Hospital Bag?

Sunshine7117 · September 2013

This will be my first baby and I'm 31 weeks.......starting to think about the logistics of delivery, birth,etc.

Any advice for MUST HAVES to pack in the bag we take to the hospital----for mom, baby, and dad?

Thanks!

lbethke99 · September 2013

This is what is on my list

chapstick
nursing tanks/bra
pj bottoms/shorts
camera
laptop & charger
shampoo/conditioner
toothbrush/paste
mascara
deodorant
granola bars
power aide

Baby

going home outfit
knit caps
blanket
burp cloth
Baby book

jknigh8 · September 2013

I think there are more "must not" items. For my first I brought all kinds of stuff, never used most of it, then had to wash everything when I got home bc I didnt want hospital germs on it. First call your hospital or check their website for a list of what to bring/what they provide. You should easily be able to find one. All hospitals are different.

Here's what I consider necessity, but I am in Ontario, and our hospital doesnt provide things like diapers and pads...

For Mama:

robe, slippers (I prefered flip flops though so I could wear in the shower, and pack one less thing)

toiletries

pads (the really heavy duty ones)

Large underwear that you dont mind getting ruined (some women love the mesh ones but I hated them)

camera (bring a real camera, your iphone pics arent as nice printed as the real ones)

cell phone/chargers

nursing bra (even if you dont nurse they are super comfy and allow for engorgement)

comfy pajamas

comfy clothes for going home in

Lanolin cream if nursing

I also used my boppy a lot

For Baby: (my hospital provides NOTHING for baby except the first diaper and formula if you use it)

sleepers

swaddle blankets

NB/Preemie diapers/wipes

OLIVE OIL (prevents meconium from sticking to their bums. Absolute necessity!)

Hats

Blanket

socks

car seat

carseat cover (depending on climate/season)

Diaper bag to lug all this stuff around

For Daddy:

Snacks/water (vending machines get expensive and tiresome)

Camera/charger

Cell phone/Charger

change of clothes if sleeping over

toiletries if sleeping over/staying for a long labour

My DH also handled all the paperwork/parking ect so he needed a pen and his wallet!

My DH also enjoyed having our laptop with some seasons of shows we hadnt seen to watch while we were waiting for my c/s and after when baby was sleeping

roo1oo · September 2013

Here is my list:

For Mom
A picture ID, your insurance card, any paperwork required by hospital (I have a file on Google Drive with important information like insurance info, doctors info, etc in it that both DH and I can access)

Eyeglasses

A bathrobe, slippers, and socks.

Your cell phone, charger and headphones

Kindle and charger (or tablet or Nintendo DS or whatever else you'd like to pass some time)

Bring a list of everyone you'll want to contact so you don't forget someone important when you're exhausted after delivery.

Snacks for after labor

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Chapstick

Deodorant

Brush

Hair Ties

Makeup

Soap

Shampoo

Conditioner

Lotion

Comfortable bras (I'm not planning to bring nursing bras as I don't think I'll use them and the lactation consultants at my hospital will fit me and sell me one while I'm there if I want one)

A going-home outfit. Bring something roomy and easy to get into (believe it or not, you'll probably still look 5 or 6 months pregnant) and a pair of flat, comfortable shoes.

Flip flops for the shower

For Dad
Camera, charger, and extra memory card (bringing the nice DSLR with us, otherwise I'd just have cell phone and charger on here, of course DH is never without his phone so its almost pointless to add that to this list)

Laptop and charger

Toiletries

Comfortable shoes and a few changes of comfortable clothes

Snacks

Money (or a credit card) for parking and change for vending machines (my hospital has free parking for expectant parents but I know some do charge for parking)

A bathing suit. If you want to take a bath or shower during labor, you may want your partner to get in with you to support you or rub your back.

For Baby
An installed car seat.
A going-home outfit.
A receiving blanket.

atcwag · September 2013

Check out the September 2013 BMB, there's a sticky @ the top with lots of ideas.

MamaP19 · September 2013

The PPs have great lists. The only thing I want to add is to bring TOWELS! If/when you or DH decide to take a shower they will hand you a towel smaller than a swaddler with the feel of sandpaper. I'm definitely bringing towels from home this time.

And yes, yes, yes to snacks for you and DH.

sarahcatie · September 2013

There is a stickied post on September '13 that covers all of this in really great detail. ;;)

roo1oo · September 2013

Speaking of snacks and coffee for DH, bring gum or mints too.

My hospital provides pretty much everything you could need during and after delivery and for baby care. They also give you a ton of stuff to take home, so I feel like my list is pretty basic.

llybeck · September 2013

In my opinion, you actually end up needing a hell of a lot less than you probably think. I needed very little; chapstick, hair binders, basic toiletries, nipple cream, nighttime nursing bra, breast pads, and a going home outfit. Fiance had changes of clothes, his toiletries, and snacks. Baby had a couple sleepers, pacifier if you choose to use, blanket, carseat, and boppy. We brought some diapers and wipes but the hospital provided all of that and had us take a bunch home as well.

My BMB, September '13, has a great stickied list that really goes into detail. I didn't find I wanted or needed most things but it did make me think about what I really wanted on hand.

HFrizzle · September 2013

Just pack what seems logical. Most hospitals supply you with tons of stuff and half the stuff you do being doesn't get used. Just remember there is a gift shop and stores around you hospital & friends/family to pick up something you've forgotten.

MissJenna2011 · September 2013

I brought a bag for me:

3 lounge outfits yoga pants and nursing tanks

1 robe & slippers

1 pack of tall hanes underwear that stayed off of my incision

chapstick, gum, lotion, body wash and conditioner from home

snacks from home & lactation tea and bars

pony tail holders & hairspray, no need for make up for me though lol I had no energy for that!

For baby:

The carseat

2 warm blankets to cuddle & go home with

3 Carters cardigan outfit sets, one for going home in

a grooming kit w. nail trimmers

the bottles & binkies we'd chosen to use

2 burp rags

For husband:

1 pair of lounge pants, socks & slippers

2 pairs of jeans

4 shirts & 5 pairs of boxers

laptop, chargers, movies

dollars for the snack machine & some cup of noodles, easy to eat foods, but I had no problem w. him leaving to go get food, since we were there 4 days, he picked up take out and the hospital had a whole book of menus too.

HBirdie · September 2013

You should definitely check out the pinned post in Sep 13. There's pages of ladies sharing their experiences and what they wish they did/didn't bring.

Click here

Want a personalized experience?

Hospital Bag?

Re: Hospital Bag?

Choose Another Board

Search Boards