Must Have Hospital List

murray1234 · March 2015

There is an end in sight to all these horrible symptoms and appts.

what would you pack for a 24 hr hospital stay with baby.

what are some things you think you need but never will.

My Hospitals now dont supply anything after the first diaper/pad

baby must have

3-4 sleepers
going home outfit
2 receiving blanket
b-feeding pillow if your doing that.
soothers
2 blankets (one for swaddling one for going home)
Car Seat

momma must have

1 comfy outfit
1 going home outfit
1 pjs
bfeeding bra
3-4 underwear
makeup/lotions (feel good stuff)
pads and bfeeding pads

would you add or remove anything?

KaLikeAWind · March 2015

FTM here so I honestly have no idea. I'll probably overpack. But off your list, I'll add my Nook, some snacks, my own pillow.

annatta79 · March 2015

chapstick
ponytail holders
socks/slippers
snacks (for during labor if allowed or right after because you will be hungry)

My birthing center stay was all of 5 hours, so I can't say for a longer hospital stay, but I would add these.

disney815 · March 2015

Socks!! I will never forget how cold I was during labor, and socks are first on my list!

ngaines27 · March 2015

Blow dryer, heating pad, my own pillow.

BabyList · March 2015

When my dd was born she wore mostly long sleeved onesies in the hospital. We packed two outfits, coming home, and one for the day visitors came. Outside if that, she wore onesies and we swaddled her. I liked having hats for dd, but is know some people don't feel that is a good idea.
I packed a light weight robe for myself, and it was great. I wore my hospital gown and robe up until the time we went home. If your hospital does not provide diapers and wipes, be sure to bring wipes!!! The first few poos are awful and you will go through a lot of wipes! If you are okay with your child having a pacifier, bring a couple of those. Bring tucks pads for yourself. They will help relieve the swelling and pain after birth.

ElRuby · March 2015

Boppy pillow is the most important item you will need at the hospital! And maybe your own towels...

ElRuby · March 2015

catalinasmama said:
This is my list so far...and yes, I'm an over-packer, BUT, better safe than sorry I always say:

Me

~Phone

~Phone charger

~Shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/paste, make-up, lotion, chapstick, contacts/solution, deodorant, hair products, razor

            ~Pillow/blankets

~Breast feeding pillow

~Breast feeding bra

~Breast feeding tank/shirt

~Cardigans

~Breast pump

~Nursing pads

~Nipple guards & Lanolin

            ~Birth plan

            ~Music/fully charged blue tooth speaker

            ~Blue tooth speaker charger

            ~Candles (LED)

            ~Socks

            ~Undies

            ~Cute & Comfy PJ’s (pants and shirt)

            ~Labor clothes, (sports bra, robe)

            ~Earbuds for labor?

            ~Hair ties/bobby pins

            ~Going home outfit (2 maxi dresses)

            ~Going home shoes (flip flops)

            ~Water bottle

            ~Recovery supplies (Tucks, Depends, Granny Panties, Dermoplast, Stool softener)

~Snacks (ideas: cheese & crackers, yogurt, nuts, berries, hummus/pita, carrots, peanut butter/apple slices, oranges, bananas, protein bars, jerky, granola bars)

~Have carbs ready before labor: Pancakes, bread or pasta, Gu Cubes – strawberry, and coconut water
Dad

            ~iPad and charger

~Camera – fully charged

            ~Pillow/blankets

            ~Change of clothes/socks/undies/slippers

            ~Going home outfit

            ~Sweatshirt/hoodie/jacket

            ~PJ’s

            ~Toiletries

            ~Phone

            ~Cash/change

            ~Watch

            ~Names and phone #’s of family and friends to be notified of birth

            ~Ibuprofen/aspirin

            ~Earbuds

            ~Water bottle

            ~Pen and paper

~Games/cards, magazines, books, movies

Baby

            ~Diaper bag

~Diapers/wipes

            ~Cute going home outfit

            ~Onesies

            ~Sleepers

            ~Swaddlers/blankets

            ~Pacifiers/soothers

            ~Burp cloths

            ~Boppy

            ~Newborn headbands/bows

            ~Baby socks

            ~Car seat

Holy Moley are you going on vacation or having a baby?!

finchfeeder80 · March 2015

@ElRuby I just said the same thing to my hubs after reading him this!

HoosOnFirst · March 2015

I must ask ... What are the earbuds for?

