Pack a Hospital Bag

Happy Baby Time!

Considering today I'm 36 weeks pregnant, I practically only have labor, delivery, and babies on my mind. So I thought it'd be the perfect time to share some tips on packing a bag for the hospital.

I recommend having a mostly-packed bag ready a month early even if you aren't expecting to deliver early. It just helps to know that you are prepped. And when I say mostly-packed I mean mostly. Some of the items you want to bring are last minute items so I recommend creating a list of what those items are so that when the time comes you know exactly what you need!

One of the first things you want to have prepped is the car seat carrier. You'll want to make sure the fabric is cleaned before use, the carrier base and carrier seat installed in your car, and checked before even arriving at the hospital.

Over packing can put those, "What if I need that!?!" anxious thoughts to rest, but really you're probably just over packing. If you deliver vaginally you'll most likely be in the hospital for two days, and if it is a Cesarean most likely it will be four days. If perhaps you realize once at the hospital that you do indeed desperately need something, don't be afraid to ask. I'm sure family and friends would be happy to help you out, and perhaps even the hospital might have this item for you. So for the sake of your cars shocks or number 2's back, please try not to over pack (my recommendations are based on simple needs).

Baby items can be shared in your or your number 2's bag (being your husband, partner, family, friend, WHOEVER you have with you).

Baby Items to Include:
-Coming home outfit
-A lovie
-A blanket
-A boppy pillow (fantastic for breastfeeding or holding your newborn)

Number 2's Bag:
-Nice Camera (if you have one, otherwise phones keep getting better and better)
-Phone chargers
-shirts
-shorts/pants
-shoes/sandals/slippers
-undies
-socks
-going home outfit
-snacks (EX: protein bars, bananas, etc.)

Mommy To Be/New Mommy Bag:
-Undies
-Socks
-Nursing and/or comfy bra
-Comfy pants
-Comfy t-shirts/tank tops
-Comfy sweater/zip up hoodie
-shoes/sandals/slippers
-Going home outfit
-Bath products
-Make up
-Hair Accessories (headbands, head wraps, bobby pin, hair tie, etc.)

**Pack 2-4 clothing items each in case you have a 2-4 day excursion
**Bath items: (Find out what the hospital has for patients first. Mine actually was like a hotel experience with mini bath and body works products! So I actually didn't need much, but just in case...) Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, hair brush, shampoo, conditioner, body and face soap, body and face lotion, hair products, contacts/glasses items, pads (in case you despise the hospital's), lanolin (sore nipple relief), nursing pads (leak proof yo'shirt!)
**Bring "distraction items" of your choice. This can be a favorite photograph, music, your cell phone (hello Pinterest), magazine(s), book(s), board or card games, aromatherapy oils, etc.
**Lastly, bring what you need for the weather, which could be coats, hats, scarves, mittens/gloves, sunglasses, etc.

Good luck!

XOXO, MiddleCoastMommy