FTM here, but my friend said the best things she brought was a big comfy robe for after birth. It was easy for feedings (just flap open a side), and kept her warm since a lot of people find hospitals cold, and was comfy for her and didn't put any pressure on her sore abdomen/vulva or if she had a c-section any scars or something. I have already bought a super soft warm ass robe and I am so excited
I had a csection and the best thing I brought with me was my own pillow last time. After he csection, the boppy actually made a pretty awesome pillow since I slept sitting up a lot, it was like a giant travel pillow. Also slippers, and some flowy nightgown/cami was great for going to the bathroom and nursing. It was $20 at Target, so comfy!
Don’t expect any pre-maternity clothes to fit yet. Your going home clothes will likely need to be something that fit you 4-5 months pregnant. It takes a while for the ab muscles to pull things back in place.
I did not use most of the things I brought in my hospital bag (due to complications and bed rest) but the one thing I am really glad I did bring was chapstick. ETA: and a hairbrush!
Also! Some people may bring you gifts in the hospital (flowers, card, candy, blanket for baby, etc.) just remember you have to haul it all out when you leave, so a little extra space in your hospital bag is a good idea.
Also to the robe, if you plan on laboring in a tub it is good for when you come out (so I have heard). Soft nursing bra Stuff to do in case you go to the hospital too early and have along labor (average first time labor is 24 hours!) Music Headphones Phone chargers Change for vending machine for your dh Extra clothes for dh Swim Trunks for DH if there is any chance you will want to labor in tub or shower Copies of birth plan Comfy dark colored clothing for yourself (assume you will still look about 6 months pregnant) Snacks that are easy for your dh to feed you (and for him to eat too) Cup with flexible straw so dh can make sure you stay hydrated Shower/personal hygiene supplies - hospital supplies for this normally aren't very nice - I am going to try and go with a sensitive or unscented for the sake of the baby. (make sure you dh brings some as well) My own pillow with bright pillow case so it doesn't get left behind Cheap sandals for the shower Hair tie and or stretchy sweat band to keep hair back Video camera (other than cell phones) Notebook and pen to write stuff down so you don't forget Take home outfit in newborn size and 3-6 month size Light blanket to throw over car seat for going from hospital to car (don't bundle baby up!! Car seat is not safe then!) And so much more but I don't have my master list near me! Heard a good idea... Have a list of what is in your bag as well as have your spouse pack the hospital bag. That way he knows where everything is as he will most likely be the one digging something out of it for you. The list makes it easy to remember if you brought it or not!
Chapstick hair tie nice bathrobe for all the pictures everyone will take zip up sweatshirt or cardigan for when newborn pees all over said bathrobe makeup (made me feel human) full toiletries set (again, made me feel human) for any lotion I do unscented because baby will want to smell you shower flip flops nice dark sweatpants for while you're there (dark in case blood gets on them) at least one nursing tank top per day comfy socks pillow boppy chargers angel mama nipple butter (I didn't like what my hospital had to give) wipes (the wipes they have at my hospital are scented and I hate them. I'm guessing they give them for free? Idk.) pretty swaddle for baby 2 going home outfits for baby going home outfit for you (agree with 4-5mo pregnant clothing will fit) Pen for the loads of paperwork you'll have to fill out
Im sure I'm missing something, but that's all I've got right now.
bathrobe my comfiest pajamas comfy nursing bra slippers favorite pillow phone, iPad & charger makeup & toiletries (inc shampoo/shower stuff) 2 nb size outfits for baby 2 3m size outfits, in case he’s a chunk presents (wrapped) for H, DD1 and DD2 “from” Isaac, and cute cards to go with them
I’m not a fan of packing a ton of stuff for your hospital stay. Honestly, you won’t use most of the stuff on the Pinterest “must pack” lists. I had two vaginal births and stayed for about 28 hours after delivery with each child, so I’m not knowledgeable about c-sections.
