Having a Baby? What to Pack for the Hospital

Written by Kim, Contributing Writer

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I had this terrible dream where I was in labor, we went to the hospital, had a normal delivery and then I’m in my recovery room and have NOTHING…no pajamas, no soap, no toothbrush…nothing. When I awoke that morning, I immediately went out, got my supplies and packed my hospital bag. I was 20 weeks pregnant.

Okay, so I probably jumped the gun a bit, but believe it or not, many soon-to-be mamas are so preoccupied with everything else going on that they tend to neglect the all-important hospital bag.

So here’s a little cheat sheet on what you should include in your hospital bag, broken down by level of necessity:

Gotta Have It:

• At least three pairs of warm, comfy socks
• Any toiletries that you normally use at home like soap, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
• A few elastics or hairbands for your hair if it’s long enough
• Glasses (if you wear them)
• A sweatshirt or robe
• A nursing bra
• Nursing pads (you’re going to want the protection whether or not you plan on breastfeeding)
• A pillow (yes, the hospital has pillows, but when it comes to comfort I prefer my own!)
• Cell phone and cell phone charger
• Camera with extra batteries and lots of film or a large memory card
• Maternity or roomy clothes to go home in
• Change of clothes for your partner
• Basic toiletries for your partner
• Insurance information, picture ID and any hospital forms

 

Would Be Nice if You Had:

• Your own towel and washcloth
• Makeup and hairdryer
• Sanitary pads (the hospital provides them, but you may want your own brand)
• A book, magazine or laptop
• Maternity underwear (the hospital’s are disposable and kind of uncomfortable, so if you are okay with them getting ruined, I’d bring your own)
• Breast pump if you plan on breastfeeding

Don’t Forget the Baby:

• Take with you an outfit to bring them home in (include a jacket and hat if it is cold out) and a new blanket if you prefer
• Have your carseat properly installed and ready to go (many hospitals will check to make sure the seat is installed properly before you leave. You can also go to any local firestation and they provide free carseat installation and checks.)
• Remember, take a little time, get your items together and pack your bag at least a few weeks before you due date, since you never know exactly when your baby will arrive. I also recommend packing two bags and having one in the house and one in a car (just in case you are out when the big moment arrives).  Congratulations, and good luck!

 

Kim is a mother, wife, marketing consultant, designer and creator of mamatea - a line of herbal loose leaf teas uniquely developed for preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and nursing. When not blending teas, developing marketing plans or creating handmade cards and invitations she is enjoying time with her wonderful husband and beautiful toddler outdoors in the beautiful Utah mountains. To learn more about Kim or mamatea visit www.drinkmamatea.com 

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