As of today, my hospital bag is officially packed for L’s impending arrival. Even though my c-section is scheduled, there is always a change he could come early. Doubtful though.Before we moved from Texas, I had a bin of clothes labeled postpartum. It had everything I thought I would need for the hospital and for a month or two after, since at the time we didn’t know how long we would be living with my parents. I marked all of the boxes with bright green 8×10 labels that needed to go to my parents and not into storage. Of all of the boxes marked (about 10) my postpartum box was the one that didn’t make it to my parents. And there is no way we can find it in the storage unit. So mom and I did a little shopping to make sure I had everything I needed for the hospital.
Here is what I packed for AG’s birth. I really don’t remember what I ended up actually using. I do know that I didn’t use half of what I packed. But, I still want to make sure I have all of these things with me for when the time comes. Just like going on vacation, there is no such thing as overpacking.
The hospital floors are cold. Whenever I was walking around, I wore my slippers.
Nursing Tanks
These were a must for me. Easy to nurse while not worrying about everything being exposed. I wore the tank on the last day and going home.
Bravado Designs Nursing Bra
Right after I took a shower last time, I wore a nursing bra. It was more comfortable for me than nothing at all. I just received this nursing bra from Bravado Designs and I am already in love. It’s seamless, so incredibly soft and supportive. It will be perfect under the button down top I will wear most of the time I’m in the hospital. I’m have a feeling I’ll be ordering another one very soon. It’s better than any of the other ones I have and I’m planning on nursing for another year with Luke.
Towel
The hospital does provide towels, but they were really light and not too soft. I took two showers at the hospital and was grateful I packed my own towel.
Nursing Pillow
I cannot wait to try out Dr. Brown’s new Gia pillow this time around. Having a pillow at the hospital is not only great for nursing, but great for visitors while holding the baby as well.
I cannot wait to try out Dr. Brown’s new Gia pillow this time around. Having a pillow at the hospital is not only great for nursing, but great for visitors while holding the baby as well.
Hair ties/ Headbands
For before and after labor/birth. The headbands hid how oily my hair was and how bad it needed to be washed!
For before and after labor/birth. The headbands hid how oily my hair was and how bad it needed to be washed!
EOS Lip Balm
Your lips get so chapped while in the hospital. I made sure to pack a bunch of lip balm for myself and for hubs!
Your lips get so chapped while in the hospital. I made sure to pack a bunch of lip balm for myself and for hubs!
Electronics
We plan on bringing our phones, iPad and a laptop. We used all three when we were there for AG’s birth.
We plan on bringing our phones, iPad and a laptop. We used all three when we were there for AG’s birth.
Going Home Outfit Lounge Pants, Tank & Cardigan
I see a lot of women who are the most comfortable in a dress going home. For me, stretchy yoga pants were the best. I didn’t want anything too tight (because I was still wearing the hospital net underwear they give you) and because I wanted a little support from pants as opposed to a dress. The nursing tanks are perfect under cardigans, you still feel covered up but can easily nurse or take it off if you’re hot.
I see a lot of women who are the most comfortable in a dress going home. For me, stretchy yoga pants were the best. I didn’t want anything too tight (because I was still wearing the hospital net underwear they give you) and because I wanted a little support from pants as opposed to a dress. The nursing tanks are perfect under cardigans, you still feel covered up but can easily nurse or take it off if you’re hot.
Button Down Pajama Top & Bottoms
This is what I wore pretty much the entire time I was at the hospital before I changed to go home. It was comfortable, easy to nurse and appropriate for guests and walking around the hospital.
This is what I wore pretty much the entire time I was at the hospital before I changed to go home. It was comfortable, easy to nurse and appropriate for guests and walking around the hospital.
A Few Things Not Pictured: Toiletries, Nursing cover, Flip Flops, Chargers, Snacks
What am I missing?
Now, lets talk about L’s bag. I honestly could not remember what we actually used and or needed at the hospital for AG. I texted a few friends to ask for reminders on what I was forgetting. Here is what I came up with for his bag, please tell me what you think is missing!
Now, lets talk about L’s bag. I honestly could not remember what we actually used and or needed at the hospital for AG. I texted a few friends to ask for reminders on what I was forgetting. Here is what I came up with for his bag, please tell me what you think is missing!
Swaddle Blankets
I preferred these than the hospital blankets for AG.
I preferred these than the hospital blankets for AG.
Clothes (hat, sleeper, pants, shirt)
He probably won’t wear most of this but I would rather have it with.
He probably won’t wear most of this but I would rather have it with.
Ralph Lauren Layette (Going Home Outfit)
I can’t wait to see him in this little outfit!
I can’t wait to see him in this little outfit!
Wubbanubs
We gave AG a paci at the hospital the second night we were there. She never had nipple/ paci/ bottle confusion. We plan on doing the Wubbanub paci’s with Luke just as we did AG.
We gave AG a paci at the hospital the second night we were there. She never had nipple/ paci/ bottle confusion. We plan on doing the Wubbanub paci’s with Luke just as we did AG.
Sleeper Gown
Easy access for changing and what he’ll wear most of the time (I think.)
Easy access for changing and what he’ll wear most of the time (I think.)
Mittens and ZoLi Buzz B nail trimmer
This is the best nail trimmer! I remember wishing I had something for AG’s sharp nails when she was just born. This is perfect for babies and we still use it for AG at 2 years old. Definitely worth the extra money.
This is the best nail trimmer! I remember wishing I had something for AG’s sharp nails when she was just born. This is perfect for babies and we still use it for AG at 2 years old. Definitely worth the extra money.
Others:
Diapers and wipes are in the diaper bag. We have sound machine apps on our phone along with the travel sleep giraffe on his carseat.
Love this list! I totally over-packed for the hospital with Kenley too, but I honestly don't know what I would NOT pack next time…it's definitely better to be prepared! 🙂
A towel – I knew I was forgetting something! Thanks!
One thing I wish I would have had was an extention cord! Our electronics couldn't be used when they needed a charge.
A towel is a great idea – hospital towels are the worst! One thing someone recommended to me were cleansing wipes. I can't remember if I wasn't allowed to shower yet or if I was just too tired to shower, but I was SO glad I packed a tub of Wet Ones wipes. Helped me feel a bit refreshed in the mean time!
This list looks similar to what I brought the first time too. I brought Avent Gel Pads for my boobs though and I'm so glad I did since I was seriously engorged after about 18 hours. I had a small fridge in my room and I kept them in there. I also had a handful of snacks—granola bars, 100 calorie packs, stuff like that.
I'm checking out those nursing bras..I'm due just a few weeks after you with #2 and have been looking for new options. I didn't like what I used the first time.
I have a handful of expecting Moms in my Mom group that I shared this post with. Such good advice on what to take with you!
great list, can't wait to see pics!!! So close
Excited to see what you think about that nursing bra. I never found an actual bra I liked for the entire year I nursed/pumped with Hayden, and I tried a lot ha! I just always stuck to the Target tanks…so easy and I typically wear a tank under everything anyway so it works for me!
I think the list looks great! Can't wait to meet Luke! 🙂