For mom: -Clothes to sleep in/bum around your hospital room in (I wore yoga pants and a baggy t-shirt) -Clothes to come home in (as mentioned before, you won’t fit in pre-pregnancy clothes yet) -Nursing bra(s) if you plan to BF -Nursing pads just in case -Phone charger -A way to write down your birth story while it’s fresh in your mind -Toiletries
For baby: -A couple of NB sleepers -A couple of 3 mo sleepers (just in case) -Car seat -Baby book if you want to have them do baby’s footprints -Aquaphor for diaper changes. It helps the meconium wipe off more easily if you put Aquaphor on their skin before you put a fresh diaper on them
@SweetSweetTooth 3-6 months siZe is actually 6 months size. The size between NB and 3-6 months is 0-3/3months.
Unless you live far away, don’t pack a ton of stuff. For baby you literally need a going home outfit or two, a car seat and any special items. They will give you everything you could possibly need, diapers, wipes, plain onesies, pacifiers, formula, breast pads, blankets, hats.
For you again, less is more. I loved last time having a nursing nightgown and robe. After I showered I just put that on and kept it on until I changed to go home. Bring something comfy to wear home, basic toiletries. The more stuff you bring, the more you have to keep track of.
My friend just had her baby in may and she said for my shower gift she's putting together a hospital bag so I'm really curious as to what she puts together and how offended she might be if I don't use things or replace them with my own preferences... I love this thread but its definitely giving me a "holy shit it's getting close" and "I'm so not prepared" feelings... @rabtaido1214 that picture cracked me up and calmed me down a bit Edit. Spelling
These are all great suggestions. One thing I wanted to add was bring a robe you don’t particularly care about. The robe itself was a life saver, but it could get blood or other stains on it. In my case nipple balm stains lol. The nipple balm leaked through and now there are two large oil-type stains right in the nipple areas in my nice robe and they won’t wash out two years later
Things might be a bit different in Canada with what the hospitals provide/don't provide. I just remember on the hospital tour they told us if we remembered anything at all: diapers, wipes & a pen LOL.
I didn't pack much for my first. Robe Pajamas Shampoo/conditioner/hairbrush Slip on shoes Phone/charger/camera Pen/notepad Diapers/wipes 2 outfits for baby Blanket for carseat Soother
Things i wish I had brought: My own towel Lip chap Music/headphones My own breast pump
I think all this depends on your baby too. I thought I was going to be able to wear the same outfit for like 2 days. Both times that did not work out. DS spit up all over me and then DD peed all over me. And then I had to wear a hospital gown. Not doing that again. I want to feel as good about myself as possible and that includes making myself look presentable in comfortable and nursing friendly clothing.
Two suggestions that I’ve seen elsewhere that really make sense to me are comfortable non-skid slippers for when you are walking around and an extension cord so you can still use your phone when it is on the charger even though the plug is 5’ from the bed.
I went in to be induced on wednesday afternoon and stayed until friday. You aren't always there for a short time sometimes. So bring clothes for multiple days. The clothes I brought sat in my hospital bag so long it started to stink and someone brought me and SO some shirts for the days there.
@knottieamusements I just bought 2 10' phone charging cables last week for this exact purpose! I've heard outlets can be scarce or in crap locations.
question... obviously this is completely dependent on the hospital, but did anyone upgrade to a suite or know someone who did? Curious if it's worth it.
@momoflogan20 yes! I was admitted on a Tuesday and didn’t go home until the following Tuesday. The other thing I would suggest is to keep your bag in the car starting a few weeks before you’re due. I went in for a normal weekly appointment and that’s when they sent me to L&D, I didn’t have anything with me so it was up to DH to run home and grab the things I needed.
@jammerjams the hospital I’m delivering at is all the same. Private birthing rooms and private recovery rooms for all moms. What do you mean by upgrading to a suite?
