I’m down to single digits when it comes to counting down the weeks till my baby girls due date and I’m trying to be as much in order now as possible. I had my first baby seven years ago and honestly didn’t pack appropriately if memory serves me right. I also didn’t have the same resources as I do today back then. Pinterest didn’t exist yet for example. Over the past few months, I’ve been scouring through social media looking at must-have list and have consulted my trusty group of Mama friends as well and believe I have it narrowed down to the essentials.
There are actually 3 distinct categories I came across in my research and they are as follows.
- Mommy to Be
- Baby
- Daddy to Be
I feel like I’m basically packing for a mini vacation. However, when you think of the time you’ll be away from home it can feel that way even though it’s definitely not the same as a quick beach getaway. (Oh how I wish it was though!) Okay, so let’s put the daydreaming aside shall we and get down to business.
Mommy to Be Bag
Moms need quite a few things, especially after delivery to make themselves more comfortable, because let’s be real. Labor and delivery is no laughing matter and can result in some pretty painful side effects, not to mention the overall experience is just plain exhausting. After such a big experience you just want to feel like yourself, comfortable and prepared.
Travel Size Shampoo/Conditioner/Body Wash
No offense to the hospital but after the labor and delivery process, the one thing that really made me feel somewhat myself after that was a shower. And being able to use products like what I have at home added to that experience. However look into more gentle/mild feminine products for your lady area, you did just deliver a baby after all.
Your Own Towels
Again, no offense, but hospital towels are usually a joke in my opinion. I want the soft, comfort of my own linens.
Comfortable Clothing/Robe
Unless your a mystical creature that immediately bounces back hours after having a baby don’t pack a bag full of your pre-pregnancy clothing. The baby may be out, but your body has a whole new set of changes it needs to tackle. Plus, you’re going to be at the hospital for at least 24 hours after your babies birth and you want to be as comfy a possible. Also, if you plan on breastfeeding I’ve noticed a lot of people talking about marathon cluster feeding sessions. You and your new baby are learning something new, and easy access is crucial from what I understand. Bringing a robe allows for quick off and on during feedings yet still allows you to cover up if your family and friends visiting. Also, don’t forget the “granny panties” because you definitely won’t be wearing your cute undies for awhile still.
Flip Flops/ Slides
You probably won’t be getting up too much during your hospital stay, but when you do the last thing you want is to have to put on a pair of actual shoes. Toss a pair of flip-flops, slides, or slippers in your bag to make getting around your hospital room a bit easier.
Nursing Supplies
If your planning on breastfeeding or pumping, bring those supplies ladies. Bring along your pump, boppy pillow, nursing pads, nursing ointment, breast milk storage bags/bottles. Nursing and or pumping is an adjustment so it’s best to be prepared.
Baby Bag
Hospitals provide a lot of what baby needs those first few days, but that baby eventually will be coming home with you and needs to be ready to leave the hospital. These are a few helpful items I think it’s good to have for your new bundle of joy.
Outfits/Accessories
If memory serves me right, the hospital provides at least one plain white onesie, but this mama is a bit of fashion snob and can’t wait to dress this baby of mine. With that said, bring along a few, seasonal sleepers (in a couple of sizes) and/or onesies and bottoms for your little one. Also, a cute coming home outfit is always fun to have for the trip home. Another thing is that most hospitals do mini newborn photo sessions. If your hospital provides this service consider bringing special outfits/accessories (like bows for girls, or a knitted football hat for a boy) for those photos.
Swaddle Blankets
Again, I know the hospital provides a few of these, but I’ve been gifted a few cute ones that I can’t wait to wrap my sweet girl in. These could also be used for cute hospital photos as well.
Diapering Items
I plan on cloth diapering my little one, so I’ve tossed a couple cloth diapers in my diaper bag for the day we come home. I know it will just be easier to use the diapers provided to us during our stay. Plus, I don’t want to bring my wet bag along and accumulate dirty cloth diapers that will need to be washed as soon as we walk in the door at home. I will say though, if you are very adamant about only organic diapers touching baby (like the ones you can get from The Honest Company) I’d bring them along for your stay.
Car Seat/Cover
In case you weren’t aware, they WILL NOT let you leave the hospital with the baby without proper car gear in place. So don’t forget those car seats and bases folks! Also, if the baby is coming in the colder months like mine is, I have a cover already on my car seat as well as a knitted blanket ready inside to keep baby comfy and warm on the way home.
Dad Bag
Dad’s play an important role in many birthing situations so I thought it would be unfair to leave them out. In a funny sense, I look at the “dad bag” as a “pack mule” bag. Dad needs all the normal essentials of course but he’s also in charge of some other things…
Clothing/Toiletries
Dad likely isn’t going anywhere during labor and after delivery, so he needs all the same things as Mama. Make sure to bring comfortable clothing, change of undergarments, and things to freshen up.
Electronics/Chargers
Labor can be a long process, and while Dad plays a big part in that, there are definitely “down” times, especially if mom opts for an epidural. Having electronics of all kinds available to mom and dad are pretty important these days, as well as having the charging devices for these items. So make sure you’ve got exactly what you want ready to go since most of the time baby comes on their own time, not ours.
Snacks/Drinks
While there are options for you within the hospital, those items are going to cost you. Unlike mama, your food and drinks aren’t apart of the birth experience. So to cut down on out of pocket cost bring these types of things with you. Many delivery rooms are set up like tiny apartments and will likely have a fridge available for use. If not, bring a small cooler along for things that need to be kept cool. Otherwise, pack yourself a snack sack full of you and mama’s favorites for your stay.
Home Comforts
Again, that hospital room is your home for a couple days, so bring along some pillows, blankets, towels, etc for dads use as well. He’s there as your main support and cheerleader so he deserves a few personal items himself.
So there you have it. These are what I consider my “must haves” for the delivery of our little one. I’m sure some people would change or add things, and that’s okay. Everyone is different, but I do consider most of these things basic essentials. I hope what I’ve put here helps fellow mama’s in prepping for babies arrival and hospital stay. Good luck!
