My Hospital Bag: What I Packed vs. What I Used! 🤰🏻
Let’s paint a little picture…
You’re in your 3rd trimester, no nowhere near your due date just yet. Plenty of time to pack your hospital bag, right?
You start getting (what you think are) braxton hicks… but actually, you’re going into labor. It’s happening fast.
You rush to the hospital with nothing but the clothes on your back and a baby descending down.
Scary thought right!??!
GOOD NEWS: the hospital will have EVERYTHING you and baby will need.
Point being, packing a hospital bag is more about comfort. You don’t technically NEED any of this stuff, but boy does it make the experience way more enjoyable.
… and that’s the point, right? Bringing things from home to make your life a little easier, and to make this very intimidating experience a little less, well… intimidating.
Thankfully, the above scenario wasn’t my reality. My bag’s were packed and by my door about 4 weeks before I gave birth!
Little did I know that my Wild Man wouldn’t be making his debut until a week past his due date…
Anyways, on to the list…
You’ll read a lot about what you NEED to bring in your hospital bag, what to leave at home, etc. I certainly got my fair share of advice (and criticism), and what I’ve learned through it all was that everyone needs, desires and expectations are SO different. What I personally needed/wanted may not be a priority for you, so take this list with a grain of salt!
… the only real advice I will give is to bring whatever the heck you want that will make the experience more comfortable. If you want to deck the hospital room out with fairy lights and stuffed animals, do it. (I was close with my battery operated candles, and it was magical).
There’s comfort in familiarity, as well as having things that you MIGHT need, but don’t even end up using. So bring the plush robe, the candles, the blow dryer… whatever you can think of to make the experience less intimidating.
With all that said, I wanted to share exactly what I packed, what I actually used, and what I wish I brought with me!
What I Packed
(Broken down into 4 categories)
Relaxation/comfort:
+Blankets & pillows
+Robes
+Slippers
+Slip-proof socks
+Battery operated candles
+Speakers and/or headphones
+Massage oil / aromatherapy
What I used:
Blankets and pillows are an absolute must, for both you and your partner. Robes YES, for delivery and postpartum. I wish I brought a 3rd to change into it, because that’s all I wore for 3 days straight. I wore socks for delivery (I felt weird having bare feet in the stirrups?), but I didn’t want to walk around in socks because then I wouldn’t want to bring them back into the bed. For that reason, I recommend slippers walking to and from the bathroom.
Battery operated candles- AMAZING. They created such a beautiful + peaceful environment. TIP: ask for the lights OFF for delivery to help with the vibe.
Speakers- great to have, I had zen music playing in the room the whole time.
Massage oil- I brought coconut oil packets, but I didn’t use them. I had Landon massaging my lower back during contractions which was a big help, but I think it all happened so fast that I forgot I had the oil.
Aromatherapy- my doula brought essential oils that were a big help. They helped calm be during my anxious moments, and helped with the nausea immediately after giving birth (I threw up which was an unexpected surprise?).
For Mama:
+Light toiletries (makeup, makeup remover wipes)
+Black Depends diapers
+Frida Peri Bottle
+Comfy going home outfit
+Disposable tooth brushes
What I used:
My toiletries that were used: basic makeup, makeup-remover wipes, DRY SHAMPOO, perfume, and toothpaste.
I didn’t shower, I was in a lot of pain and simply didn’t have the energy… so anything convenient to help minimize getting up and down (and staying clean) was the most helpful to have.
Frida Peri Bottle- The hospital one works fine, but it’s not angled like the Frida Peri bottle, so if you think about it for a quick second, the hospital one is much harder to wash the important bits. I was told not to bring it, but I wish I didn’t listen. One of those things that’s easy to throw into the bag. Just do it and thank me later.
Also, really wish I had those no-water-needed disposable tooth brushes. Walking to the sink was even a struggle, so being able to freshen up in bed after a snack or sipping tea would have been amazing.
A tip my BFF gave me: bring your own diapers, specifically the black ones linked below. (And have one ready nearby at home in case your water breaks, because you continue to leak). These Depends kinda just feel like big underwear, with a lined pad, which is basically what they are. The hospital ones are HUGE, and I felt like a giant baby in them. I’m so glad I brought my own! I just didn’t bring enough, I underestimated the amount I’d need.
WISH I HAD: body wipes and disposable tooth brushes for easy freshening up.
WISH I BROUGHT: my Frida Peri Bottle
WISH I BROUGHT MORE OF: Depends diapers
For Baby:
+Couple swaddles
+Diapers of choice
+First outfit/going home clothes
+Sound machine
What I Used:
The nurses will wrap him up in hospital swaddles if you don’t have any, but they aren’t cute (IMO) and the fabric is rough. Soft swaddles were really nice to have! I think it’s more comfy for baby too. And of course, a matching swaddle & beanie for his first photo was super cute.
A sound machine was great to have (for both us and baby) to help drown out the hospital noises. We have a few of these.
DIDN’T USE: the (organic) diapers I brought for baby. We just used the hospital ones. They are convenient (and free).
P.S- the first night or two, they may offer to take your baby to the nursery so you and your partner can get some extra sleep. I initially thought I wouldn’t want to be separated, but wow it was a life saver. As first time parents who were sleep deprived, I felt like he was in better hands with the nurses overnight.
Other:
+Birth plan copies
+Tripod
+Chargers
+Extension cord
+Dollar bills/change for vending machines
+Monopoly
+Gift bags for nurses
+Snacks!
What I Used:
Birth plan copies were GREAT. The nurses actually asked if I had a list when I got there, so I handed them each a copy and we went over everything to make sure we were on the same page. If you’d like to use my framework, check out my post: My Birth Plan
Tripod- a big YES. I’m so happy I brought this. I set it up next to me, and it perfectly captured those first raw moments we had with Wilder.
Chargers- this is a bit of an obvious, but yes. In addition, you can bring those pre-charged battery packs— which is what we used!
Extension cord- we ended up not needing, because outlets were nearby, but so many people recommended we bring one just in case they weren’t.
Monopoly: a card or board game is great to have if you think you might be spending a decent amount of time in the hospital. I had a scheduled induction, so we had a full day of waiting around. Playing a game kept my mind off the anxiety of it all, and we all really enjoyed it!
Gift baskets for nurses- the nurses were SO appreciative! check out my gift baskets in my last post,
Snacks- yes! Bring goodies for both you and your partner. I also recommend that your partner finds out where food delivery drops off as soon as you get there. We ended up ordering Uber Eats multiple times each day I was there.
Before I went into labor, someone slid into my DM’s with hospital advice, and it simply said “STEAL EVERYTHING”. I giggled and didn’t really know what she meant… but now I get it and it was excellent advice. You’re paying an arm and leg to be there, so take all the diapers, wipes, formula, creams, etc. that they offer you! Ask for extra when you leave. They gave us a goodie bag full of stuff when we were discharged.
Alright y’all, that’s all for now. Leave a comment if you have ANY questions! I’m happy to help.
Hopefully this sparks some ideas for your own hospital bag, and gets you excited for the big day… because it truly is an incredible experience, with or without the fairy lights. 💫
