What I'm Packing in my Hospital Bag as a Mother Baby Nurse and Second Time Mom
I can’t believe it’s been two and a half years since I packed my hospital bag for my delivery with Tatum. Already I am feeling so much more confident this time around and am packing a bit lighter this time. While there are a bunch of items I would have easily gone without my first stay, there are a few items I can’t imagine not having this time and I can’t wait to share them all!
First I will say this topic can be so controversial because it is so personal to everyone! In general the hospital truly has everything you *need* however there are a few things that I know will make me feel so much more comfortable! But this is going to look different for everyone – what feels like a necessity to one person might not be important at all to the next. So these are just my personal favorites!
What I Brought and Did Not Use the First Time
- Towel – I actually did use this in the hospital however for the sake of space and laundry I don’t plan on bringing my own towel this time. The hospital towels really are the worst because they’re very small and scratchy, but I more so don’t want to deal with something extra coming home.
- Pillow and blanket – I ended up leaving these in my car and found the hospital linen to be just fine for two nights.
- Water bottle – I did use mine with Tatum however it’s completely unnecessary since you have to get a new cup of water from the machine each time anyway. And just something else to carry around.
- Extra snacks – I actually ate/drank a few of these but only because the hospital I delivered at with Tatum was very small and didn’t have many options for food. This time I will be delivering at a bigger hospital so I know there will be a bit more of a variety.
- Slippers and socks – I did wear mine with Tatum but with Baby Boy being due in the summer I’m not as worried about this.
For Mom
- Phone charger with long cord
- Make up bag (shampoo, conditioner, mascara, lash primer, lash curler, lip balm, deodorant, tooth paste, tinted spf, eyebrow pencil, blush, brushes, cleanser, moisturizer, eye balm) – getting fully ready helps me feel so much better
- Bag for hair tools and products I use everyday (dyson air wrap, brush, comb, leave in conditioner, dry shampoo, hair clip, hairties)
- Two pairs Lake Pajamas short short sets – my favorite pima cotton pjs
- 1 pair flip flops that I plan to wear to the hospital – I just don’t think multiple pairs are necessary
- Nap dress to wear home from the hospital – I want to feel good leaving the hospital, so wearing something cute but also flowy and comfortable is important to me
- Nursing pads to put in nap dress – so I don’t get milk on my dress
- Frida Mom underpants – SO much better than the huge fishnet underwear in the hospital
- Frida mom angled peri bottle – wish I had this the first time!
- Earth Mama organic nipple butter – so much better than the lanolin in the hospital
- Silverettes – to have just incase my nipples are sore
- Nursing bra – not sure if I will wear this
- Eye mask – to help me sleep
- Frida Baby Portable sound machine – to help me sleep
- 18mm (smaller size) flanges for pumping if I have to pump at the hospital
- Boppy pillow – to help with breastfeeding and to sit on in the car on the way home
For Baby Boy
- Embroidered name sign with monogram and bows – completely unnecessary, however will be cute for photos!
- Nuk pacifiers – have no idea if he’ll take these, but just to have as an option. Supposed to be better for their mouth/teeth forming
- Embroidered name hat and matching sleeper with monogram – for announcement photos
- TBBC swaddle blanket – for photos, may use over hospital swaddles
- 2 extra sleepers
- 1 pair socks
- Coming home bubble outfit – I’m sure it’s going to be 100 degrees so may dress him in this instead of a sleeper