ElRuby · March 2015

I think the nursing staff might be a little annoyed with an overdressed baby.... All I had for DS was his going home outfit and the hospital provided open kimono like shirts for ease of access to all they needed to do to provide for his care... And they also supplied pacifiers if needed.... I was overjoyed to have a Boppy pillow though!

mamameghan · March 2015

This is so random but one of the best things we brought was out iPad with games and a couple lighthearted full house episodes! After I had my epidural there was a lot of time to kill and I couldn't walk around....boring! It was something to take my mind off of what was going on

MrsWiggleWaggle · March 2015

ElRuby said:

catalinasmama said:
This is my list so far...and yes, I'm an over-packer, BUT, better safe than sorry I always say:

Me

~Phone

~Phone charger

~Shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/paste, make-up, lotion, chapstick, contacts/solution, deodorant, hair products, razor

            ~Pillow/blankets

~Breast feeding pillow

~Breast feeding bra

~Breast feeding tank/shirt

~Cardigans

~Breast pump

~Nursing pads

~Nipple guards & Lanolin

            ~Birth plan

            ~Music/fully charged blue tooth speaker

            ~Blue tooth speaker charger

            ~Candles (LED)

            ~Socks

            ~Undies

            ~Cute & Comfy PJ’s (pants and shirt)

            ~Labor clothes, (sports bra, robe)

            ~Earbuds for labor?

            ~Hair ties/bobby pins

            ~Going home outfit (2 maxi dresses)

            ~Going home shoes (flip flops)

            ~Water bottle

            ~Recovery supplies (Tucks, Depends, Granny Panties, Dermoplast, Stool softener)

~Snacks (ideas: cheese & crackers, yogurt, nuts, berries, hummus/pita, carrots, peanut butter/apple slices, oranges, bananas, protein bars, jerky, granola bars)

~Have carbs ready before labor: Pancakes, bread or pasta, Gu Cubes – strawberry, and coconut water
Dad

            ~iPad and charger

~Camera – fully charged

            ~Pillow/blankets

            ~Change of clothes/socks/undies/slippers

            ~Going home outfit

            ~Sweatshirt/hoodie/jacket

            ~PJ’s

            ~Toiletries

            ~Phone

            ~Cash/change

            ~Watch

            ~Names and phone #’s of family and friends to be notified of birth

            ~Ibuprofen/aspirin

            ~Earbuds

            ~Water bottle

            ~Pen and paper

~Games/cards, magazines, books, movies

Baby

            ~Diaper bag

~Diapers/wipes

            ~Cute going home outfit

            ~Onesies

            ~Sleepers

            ~Swaddlers/blankets

            ~Pacifiers/soothers

            ~Burp cloths

            ~Boppy

            ~Newborn headbands/bows

            ~Baby socks

            ~Car seat
Holy Moley are you going on vacation or having a baby?!

Totally copy/pasting that list as a jumping off point. I love to mooch off the over preparers make me look like less of a procrastinator!

Frogger5 · March 2015

@murray1234 I am a little confused by your post - are you saying your hospital doesn't provide any diapers after the first one like while the baby is still in the hospital? I'd add diapers to your list if that's the case! Yikes, I hope that's not what you meant or that you were exaggerating! Did your hospital give you those lists of "must haves"? I'll find out more at my next appointment or at the tour, I guess.

mrsb30 · March 2015

I'm shocked that some hospitals don't provide diapers and wipes for the baby. I have never heard that before.

dancegurl1118 · March 2015

Unless being induced, if you are bringing cards/games to the hospital for labor you do not need to be at the hospital yet.

henrytviii · March 2015

dancegurl1118 said:
Unless being induced, if you are bringing cards/games to the hospital for labor you do not need to be at the hospital yet.

Yes but you have an epidural and you aren't sleeping you might want something to help pass the time. I did not have an epidural and this was certainly true once labor gets going but I did head to the hospital after my water had been broken for a several hours at 42 weeks and once we finished discussing the plans, walking halls halls for a few hours and getting dinner, we still had some downtime. It was either sit and stress about if I was going to need an induction the next day or try to relax. Bring something that will let your relax, we made it though 3-4 episodes of arrested development before I asked DH to please shut the F*Ing TV off. I think he had no idea we were already I the thick of it, he was enjoying the show too much. Perfect.

I would take off 90% of what is on these lists but I would add add a 2nd set of PJ bottoms and sports bra for labor. You might want to change partway through. Probably not, we'll all have beautiful labors.

I'll be packing 3 sets this go!

amhowell14 · March 2015

catalinasmama said:
This is my list so far...and yes, I'm an over-packer, BUT, better safe than sorry I always say:

Me

~Phone

~Phone charger

~Shampoo/conditioner, toothbrush/paste, make-up, lotion, chapstick, contacts/solution, deodorant, hair products, razor

            ~Pillow/blankets

~Breast feeding pillow

~Breast feeding bra

~Breast feeding tank/shirt

~Cardigans

~Breast pump

~Nursing pads

~Nipple guards & Lanolin

            ~Birth plan

            ~Music/fully charged blue tooth speaker

            ~Blue tooth speaker charger

            ~Candles (LED)

            ~Socks

            ~Undies

            ~Cute & Comfy PJ’s (pants and shirt)

            ~Labor clothes, (sports bra, robe)

            ~Earbuds for labor?

