Hospital Bag
You should have your hospital bag packed once you’re early term (37 weeks) or even earlier if you have some risks for delivering earlier. Why? Because once labor starts you don’t want to be panicking around the house frantically packing last minute and forgetting half the stuff you wanted to bring. One less thing for you and your partner to worry about!
Mommy & Partner
Suitcase
First time around I used a carry on suitcase, tote bag and carried the pillows in. Was too many items to carry in retrospect. Even though it seems ridiculous bringing a large suitcase, it just makes it easier to keep everything in the same bag. Remember you will also be leaving with some precious cargo and car seat.
Pillow x 2 (highly recommend since it’s so nice to have your own! Hospital ones suck! One for you + partner)
Slippers (you don’t want to keep putting on your shoes to walk around your room or to the bathroom)
Socks, underwear (comfy old ones)
Nursing bra and/or tank top
Nursing pads
Pjs (easy to breastfeed: have buttons or stretchy)
Comfy robe (when you don’t want to get dressed and not your sexy lacy one;))
Toothbrush x2, toothpaste (don’t forget your partner!)
Deodorant, hairbrush ties/scrunchie, dry shampoo
Travel bottle of soap, shampoo, towel (in case you stay longer or planning to have natural birth)
Face wipes
Chapstick, small lotion (you will be surprised how dry your lips can get)
Nipple cream! (nippes will get sore with breastfeeding round the clock)
Gum (avoid stinky breath for you and partner)
Gatorade x2 (nice for you and partner to drink) or any other drinks you both like
Nonperishable snacks! (more for after birth and for hubby)
ID, health card, hospital card
Cell phone, charger, camera *
Go home outfit (something comfy you wore when 6 month pregnant- sweats/lounge wear)
Extra outfit for your partner (fresh pair of underwear, shirt & socks)
Empty large tote bag to bring home any presents or goodies from visitors (doesn’t take much space and will be a lot easier packing to leave the hospital)
Optional:
iPad with some videos for your hubby to watch if slow labour
Bluetooth speaker and diffuser to help set the mood when going for a more natural labor route
Baby
Wipes (small pack)
Coconut oil (small container to clean first poo) **
Mittens (prevent scratching)
Blankets: 1 -2 swaddle, 1 warm (they provide some but nice to have ur own)
Couple sleepers, onesies and take home outfit with soft hat (prewash with baby detergent)
Wash cloth, shampoo & lotion small (they provide some but nice to bring your own if you prefer)
Car seat (with winter cover if winter baby)
Newborn head pillows (for neck support in car seat)
Newborn diaper *** (unless you are planning to buy hospital bag)
* I know that you may not want to remember the whole experience and see everything going on down there during -trust me I felt the same way. But my husband took a little clip of Brooklyn when she first came out and went on my belly and I still love watching it over and over again. I wished I had more little videos of those moments.
** Meconium is the first bowel movement your baby will have once out of the uterus. It’s filled with matter from stuff ingested while in utero so it’s very tough and black like tar. Tough to clean and the oil will help with this. Coconut oil is also a good natural diaper cream and you don’t need a lot.
*** Purchase the hospital bag they offer you (it’s 25$ but definitely worth it - they give you massive pads for the first day which you will need, pack of newborn diapers, vaginal cleaner bottle, plain wipes for baby etc..)
NOTE: You can always leave a few items to pack additionally on day of if you have time. But don’t make those items must haves. For example adding some perishable snacks once you know you need to head to the hospital soon. Or your iPad if you will be using an a regular basis a month before due date. Some essential items like your phone and wallet, you will just have to remember day of.
Picture shown below includes some of the items involved in packing…
