Hospital Bag Checklist - What You Need and What You Don't

There are tons of checklists and Pinterest posts and blog articles telling you what to bring in your hospital bag when it's that magical time to go have your baby. I wanted to give my own two cents and let you know what I was glad to have, what I wish I didn't bring, and what I would pack if I had it to do over again:

What You Need:

Stuff to do

We went got to the hospital around midnight and baby girl arrived at 11:00 am, which left lots of time to do...nothing. My labor wasn't hectic; in fact, I barely progressed over the course of the first 7 hours. It wasn't until the doctor broke my water that things started moving along, and even then, there was still some waiting around until showtime. And after you have the baby, you're in the hospital for at least 24-36 hours, during which of course you're taking in your baby and taking care of your postpartum needs and welcoming family members who want to meet your baby (if you want - I'll do a post about making decisions about visitors soon). But, there is still a lot of downtime. Yeah, you'll be trying to catch some sleep where you can and reading up on all the materials and paperwork you're given, but there will still be enough downtime between labor and post-labor to have a book, a card game, or something else to fill your time.

Snacks

Depending on where you deliver, you will most likely not be able to eat anything once you're admitted. The hospital I was at allowed for clear liquids, but that was all. However, I had a husband, parents, and in-laws that were there to support me and were stuck waiting for hours and hours for the hospital cafeteria to open. Plus, once you finally can eat, you're going to want some of your favorite go-to snacks available. The hospital food isn't bad at all, and they give you a good amount for each meal, but you're still going to have the munchies at other times - especially if you're nursing and especially when you're up at 3 am with baby.

Pillow and Blanket for Spouse

Some people talk about bringing their pillow from home to have on their hospital bed, but I was perfectly comfortable with what they had. However, before we left the house that night, I made sure my hubby grabbed his pillow and a blanket, and I was so glad that I did. There was a lot of time spent waiting around (see above) in the middle of the night, and I was glad that he had a way to get some decent sleep - especially when he snuck into an empty room and stretched out on the couch.

Toiletries

For you and your spouse. Some things I was very glad to have:

• a hair tie
• face wipes
• toothbrush and toothpaste
• lotion
• aquaphor (for my dry lips)
• shampoo, conditioner, and body wash to take a shower (I personally waited until I got home, but hubby took one at the hospital)

What You Don't:

A Wardrobe for Yourself

I brought some cute but comfy pants, a cute top that allows access for nursing, cozy socks, a kimono/robe, a hoodie, and I wore none of it. The only item I was genuinely grateful that I brought was a comfortable nursing sports bra. Other than that, I just stayed in my hospital gown and those fantastic mesh underwear they give you (along with all the pads and ice packs etc.). I mean, you wear clothes to the hospital, change as soon as you get there, and can wear the same clothes home. All of the options I brought, thinking I was so prepared, ended up just being extra stuff that took up room in my bag.

A Wardrobe for Baby

The hospital requires for baby to stay in the shirt and swaddle they give you the whole time, so if you thought you were going to be dressing baby in a cute outfit to take a picture, consider that this might have to wait until you get home. I did bring a couple of going home outfit options (one in size newborn and one in 3 months, just in case she was too big), which I was glad to have, but I also brought a cute matching swaddle and bow and different hat options, and again, they just took up room in my bag that I could have used for snacks.

Your Beauty Counter

 I was really happy I brought a hair tie and face wipes, and I did make sure I had eye makeup on before going to the hospital, but you don't need all of your creams and lotions and hairsprays and palettes and brushes. Yes, you'll have your picture taken, and like I said, I was glad to have eye makeup on for that. But for the vast majority of your time in the hospital, you'll be a) too sleep deprived and exhausted to care what you look like, and b) too preoccupied with your sweet bundle of joy to care what you look like.

I hope this helps all you momma-to-bes as you get ready to meet your sweet little one!

Stay beautiful,

xoxo Madi

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