            ~Hair ties/bobby pins

            ~Going home outfit (2 maxi dresses)

            ~Going home shoes (flip flops)

            ~Water bottle

            ~Recovery supplies (Tucks, Depends, Granny Panties, Dermoplast, Stool softener)

~Snacks (ideas: cheese & crackers, yogurt, nuts, berries, hummus/pita, carrots, peanut butter/apple slices, oranges, bananas, protein bars, jerky, granola bars)

~Have carbs ready before labor: Pancakes, bread or pasta, Gu Cubes – strawberry, and coconut water
Dad

            ~iPad and charger

~Camera – fully charged

            ~Pillow/blankets

            ~Change of clothes/socks/undies/slippers

            ~Going home outfit

            ~Sweatshirt/hoodie/jacket

            ~PJ’s

            ~Toiletries

            ~Phone

            ~Cash/change

            ~Watch

            ~Names and phone #’s of family and friends to be notified of birth

            ~Ibuprofen/aspirin

            ~Earbuds

            ~Water bottle

            ~Pen and paper

~Games/cards, magazines, books, movies

Baby

            ~Diaper bag

~Diapers/wipes

            ~Cute going home outfit

            ~Onesies

            ~Sleepers

            ~Swaddlers/blankets

            ~Pacifiers/soothers

            ~Burp cloths

            ~Boppy

            ~Newborn headbands/bows

            ~Baby socks

            ~Car seat

Wow. As a third time mom, trust me, you don't need, nor will you utilize half of this list.

murray1234 · March 2015

Frogger5 said:
@murray1234 I am a little confused by your post - are you saying your hospital doesn't provide any diapers after the first one like while the baby is still in the hospital? I'd add diapers to your list if that's the case! Yikes, I hope that's not what you meant or that you were exaggerating! Did your hospital give you those lists of "must haves"? I'll find out more at my next appointment or at the tour, I guess.

MY hospital doesn't provide ANYTHING other then the baby's first diaper and you your first pad. you are required to bring everything else.

this is something new! and i dont like it because your never 100% how long you will be there for.

devyns2nd · March 2015

murray1234 said:

Frogger5 said:
@murray1234 I am a little confused by your post - are you saying your hospital doesn't provide any diapers after the first one like while the baby is still in the hospital? I'd add diapers to your list if that's the case! Yikes, I hope that's not what you meant or that you were exaggerating! Did your hospital give you those lists of "must haves"? I'll find out more at my next appointment or at the tour, I guess.
MY hospital doesn't provide ANYTHING other then the baby's first diaper and you your first pad. you are required to bring everything else.

this is something new! and i dont like it because your never 100% how long you will be there for.

The hospital I had DD at provided everything from these wonderful ugly stretchy panties to a little white animal all of your guests can sign. I hadn't even considered the fact that where I'm having DS may not. I mean I left the hospital with everything I needed. Nipple shields, diaper bag, vag care products, a pack of diapers and a basket of shampoos and lotions for baby. I actually only needed to bring personal items like a robe and make up. Now I'm wondering about this hospital.

HauteMama17 · March 2015

I would add baby nail file & clipper. My first was born with crazy lady gaga nails and she would have scratched that pretty face like crazy if I didn't trim them from day one. They don't provide that at any hospital. I agree with everything on those lists but the pump. If anything leave it in the car till you actually decide to use it. Most people don't produce till day 2-3 so I think it's kind of a waste & waaay too painful to use right away

ElRuby · March 2015

JellyBellyStarr said:

ElRuby said:
Boppy pillow is the most important item you will need at the hospital! And maybe your own towels...
I don't know about this at all. I'm really surprised at the number of people listing this item. I'd leave at home...

I liked it for several reasons.... I was nursing every two hours and my arms got sore .... The Boppy helped a lot! And I liked it for when relatives held my baby because it just felt more secure to me.... If you plan to nurse it is a life saver for positioning and the lactation consultant highly recommended it.

luenchoo · March 2015

It's on some lists but not all - Depends ( not just pads) are apparently a must since no one tells you you have lots of placenta to rid post birth for a few weeks. Kind of gross but important to know.

marshmallowmadness · March 2015

Third time mom here- just remember that everything you lug to the hospital, you'll also have to bring home. additionally, any flowers, gifts, etc, and of course the baby have to come home too!! Make things easier on yourself and be simple. DH can always go get you something if you reallY feel like you need it later.

amhowell14 · March 2015

luenchoo said:
It's on some lists but not all - Depends ( not just pads) are apparently a must since no one tells you you have lots of placenta to rid post birth for a few weeks. Kind of gross but important to know.

