The pregnancy journey is filled with anticipation, from those first tender moments of discovery—perhaps when you realized you were one or two weeks pregnant—to now as you approach the final stretch. As you get yourself and your home ready for “go-time,” it’s important to have your hospital “go-bag” ready, too.
Your baby will soon be making their grand entrance, and your bag should contain all the essentials to welcome your little one and make your hospital stay more comfortable. Let’s look at what to pack in your bag as you prepare to meet your baby.
Table of Contents
What to Pack For Mom
From cozy attire to personal items, here’s a list of the basics and beyond to help you prepare for your hospital stay and ensure you have everything needed for both comfort and convenience.
Comfy Clothes, a Robe, and Slippers
Choose soft, loose-fitting clothes for after delivery, a warm robe for walking the halls, and slippers with non-slip soles.
Snacks and Hydrating Drinks
Labor can be long, and hospitals may not always have your preferred snacks. Pack nutritious, easy-to-eat foods to keep your energy up and drinks to stay hydrated, which is especially important in early recovery. Consider including:
- Protein bars
- Dried fruits
- Nuts and seeds
- Electrolyte drinks
Toiletries
While hospitals provide standard toiletries, bringing your own can make you feel more at home. Don’t forget a toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, deodorant, and skincare products you regularly use. Adding a few personal items can also enhance help you feel more comfortable:
- Your favorite shampoo and conditioner
- A gentle facial cleanser
- Moisturizing lotion to keep your skin hydrated
- Lip balm to combat dry hospital air
- A soft, lightweight towel
Your Phone Charger
From the very beginning, when you captured the positive test result at three weeks pregnant, to those month-by-month belly pictures, your phone has been essential in documenting your journey to motherhood. Now that the big day is almost here, be sure your phone charger is with you to keep your device powered up and ready to preserve your little one’s first precious moments.
Birth Plan
Remember to bring a copy of your birth plan in your hospital bag. It communicates your preferences for labor and delivery to the healthcare team, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding your wishes and expectations for the birth experience. This proactive step can help personalize your care and make the birthing process as close to your vision as possible.
Nipple Cream
Nipple cream is designed to soothe and heal sore, cracked nipples, a common issue for breastfeeding mothers. It provides moisture and creates a protective barrier on the skin, helping to avoid further irritation during nursing.
Breast Pads
Whether or not you decide to breastfeed, your breasts may leak after delivery. Breast pads can help manage milk leakage and keep you dry.
A Comfortable Pillow
Hospital pillows can be less than plush, so bringing your favorite pillow from home can make a big difference in how well you rest. Use a distinctive pillowcase to avoid it getting mixed up with the hospital linens. Make sure your partner brings a pillow and a blanket, too.
A Playlist and Portable Speaker
Music can be incredibly soothing during labor and after delivery. Create a playlist of your favorite calming tunes or uplifting songs, and bring a portable speaker to play it on.
A Water Bottle With a Straw
Staying hydrated is essential, but during labor, you might find yourself in positions where drinking from a regular cup is challenging. A water bottle with a straw can make it much more manageable.
Extra Maternity Underwear and Pads
While the hospital supplies mesh underwear and sanitary pads for post-delivery bleeding, bringing your own heavy-duty pads and comfortable cotton underwear is a good idea. It’s also wise to stock up for your return home. If you’re anticipating a C-section, opt for high-waisted underwear with a waistband that won’t irritate the incision.
Eyewear Essentials
Pack your glasses, along with a spare pair of contact lenses, cleaning solution, and contact lens case in your bag.
Shower Footwear
Consider bringing a pair of flip-flops to use in the hospital’s shower facilities.
What to Pack For Baby
Your hospital go-bag should also include some baby must-haves to promote a smooth hospital-to-home transition.
Coming Home Outfit
Choose a special outfit for your baby’s first trip home…and all those sweet pictures! Be sure to consider the weather so your little one is neither too hot nor too cold. Soft, skin-friendly fabrics are ideal to keep your baby cozy.
Diapers and Wipes
Hospitals typically provide diapers and wipes during your stay. Still, bringing some of your own is a good idea, especially if you prefer specific brands or types, like eco-friendly options. Pack enough for your stay and to cover the travel home.
Bottles
Whether you’re exclusively bottle-feeding or supplementing, it’s wise to pack your own bottles. Pre-sterilized, disposable bottles are convenient for hospital stays, minimizing the need for washing and sterilizing.
Blankets
Some soft, lightweight blankets are perfect for wrapping your baby warmly and snugly. These blankets can also serve as a cover during breastfeeding or as a clean surface for diaper changes.
Socks or Booties and a Hat
Even in warm weather, newborns can lose body heat quickly. Socks, booties, and a soft hat can help regulate their temperature and keep them comfortable indoors and outdoors.
Most Important: Bring the Car Seat
Of course, this doesn’t actually fit in your go-bag, but the car seat tops the list of baby essentials you’ll need to bring to the hospital. It’s not just about compliance with hospital policy; it’s about ensuring your little one’s first car trip is safe and secure. Ensure you choose the proper car seat for your baby and that it’s correctly installed in your vehicle before you head to the hospital.
Ready, Set, Pack!
Getting your hospital bag ready is another exciting part of the journey towards meeting your little one. Packing it with love, care, and all the essentials listed here can help enhance the labor, delivery, and baby bonding experience. This way, you can focus on what truly matters—those irreplaceable first moments with your newborn. So, pack up, breathe easy, and look forward to the incredible adventure ahead!
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