Depending on how far you are from the hospital, I’d bring my bag to have in the car during appointments. I way overpacked for my first, although I stayed in the hospital the longest with him at a week, plus an extra 3 days in a Ronald McDonald type house after I was discharged because he was in NICU. We were over an hour and a half from home. I went to my 36 week appointment and was sent straight to L&D, and I didn’t have my bag. My husband had to go home because our dog sitter was camping so he went to get me a phone charger, drove home then came back the next day. He did that until they induced, like three days later. I stayed in the hospital clothing though until after birth. With my daughter, we went in for my final NST but something told me to just go ahead and bring the bag so I did and once again, I was sent to L&D right after the appointment. We were about an hour from our hospital.
This time around, we’re only 20 minutes away so my husband can run home and grab the bag or we can easily have my parents do it so I’m not going to stress.
Here’s what I packed the 2nd time: For me- 2 sets of clothes to wear in the hospital 1 set of clothes to go home in toiletries hair brush ipad chargers nursing pads flip flops for the shower
For baby: 3 newborn outfits (which was good because it was winter and I didn’t feel that the clothes the hospital had was warm enough) 3 0-3 outfits Extra diapers (for going home... we stopped by my inlaws to get our son so I knew we’d be there for a bit) nursing cover diaper bag (again, because we weren’t going straight home) car seat
Ftm here but I saw in another BMB to bring your own pillow with a pretty case for pictures and comfort, I'm gonna splurge on a pretty robe for after the mess of birth as well(: so far my list has Clothes for me Clothes for DH Clothes for the babies Chargers and a multi plug in extension cord Speaker Nursing sleep bra Boppy -staying in the car A tandem nursing pillow Hairbrush, make up, toiletries Water bottles Cash Chapstick Notebook Dirty clothes bag Personal fan(:
@mamabearcj if you are planning the robe for the hospital just an FYI You will be bleeding. Might want to stick with a dark color or save the pretty robe for a few weeks after delivery.
@cdepperschmidt the hospitals here have an option to upgrade to a more private larger suite for like $300+/night extra (!!) . I don't know much else (haven't taken a tour yet), just curious if that's a common thing or not! I think most people do it if they have a lot of family coming in to visit. Most of mine is local, so they can come and go at different times so they don't overwhelm me, so it may not be worth it.
So, as a second time mom I will impart my wisdom here. Oh wait, I went into labor 2 weeks early and DH packed my bag while I took a shower before going to the hospital.
What did I use?
-Light robe -My comfy blanky (I’m a child, I know) -Hair brush -Spa toiletries (aka stuff I jacked from a nice hotel -iPad with movies loaded (49 hours of labor and this was CLUTCH) -Deck of cards (we had an epic War tourney with DH and a few nurses) -Pillow (although DH used this not me...so maybe bring 2 pillows?) -Comfy oversized “period clothes” (y’all know what I mean) -Extra clothes for DH -Toothbrush -DH totally forgot to grab baby clothes (which was fine because DS was in NICU and couldn’t wear them right away anyway) so this time I think we’ll try and remember that -Cash for vending machines -Hair Tie -Formula -Chapstick
So to avoid any weird looks when I walk in to labor and delivery... are we talking all this fitting into a backpack/overnight bag, carry on suit case, or larger? Seems like a lot to bring in but for some reason was envisioning this would be a backpack or tote type bag, but I don’t know how it would all fit!
@jammerjams I would take the hospital tour and see what the difference is. If that’s the only way to get a private room then definitely, but otherwise I would get more info. Our rooms were big enough to accommodate visitors, but not so large that the visitors felt they could put up their feet and stay all day.
@rabtaido1214 - my guess is that the nurses have seen it all...
My mom has a hospital bag that is always packed (due to a history of health issues), and hers is a smallish roller bag, too big to fit under an airplane seat, but smaller than the size limit to carry on, if that makes sense.
Short of pillows and blankets, everything everyone is describing above would basically fit in a large tote or an overnight bag unless they are carting along full sized shampoo/lotion/etc bottles. (Basically my list is exactly what I would take for an overnight trip, plus an extension cord, Bluetooth speaker and shower flip flops.)
