When expecting mothers feel their labor pain kick in, everyone better be ready to go!
Preparation is key to having a smooth transition for parents and the new born during the first day, so I began building my hospital bag way ahead of our next arrival.
Having done this a few times (four children in), creating the perfect packed bag for myself and my husband was quick and easy when preparing for our fifth child.
Now, I want to share my special formula with future parents. So let’s get into what’s in my hospital bag:
1. Toiletries
Your face is one of the first things your baby sees so including your skin care regime into your bag will keep you looking and feeling fresh. Bringing a few extra postpartum care items such as overnight pads (the hospital provides these but they aren’t always the most comfortable!), an ice pack, and a peri rinse bottle.
2. Breastfeeding
Feeding your baby is such a special bonding moment, so you don’t want to focus on the difficulties that come with breastfeeding. Pack a nursing pillow to help support the baby’s weight while breastfeeding and when they are done, nursing pads will save you from any unwanted leaks. Breastfeeding can be particularly painful for new moms, so having nipple cream on hand to ease the soreness will be a life-saver.
3. Clothing
Hospital gowns never keep me comfy, so I pack slippers, a gown, and a robe in my bag. I also bring along shower shoes and a nursing bra for some added convenience. When you are finally taking your bundle of joy home, a comfortable going-home outfit is essential.
4. Baby
The baby essentials include a swaddle, scratch mittens, and burp clothes. But I also love to dress the newborn in an adorable monogram going-home outfit! For the car ride, be prepped with a car seat, a hat, and pacifiers to make the experience calming and safe.
5. Miscellaneous
In the rush to reach the hospital you will likely forget daily items like a phone charger and an extra pillow so throw those in the bag! I also like to bring my favorite snacks, a bottle of Pierrer, my own water cup, and airpods.
6. For Dad
Don’t leave Dad behind! He will likely be the one stressfully driving you to the hospital, so it’s best to take care of his must-have items before the big day. Throw in socks, underwear, two sweat suits, shower shoes, and a toothbrush so he can stay smelling fresh for the entire hospital stay.
You’ll have enough to worry about when your baby is ready to meet you! A hospital bag is easy to prepare before the stress sets in, so take the time to properly prepare.
Here’s an easy checklist to copy:
_____ Toiletries
_____ Personal skin care regime items
_____ Overnight pads
_____ Ice pack
_____ Peri rinse bottle
_____ Toothbrush
_____ For Breastfeeding
_____ Nursing pillow
_____ Nursing pads
_____ Nipple cream
_____ Clothing
_____ Comfy slippers
_____ A gown
_____ A robe
_____ Shower shoes
_____ Nursing bra
_____ A going-home outfit
_____ For Baby
_____ A swaddle
_____ Scratch mittens
_____ Burp clothes
_____ A baby going-home outfit
_____ For the car ride home
_____ A car seat
_____ A hat
_____ Pacifiers
_____ For Dad
_____ Socks
_____ Underwear
_____ Two sweat suits
_____ Shower shoes
_____ A toothbrush
_____ Miscellaneous
_____ A phone charger
_____ Extra pillow
_____ Your favorite snacks
_____ A bottle of Pierrer
_____ Water cup
_____ Airpods (or other headphones)
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