We know that packing your maternity hospital bag is very exciting.
You might even feel a little anxious, hoping you don’t forget anything.
Well, we got you covered mama!
Grab a pen and paper and write these ten must-haves for your special day.
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1. Purchase a nice sized duffle bag or small suit case for your essentials.
Trust us when we say pack lightly! Staying in the hospital may or may not get a little overwhelming with everything happening at once.
Plus, let’s be honest mama, whether this is your first, second, or third baby, the last thing you want to be worried about is which one of the ten outfits you packed, do you want your baby to wear.
Take time ahead, to pick out a couple outfits before your special day!
Check out this CUTE mommy & baby bags bundle:
Most hospitals provide ALOT of supplies for you and your baby: diapers, wipes, bulb syringe, pacifier, baby hate, baby t-shirt, baby blanket, towels, wash cloths, toilet tress… the list goes on.
For your baby essentials, pack two outfits that are two different sizes.
Why? Well, because your baby may or may not actually be smaller or bigger than expected.
So, bring a newborn size onesie and a 1-3 month onesie.
This can get tricky, because some newborn sized clothes runs small or big.
We recommend to buy a soft, stretchy fabric, but thick enough to keep your baby nice and warm.
2. Bring baby outfits that are easy to work with.
When we say work, yes we mean work!
If you have never changed a diaper before, changing a diaper can definitely be a lot of work, especially if it is a messy one.
And yes, you will be changing a lot during your stay, but don’t worry, the hospital has tons of diapers.
So, what outfits do we recommend?
The tie-knot onesies which makes the diaper easily accessible, and they are super cute. These tie-knot onesies typically have the built-in hand mittens, which are AMAZING to cover those little sharp fingernails.
Another type of onesie we recommend is one with buttons. But, not a lot of buttons.
The onesies with just the three buttons on the bottom that make the diaper easily accessible.
Or even the half t-shirt with a couple buttons (This is what most hospitals have). Make sure these also have those built-in hand mittens.
A third suggestion, is the full-body onesies with a zipper. Or even a swaddle with a zipper!
Oh how we love the zippers! We have found all of these perfect onesies here on Amazon.
Pack clothes that will keep your baby warm.
Newborns can get cold easily, as their body is learning how to regulate temperature on their own.
If you wish to bring pants/leggings for you baby, that is perfectly fine too!
You may have experience changing diapers, and taking pants on and off is no biggie for you.
A final addition to your little ones wardrobe, is a pair of socks (unless your onesie covers the feet), hand-mittens, baby hat that matches (otherwise the hospital provides one), and a light blanket.
3. Preferred baby wash.
If you decide to have your baby bathed in the hospital, they do have their own baby bath supplies.
However, there are so many organic and unique brands out there that have designed and created a clean product just for your baby!
Inform your nurse or nurse assistant that you would like for them to use your preferred baby soap.
If your baby is transferred to the NICU, or you have an infection, or are isolating during labor due to a virus etc., the nurses there may give your baby a sponge bath immediately after birth, or when appropriate.
In this case, they may or may not get the chance to use your baby soap.
Here are some of our absolute FAVORITE products for baby baths.
These are all mentioned in another blog here.
- Tubby Todd (Fragrance free available)
- EllaOla (Dermatologist & Pediatrician designed)
- Dr. Bronners baby (Fragrance free)
- Pipette baby (Vegan, Hypoallergenic)
4. Pajama set & robe.
When you arrive at the hospital, the nurses will have you change into a hospital gown for your labor and delivery.
After your baby’s arrival and after you take a shower, change into a comfy robe or pajama set.
It may help you feel more like your beautiful self, after putting your body through so much.
Robes can also be very convenient for breast feeding, instead of un-buttoning a hospital gown.
We love this black robe with pockets from one of our FAVORITE maternity clothes brand: Kindred Bravely.
If you’re the type of gal to purchase bundles, Kindred Bravely has a Labor & Delivery bundle of all essentials.
If you’re most comfortable in a shirt and pants, this button-up pajama set comes in many different colors.
Bring some comfy slippers to walk around your hospital room.
The nurses may request you wear non-slip socks, which the hospital should provide. Your safety is very important to them and they definitely do not want you to slip and fall.
5. Toilet trees.
After delivering your baby, the one thing you will be extremely excited for is to take a shower.
Especially if you are in labor for long hours.
We recommend to bring your all time favorite toilet trees: body wash, lotion, toothpaste and tooth brush, chapstick, and hair products.
Again, pack lightly, so bring just one of each of your go-to items. Pack a toilet tree bag to stay organized.
These are not mandatory.
We get it, you may have rushed into the hospital and have absolutely nothing with you.
And that’s okay.
The hospital you choose should be able to provide these for you.
Fade away those stretch marks with this postpartum Tummy Butter.
Postpartum Tummy Butter to Fade Stretch Marks Postpartum from: The Spoiled Mama
6. Post-partum protective underwear.
We will go ahead and just say that the underwear at the hospital is not cute or fancy.
You’ll most likely be given a huge pad to wear over the next couple of days.
There are some options available if you would prefer to wear something that may be a lot more comfortable for you.
These postpartum protective underwear have a pad built into them, and may make your trip to the restroom a lot smoother.
Something to take note of is you want to make sure it is large enough to cover your lower abdomen, just incase there is stitching from a cesarean procedure.
We found these inexpensive postpartum protective underwear on amazon.
7. Battery operated fan.
A lot is about to happen at once, and you may get a little hot and bothered.
With the mix of medicine, interrupted sleep, feeding your baby every couple of hours, doctors checking on you and your baby… PLUS HORMONES… go ahead and buy yourself a battery operated fan.
These come in handy if you end up keeping your room warmer for your baby.
We found one that can hook onto the hospital bed, hang around your neck, or sit onto of your bedside table.
8. White noise machine.
A white noise machine has to be one of our FAVORITE essentials.
If you want your baby to stay calm, this works wonders!
You might even fall asleep to it as well.
Most parents bring either a white noise machine or a “baby shusher” sound device.
9. Personal entertainment – Tech devices
Let’s be honest, most hospitals are not up to date with smart tv’s in their patients rooms.
If you love to watch movies in your spare time – you will have a lot over the next couple days – bring your iPad, laptop, or kindle.
If you are going to try to get every minute of sleep that you can, because you have more kids and sleep is non-existent at home, then maybe this is not an essential for you.
In addition, bring a 6-10 foot charger for your phone and other devices.
10. For your partner
Number ten is a friendly reminder for your husband, partner, or support person, to bring their own toilet trees, an outfit or two, a personal pillow or blanket that’s comfortable for them, and even some snacks.
You and your partner may get hungry late at night, and your snacks may be more tasty then what the hospital can provide.
Oh, and their personal bottle of a pain reliever: advil, tylenol, etc. because the hospital will not be aloud to provide them pain medication.
We hope these 10 essentials for your hospital bag are helpful, and you feel more prepared for your special day. Good luck mama!