I’m also planning to just pack baby’s diaper bag, and have it in the car for when we are ready to leave. (The going home outfits would be in that, not my bag).
@sammierose464 - Totally an idea I’m stealing from some random Mommy blog. Since my hospital provides everything baby needs during the stay, I don’t see any reason to try to keep up with xer stuff.
I have never packed much. Toothbrush/toothpaste (travel size), clothes for baby and me, phone charger and comfy underwear. This time I do plan to bring a longer robe than what the offer at the hospital for when I'm walking around laboring. My husband won't stay the night because we have no one to keep our younger kids so he can manage his own needs lol. Car seat will already be in the car. At our hospital they come out to the car to check the seat so you don't have to drag it up with you.
@rabtaido1214 if you roll up looking like you packed for a week, I guarantee the nurses are going to giggle behind your back (I had one couple bring so much stuff we had to load it on a three shelf cart to move them to their post-partum room - they even brought a baby bathtub!). Find out if you deliver in one room and then move to another. If so, only bring up a small bag with the things you’ll actually want in labour (chapstick, phone charger, pillow, light robe etc) and leave another bag with baby’s stuff and your post delivery stuff in the car. It’s easy for stuff to get lost if you move room-to-room. Edited for spelling
For mom: -Clothes to sleep in/bum around your hospital room in (I wore yoga pants and a baggy t-shirt)
You speak my language. As soon as that kid was out (and placenta) I couldn't wait to get into yoga pants. Everything feels exposed down there and after stuffing the giant pad into the mesh underwear I wanted some feeling of "security" down there. Definitely did not want a dress/robe...just my particular preference.
Skin-to-skin is so awesome at this time and I thought the cami's got in the way of that.
Other than that... something to go home in. Something to take the baby home in. Toiletries that you would bring to a hotel. Comfy slippers, possibly cheap ones in a size up (my feet were super swollen and my regular ones were too tight).
If you know someone who has given birth recently at the hospital or center you plan on giving birth at, i would ask them what is provided. I know i was surprised by how much our hospital provided - specifically the super warm no slip socks, as well as compression socks. They also sent us home with diapers, creams, a manual breast pump, tons of stuff. I will for sure be packing light this time around.
+1 for the cotton sleep bras. I just wore those, mesh underwear, and a robe the whole time. I had a c-section, and it was way too painful to put on anything different.
The main thing we forgot with DD was stuff for DH like a phone charger, snacks, a toothbrush, etc. He had to run back home to grab stuff which was fine, but a hassle. I also really liked having my own pillow and slippers there. And evidently a UO- I was not a fan of the mesh panties. They fit me really weird, like they were falling down in some spots and too tight in others. I will be bringing my own granny panties this time around. I also want to echo what others are saying about overpacking! We got so much stuff while we were in the hospital like flowers, gifts, balloons, diapers/formula that the hospital gave us (on top of the bags that we brought) that we had to make 3 separate trips to the car when we were leaving.
In my last BMB several ladies brought stuff to write a letter to their baby while they were in labor- I didn't, but I might still this idea this time around!
BFP #1: due 6/17/2013, DD born 6/25/13 BFP #2: due 6/30/2017, MMC found 12/7/2016 BFP #3: due 10/21/2018
Re: The Hospital Bag
edit: wait, can I put my puppies in my bag???
Also! Some people may bring you gifts in the hospital (flowers, card, candy, blanket for baby, etc.) just remember you have to haul it all out when you leave, so a little extra space in your hospital bag is a good idea.
Soft nursing bra
Stuff to do in case you go to the hospital too early and have along labor (average first time labor is 24 hours!)
