What You REALLY Need to Pack In Your Hospital Bag

What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

My advice to all soon-to-be mommies is to pack your hospital bag around the 29/30 week mark. Certainly, you can pack your bag as late as the day you go into labor, but I think the earlier the better. Obviously, you don’t want to do it too early, however, packing your bag closer to delivery is just exhausting. Honestly, do everything you can during the second trimester.  I literally hired an assistant for the day to help me organize some things in-home including packing my bag. As I write this blog post, I’m 38 weeks pregnant, so lifting, sorting, all of that stuff just isn’t what I care to be bothered with at the moment.

That being said, this is my second child, so I feel fairly confident when it comes to knowing what to pack in your hospital bag. My first go-around I packed a full-sized suitcase (don’t laugh). This time around, I’m making it happen with a carry-on suitcase, however, most normal people can work it out with a duffle bag.

WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR HOSPITAL BAG FOR NEW BABY e1675464833887

If you’re an over-packer, now is the time to try to combat that urge. You really don’t need that much to have what you need. The goal, of course, is to bring home a healthy happy baby, but since you’ll likely be in the hospital for 2 days or more, you want to be at least somewhat comfortable. The following hospital packing list is no particular order.

Hospital Bag Necessities

1. A boppy pillow

Great for propping up the baby for nursing and/or just for holding, especially for new moms and folks who are new to holding a newborn.

2. Blankets for baby, both receiving and swaddling

3. Makeup and Skincare Travel Case

Look, this may not be important to some of you, but for the girly girls who hire a photographer for in-hospital pics, you’re going to want to make sure you have your essentials: Foundation, powder, eyebrow pencil, lashes and/or mascara, eyeshadow, blush, and a lipstick or lipgloss. Don’t forget your scarf and edge control too, ladies. You want your hair laid for your pics!

4. Nursing bra or chemise

Only important for nursing moms, of course, but this will come in handy for the frequent nursing you’ll have to do to activate those mammary glands so you can start producing milk.

5. Nursing Pads

Just in case your milk comes in early. You don’t want to be leaking all over the place.

6. Nipple Butter

A newborn’s suction feels like a cheese grater on your breast. Have plenty of butter handy to help soothe the ache.

7. Fuzzy socks

Hospitals are cold, and since you’ll no longer be carrying the baby, your body temperature will go back to normal. Bring a pair of your comfy socks and even a light blanket for the 2 nights you’ll likely be in the hospital.

8. Disposable Panties

Just in case you don’t want to wear the diaper they usually give you in-house. Be sure to pack some jumbo pads and size up on the underwear.

9. Cute Hospital Gown 

Because what they give you in the hospital ain’t cute.  just be careful, make sure your hospital undies are secure because you don’t want to leak all over your new gown.

10. Going home outfit for Mom

I think loose-fitting maxi dresses are the best going-home option regardless of the season. If it’s cold, throw on some loose-fitting pants or leggings underneath.

11. Going home outfit for Baby

12. Chargers and Extra Long Charging Cables

*Bonus*

If you have an older child, make sure you pack a bag for this child, too. No doubt your child will be staying with friends or family during your time in the hospital, so make sure s/he has clothes, shoes, undies, toothbrush/toothpaste, toys, books, or snacks. I also packed a big brother T-shirt for JB so she can wear it when he comes to visit!

hospital bag tips

If you like this post, be sure to check out my other posts regarding my pregnancy journey HERE, HERE, and HERE.

What did you pack in your hospital bag? Sound off below!

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One Comment

  1. I packed pretty much the same but for a longer stay since I have a scheduled c-section at the end of the month!

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