I am always an over packer. On long trips, short trips, and even in my hospital bag the first time around. This time with baby boy, I knew I didn’t need half of the stuff I took last time. I shaved it down to what I used the most at the hospital. There are the good things to remember that you would normally take with you on an overnight trip, toiletries, etc. but this list is my top hot items that I loved having.
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Always Discreet Underwear
Adult diapers, lovely I know. Seriously though. These saved me. I bought granny panties last time and didn’t use them. I hated those mesh undies from the hospital but put up with them last time. I’ve read about taking adult diapers to wear, and I tried it. They aren’t glamorous, but they get the job done pretty darn good.
Phone and Charger(Ipad or Tablet too)
Obviously you will want your phone, but you will need a charger. I would take your regular one and an on the go or portablecharger like this one. That way you can still use your phone if needed while charging. Most of the outlets are too far from your hospital bed to reach. Yikes!
Dry Shampoo
My dry shampoo is a must always! I don’t love washing my hair and I definitely didn’t want to wash my hair while at the hospital. It is whole lot of work to wash, dry, and style. I used my dry shampoo in the hospital and saved my actual hair washing for when I got home from the hospital. My favorite brand is Batiste Dry Shampoo.
Makeup
I’m not a makeup guru or someone who wears a bunch, but I do like to wear my usual look everyday. It is nice to be able to freshen up after baby is here. I like to have a combination of natural and makeup faced photos with baby. I don’t want to look back and think I could have looked better. So play it by how you feel.
Comfy Clothes and a Robe
With my first I stayed in the hospital gowns the whole time. It might be better that way with nursing for the first time if you are breastfeeding. The hospital gave me a nursing gown after I showered this time (I’m sure the first time too), and it had two huge holes in the front. I was always worried I was hanging out or my visitors would be seeing more than they wanted. I’m so glad I had my cute robe (very similar to this one) to cover up. I finally decided to put on some comfy clothes and felt so much better. I wore loose jogger bottoms and long sleeve tops that I got at Kohl’s around Christmas time. I would opt for loose clothing and shirts that are easy to pull up or open to nurse if breastfeeding.
Socks
I brought slippers and wanted to love them, but I kept losing them under the bed or bassinet. So socks were so much better for me. I didn’t want to be walking around barefoot, and this helped. You might want flip flops for going to the bathroom or showering.
Snacks
Hospital food isn’t always the best. Snacks could help combat this. I failed on this one and was hungry sometimes in the evening or waiting for breakfast in the morning. Snacks are good for Dad too, since the hospital doesn’t provide him with meals. Bring your favorites and you will be happy.
Thank You Cards
My job before becoming a mom, was in healthcare and sometimes people aren’t very nice to nurses or staff at healthcare organizations. I wanted to really thank everyone who helped me. It was kind of funny when I was getting my epidural, the anesthesiologist told my nurse that I was the most polite woman in labor. I feel like if you treat others well, they will treat you better. I wrote one big thank you card to everyone who helped me, but I wish I would have wrote more individual thank you cards. It would have been easier to make sure everyone received their thank you.
Sibling(s) Gifts
Depending on the age gap between your children a sibling gift might be helpful if this is your second (or third or fourth etc.) child. Miss JJ will be three in April, so this has been a bit of an adjustment. I think she sort of understood, but didn’t really. To help soften the blow and to add some sibling camaraderie baby brother got her a gift (we did this Big Sister Book and Drawing Board). And she went to Target with me before the baby was born and picked him out a little baby toy.
Download Baby Tracker App
My last piece of advice is to download a tracking app. I used Baby Tracker because it was free and the ads aren’t too invasive. In my hospital they had us logging feeds and diapers on a paper and in the middle of the night that is hard! So I used my notes app on my phone, but what was even better is this app has a start and stop button for nursing. So much easier than looking and remembering what time you started and stopped when you can push a button and it records it for you. Or maybe I’m more sleep deprived that most, but it was so awesome ;).
And if you still want to overpack, check out all these great hospital bag checklists to make sure you have everything ;).
Featured Image:Photo byErol AhmedonUnsplash
Don’t miss my Birth Story for Baby Number Two!
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an experienced mother and a healthcare professional, I understand the importance of being well-prepared for your hospital stay when welcoming a new baby. I have firsthand expertise and a depth of knowledge in this area, and I am here to share some valuable information related to the concepts discussed in the article.
Firstly, when it comes to packing your hospital bag, it's essential to prioritize the items that will truly enhance your comfort and convenience. While it's tempting to overpack, it's important to streamline your essentials. One item that proved to be a game-changer for me was Always Discreet Underwear. These adult diapers may not be glamorous, but they provide excellent support and saved me from the discomfort of using hospital-provided mesh undies. Trust me, they get the job done.
Next, don't forget your phone and charger. Having a portable charger is particularly useful because hospital beds are often far from outlets. This way, you can still use your phone while it charges, ensuring that you stay connected and entertained during your stay.
Maintaining personal hygiene is crucial, even in the hospital. That's why I highly recommend packing dry shampoo. It's a quick and convenient way to freshen up your hair without the need for a full wash and blow-dry. My personal favorite is Batiste Dry Shampoo, which effectively absorbs oil and leaves your hair looking and smelling great.
While some may argue that wearing makeup during your hospital stay is unnecessary, I found it to be a confidence booster. After giving birth, it's natural to want to look your best, especially when capturing precious moments with your newborn. So, if you're comfortable with it, bring your usual makeup essentials to freshen up whenever you feel like it.
Comfortable clothes are a must, and I learned this lesson the hard way. With my first child, I stayed in hospital gowns the entire time, which was fine for nursing but left me feeling exposed in front of visitors. This time, I brought a cute robe and loose-fitting jogger bottoms and long sleeve tops, which made me feel much more comfortable and at ease. Opt for clothing that is easy to pull up or open for nursing, as breastfeeding can be challenging in the beginning.
Instead of slippers, I recommend bringing socks. Slippers tend to get lost under the bed or bassinet, while socks provide comfort and cleanliness. If you need to go to the bathroom or take a shower, flip flops are a good option.
Hospital food may not always be to your liking, so packing your favorite snacks is a wise idea. These snacks can come in handy, especially during those late-night hunger pangs or when waiting for breakfast in the morning. Don't forget to pack some snacks for your partner as well, as hospitals usually don't provide meals for them.
Expressing gratitude is important, especially to the healthcare professionals who will be taking care of you and your baby. Consider writing thank you cards to show your appreciation for their hard work and dedication. Even a small gesture can go a long way in creating a positive and supportive environment during your stay.
If you have older children, consider preparing sibling gifts to help them adjust to the arrival of their new sibling. This gesture can help foster a sense of camaraderie and make the transition smoother for everyone involved.
Lastly, I highly recommend downloading a baby tracker app to simplify the process of logging feeds and diapers. I personally used Baby Tracker because it was free and user-friendly. It allowed me to easily record and track my baby's feeding and diapering schedule, even in the middle of the night when I was sleep-deprived. This app made my life so much easier, and I'm sure it will do the same for you.
Remember, while it's important to be well-prepared, don't stress too much about packing the perfect hospital bag. Ultimately, the most crucial thing is to focus on the joy and excitement of welcoming your new baby into the world. Enjoy this special time, and congratulations in advance!