Music
Headphones
Phone chargers
Change for vending machine for your dh
Extra clothes for dh
Swim Trunks for DH if there is any chance you will want to labor in tub or shower
Copies of birth plan
Comfy dark colored clothing for yourself (assume you will still look about 6 months pregnant)
Snacks that are easy for your dh to feed you (and for him to eat too)
Cup with flexible straw so dh can make sure you stay hydrated
Shower/personal hygiene supplies - hospital supplies for this normally aren't very nice - I am going to try and go with a sensitive or unscented for the sake of the baby. (make sure you dh brings some as well)
My own pillow with bright pillow case so it doesn't get left behind
Cheap sandals for the shower
Hair tie and or stretchy sweat band to keep hair back
Video camera (other than cell phones)
Notebook and pen to write stuff down so you don't forget
Take home outfit in newborn size and 3-6 month size
Light blanket to throw over car seat for going from hospital to car (don't bundle baby up!! Car seat is not safe then!)
And so much more but I don't have my master list near me!
Heard a good idea... Have a list of what is in your bag as well as have your spouse pack the hospital bag. That way he knows where everything is as he will most likely be the one digging something out of it for you. The list makes it easy to remember if you brought it or not!
hair tie
nice bathrobe for all the pictures everyone will take
zip up sweatshirt or cardigan for when newborn pees all over said bathrobe
makeup (made me feel human)
full toiletries set (again, made me feel human) for any lotion I do unscented because baby will want to smell you
shower flip flops
nice dark sweatpants for while you're there (dark in case blood gets on them)
at least one nursing tank top per day
comfy socks
pillow
boppy
chargers
angel mama nipple butter (I didn't like what my hospital had to give)
wipes (the wipes they have at my hospital are scented and I hate them. I'm guessing they give them for free? Idk.)
pretty swaddle for baby
2 going home outfits for baby
going home outfit for you (agree with 4-5mo pregnant clothing will fit)
Pen for the loads of paperwork you'll have to fill out
Im sure I'm missing something, but that's all I've got right now.
This will be me rolling into labor and delivery!
my comfiest pajamas
comfy nursing bra
slippers
favorite pillow
phone, iPad & charger
makeup & toiletries (inc shampoo/shower stuff)
2 nb size outfits for baby
2 3m size outfits, in case he’s a chunk
presents (wrapped) for H, DD1 and DD2 “from” Isaac, and cute cards to go with them
For mom:
-Clothes to sleep in/bum around your hospital room in (I wore yoga pants and a baggy t-shirt)
-Clothes to come home in (as mentioned before, you won’t fit in pre-pregnancy clothes yet)
-Nursing bra(s) if you plan to BF
-Nursing pads just in case
-Phone charger
-A way to write down your birth story while it’s fresh in your mind
-Toiletries
For baby:
-A couple of NB sleepers
-A couple of 3 mo sleepers (just in case)
-Car seat
-Baby book if you want to have them do baby’s footprints
-Aquaphor for diaper changes. It helps the meconium wipe off more easily if you put Aquaphor on their skin before you put a fresh diaper on them
They provide everything else baby needs.
Unless you live far away, don’t pack a ton of stuff. For baby you literally need a going home outfit or two, a car seat and any special items. They will give you everything you could possibly need, diapers, wipes, plain onesies, pacifiers, formula, breast pads, blankets, hats.
For you again, less is more. I loved last time having a nursing nightgown and robe. After I showered I just put that on and kept it on until I changed to go home. Bring something comfy to wear home, basic toiletries. The more stuff you bring, the more you have to keep track of.
@rabtaido1214 that picture cracked me up and calmed me down a bit
Edit. Spelling
I didn't pack much for my first.
Robe
Pajamas
Shampoo/conditioner/hairbrush
Slip on shoes
Phone/charger/camera
Pen/notepad
Diapers/wipes
2 outfits for baby
Blanket for carseat
Soother
Things i wish I had brought:
My own towel
Lip chap
Music/headphones
My own breast pump
question... obviously this is completely dependent on the hospital, but did anyone upgrade to a suite or know someone who did? Curious if it's worth it.
extra 3 days in a Ronald McDonald type house after I was discharged because he was in NICU. We were over an hour and a half from home. I went to my 36 week appointment and was sent straight to L&D, and I didn’t have my bag. My husband had to go home because our dog sitter was camping so he went to get me a phone charger, drove home then came back the next day. He did that until they induced, like three days later. I stayed in the hospital clothing though until after birth. With my daughter, we went in for my final NST but something told me to just go ahead and bring the bag so I did and once again,
I was sent to L&D right after the appointment. We were about an hour from our hospital.
