Packing a hospital bag helps ensure you have the essentials needed to help make your labor, delivery, and recovery more comfortable and relaxed. You can either place it all in a carry-on suitcase with wheels, or use large tote bags. Your bags should be packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice either in the car, or near the door, at least 1 month to 2 weeks before your due date should your baby come earlier than expected.
Remember, you are only staying for a few days (~2-4 days), so you won’t need a lot. Yet, here are some essentials to consider as you prepare for one of the most memorable days of your life.
For Mom
· Paperwork: Insurance card, driver’s license, copy of pre-registration paperwork, birth plan, affirmation cards, books etc.
· Make-up and Toiletries: Brush, hair ties, regular/dry shampoo, razor, toothbrush/paste, deodorant, chap stick, lotion, waterproof mascara, nail clippers, straightener/curling iron.
· Waterproof flip flops (for showers) and Slippers (for walking around)
· Stretchy breastfeeding friendly delivery gown and robe (one you don’t mind getting dirty, and another to change into)
· Soft clipable nursing sports bra (with no wire, cotton)
· Other clothes: loose shirt and sweatpants, comfy/compression socks, sweater
· Going home outfit for Mom (i.e. long maternity dress)
For Dad
· Phone/camera stand
· Long cellphone charger
· Portable Bluetooth speaker that is charged (With pre-chosen instrumental musical playlist for labor and delivery)
· Entertainment: Ipad, books, wireless headphones (Things to help pass time, if labor takes a long time)
· Push gift idea ready for mother (i.e. flowers, chocolate, card), and/or sibling gift
· Healthy Snacks: Trail mix, cliff bars, Jerky, chocolate. (usually moms are unable to eat during labor)
· Pillow, throw blanket, eye mask/earplugs
· Clothes: Shirt and sweatpants, sweater, comfy socks (3x), slippers
· Going home outfit for dad
For Baby
· Pacifier clip
· 2-3x cute soft swaddle blankets (To take pictures in)
· Going home newborn outfit for baby (i.e. a preemie/NB onesie, hat, mittens, socks)
· Car seat and base already installed in the car
· Blanket to cover car seat
· Optional: Stuffed soft toy animal, letter board for announcement, a nice stationary you want your baby’s footprint on. Also, don't forget to schedule a date for your newborn photography (~ 7-14 days after birth).
o FYI: Hospitals usually provide the baby receiving blankets, white swaddle shirts, hats, diapers, butt cream, nasal aspirators, pacifiers, baby formula, breast feeding supplies etc. Request to take some home with you as well.
For Mom: Postpartum Recovery Kit (for that ~1 ½ months of bleeding and healing that take place postpartum)
· Mesh adult diapers (~12-24x)
· Large winged maxi pads (~20-40x)
· Perineal ice packs (used for ~1-2wks after birth, you can also make your own DIY padsicles)
· Pain relief (i.e ibuprofen, alcohol free witch hazel, dermoplast spray, Aloe Vera Tuck wipes)
· Stool softeners/laxatives (i.e. Miralax, Milk of Magnesia, Colace, fiber gummies)
· Two nipple cooling gel pads
· Soft adjustable postpartum belly band (used for ~2-4 months after birth)
· Optional: Inflatable donut, toilet sitz bath, a cute basket to put everything in.
o FYI: Hospitals usually provide the mesh adult diapers, large heavy winged pads, Dermoplast, Aloe vera tucks wipes, and Peri bottles. Request to take some home with you as well.
What essentials do you have in your hospital bag and postpartum recovery kit?
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