips for first time parents! It can be so overwhelming not knowing what you truly need for the hospital. I remember the first time I had a baby, I felt like I needed everything in my bag LOL. The second time around, I knew what the essentials were 🙂
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Leslee Haralson says
Coming up with a list far in advance was a really great idea. That way as you think of additional things you might like you can add it or delete things you decide you won’t need. Best to be prepared!
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Curby Aardvark says
That is a really good list; I have no plans of having a child any soon but I can assure that I will take this all into consideration.
Pamela @ Still Dating My Spouse says
Great list! I would also add something special for dad! Like his favorite snack, a changing shirt or something for him since he will be there with you the whole time!
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Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary Journey says
Great list! I never had time to pack my bag for my first son so it was up to my hubby which was a nightmare,lol 🙂 I had my bag packed for the second one months before just to make sure 🙂
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Pauline C. @ TwelveSkip.com says
Thanks for this list, very useful! I could use this when I’m having a baby 🙂 Hehe. Cute baby btw 🙂
Jenn says
Great list of items. The only thing that I can add to it is a CHANGE OF CLOTHES FOR DAD. I know that he really is secondary in the situation. But I felt horrible with child number 3 when he had to stay 24 hours in a suit and tie because he rushed from work and didn’t have time to change.
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Eliz@MirthandMotivation says
You put together an impressive list. I have to say, the eReader/book made me pause. I was so out after my twins were born, I could barely stay awake. One thing I’d add to your list is a digital camera; especially if our cellphone takes mediocre photos. 🙂
Elizabeth
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Dbei says
I think I packed my bags, then read another list, and packed them again.
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