This time around, we’re only 20 minutes away so my husband can run home and grab the bag or we can easily have my parents do it so I’m not going to stress.
Here’s what I packed the 2nd time:
For me-
2 sets of clothes to wear in the hospital
1 set of clothes to go home in
toiletries
hair brush
ipad
chargers
nursing pads
flip flops for the shower
For baby:
3 newborn outfits (which was good because it was winter and I didn’t feel that the clothes the hospital had was warm enough)
3 0-3 outfits
Extra diapers (for going home... we stopped by my inlaws to get our son so I knew we’d be there for a bit)
nursing cover
diaper bag (again, because we weren’t going straight home)
car seat
for H:
he was in charge of his own bag!
Clothes for me
Clothes for DH
Clothes for the babies
Chargers and a multi plug in extension cord
Speaker
Nursing sleep bra
Boppy -staying in the car
A tandem nursing pillow
Hairbrush, make up, toiletries
Water bottles
Cash
Chapstick
Notebook
Dirty clothes bag
Personal fan(:
What did I use?
-Light robe
-My comfy blanky (I’m a child, I know)
-Hair brush
-Spa toiletries (aka stuff I jacked from a nice hotel
-iPad with movies loaded (49 hours of labor and this was CLUTCH)
-Deck of cards (we had an epic War tourney with DH and a few nurses)
-Pillow (although DH used this not me...so maybe bring 2 pillows?)
-Comfy oversized “period clothes” (y’all know what I mean)
-Extra clothes for DH
-Toothbrush
-DH totally forgot to grab baby clothes (which was fine because DS was in NICU and couldn’t wear them right away anyway) so this time I think we’ll try and remember that
-Cash for vending machines
-Hair Tie
-Formula
-Chapstick
My mom has a hospital bag that is always packed (due to a history of health issues), and hers is a smallish roller bag, too big to fit under an airplane seat, but smaller than the size limit to carry on, if that makes sense.
Short of pillows and blankets, everything everyone is describing above would basically fit in a large tote or an overnight bag unless they are carting along full sized shampoo/lotion/etc bottles. (Basically my list is exactly what I would take for an overnight trip, plus an extension cord, Bluetooth speaker and shower flip flops.)
The bag I am planning to use is something like this (different bag though, just similar size): https://www.amazon.com/Airlibiano-Rolling-Personal-Airlines-Southwest/dp/B0182XPFW4
I’m also planning to just pack baby’s diaper bag, and have it in the car for when we are ready to leave. (The going home outfits would be in that, not my bag).
Edited for spelling
I brought maternity yoga shorts, too. I can't sleep in pants and was really hot after birth, so the shorts were my lifesaver.
I also agree, a robe is nice - but again, I was sweating so I would bring something lighter.
Nursing cami's are great for when you have company, but for the rest of the time, I liked the cotton nursing sleep bras like this: https://www.amazon.com/VEAMI-Nursing-Sleep-Bra/dp/B00YJQW3GU/ref=pd_lpo_vtph_193_lp_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&refRID=N888KCNKMQBFQFQ55WM3
Skin-to-skin is so awesome at this time and I thought the cami's got in the way of that.
Other than that... something to go home in. Something to take the baby home in. Toiletries that you would bring to a hotel. Comfy slippers, possibly cheap ones in a size up (my feet were super swollen and my regular ones were too tight).
+1 for the cotton sleep bras. I just wore those, mesh underwear, and a robe the whole time. I had a c-section, and it was way too painful to put on anything different.
In my last BMB several ladies brought stuff to write a letter to their baby while they were in labor- I didn't, but I might still this idea this time around!
BFP #2: due 6/30/2017, MMC found 12/7/2016
BFP #3: due 10/21/2018