This will be my 3rd delivery. I took my own pads for the first 2, and will do so again. Never bled enough for a depends. My ultra thin overnight pads worked just fine.

Your hospital will more than likely supply you with all your post delivery needs: pads, ice packs, mesh panties, sitz bath/bottle, etc.

saraelizabeth33 · March 2015

With my first I over packed but not enough that I ever remember saying "I really wish I hadn't brought that!" I would much rather have too much stuff than have forgotten things! Bring everything that you think you might want. I'm a STM and I'm planning on "over packing" this time, too!

henrytviii · March 2015

The only danger of over-packing might be that the nurses think you are completely nuts and treat you accordingly. Maybe add a nice gift for the nurses station to your long list!

elizab14 · March 2015

My friend recommended a sundress to leave in. She had an unplanned CSection and had only brought yoga pants to go home in.

Kovak · March 2015

I'm trying to remember everything I actually used in the hospital. I was so tired and out of it most of the time that I don't remember a whole lot.
Shampoo, conditioner, soap, etc. I did change into my own nightgown because I got sick of the hospital gown slipping off of my shoulders. My IPod and docking station were awesome to have and my e-reader. Snacks are a must! DS was born in the middle of the night so the cafeteria was not serving food. The nurses (who were awesome) gave me a sandwich but it wasn't very appetizing. The hospital gave me pads and they would fill a diaper with ice for me to put in my underwear. Oh yeah, I took a Camelbak and that was great also because the cup the hospital gave me was tiny. Make sure you have at least one camera and that the battery is charged. I took my nursing pillow but I didn't actually use it. Warm and comfortable socks are a must! I wore yoga pants, a nursing tank, and hoody home. For DS, the hospital provided diapers, bath stuff, blankets (for swaddling), and a hat. We had our own stuff for him but we just used the hospital's stuff. We had a going home outfit and think, of all of the stuff we packed for him, that was the only thing we actually used.
I would think more about what you'll want at home when you get back. Dermoplast, Colace, and pads!
This is getting long so I will end it here.

KonaCoffeeBean · March 2015

Wine? Can't be too prepared right?

auburnmamma · March 2015

I loved my boppy to hold on my tummy as I changed positions, to get up, to sneeze, etc. I had a CSection and held my boppy over my tummy. I initially had left it at home but made DH go home and get it.

My hospital provides diapers, wipes, and pads but do not provide mesh panties so I'd double check your hospital to see what they do provide.

KaLikeAWind · March 2015

KonaCoffeeBean said:
Wine? Can't be too prepared right?

I was actually discussing our go bag with DH and said to him "do you think they'll let me drink a bottle of Oatmeal Stout? Can we try to smuggle that in?"
:-\"

ETA - I forgot a word

mamahawk12 · March 2015

LED candles?? I literally laughed out loud.

ElRuby · March 2015

mamahawk12 said:
LED candles?? I literally laughed out loud.

Right?! I can't imagine what the nursing staff would think but it would probably make for a great break room conversation.

sharice111 · March 2015

@HauteMama17 it's actually recommended to NOT trim nails for a couple days as the nails could still be attached to skin and could pull off skin. Bring little hand gloves for the first few days so baby can't scratch. My son did scratch his beautiful face in the hospital and now at 6.5 he still has a scar I can see, but I still would wait a couple days and just use the mittens or socks on their hands because I have tried clipping nails early and had a horrible bleeding experience with daughter. I'm a little in shock hospitals aren't providing more stuff... I guess that's what walk throughs are for to see what they have. Tucks are amazing but I was under the impression hospitals provide that. Also for swelling ice in a baby diaper is an amazing ice pack!!! And those mesh panties the hospital provides are amazing!!! Huge pad held in place by mesh panties also holding diaper ice bag all down there with some tucks now that is relief from swelling!!! Even with a csection I did the same thing and it really helped. That comboed with rotating ibuprofen and tylenol and I didn't need anything else (for vaginal delivery) for csection the big drugs still but it took the edge off. Also a heating pad for the post labor cramps is a great idea too. Lots of great suggestions here!

sharice111 · March 2015

Oh my goodness undie sundae!!! That's it!!!! The perineal squirt bottle too!!!! Heaven sent!!!!

https://realnewmom.blogspot.com/2010/11/undie-sundae.html?m=1

Reposting because every ftm needs this info!!!
Thanks for posting @catalinasmama

murray1234 · March 2015

catalinasmama said:

luenchoo said:
It's on some lists but not all - Depends ( not just pads) are apparently a must since no one tells you you have lots of placenta to rid post birth for a few weeks. Kind of gross but important to know.
Yep. Depends are a must from what I've heard. No pad in the world will help a woman's um...situation...post-delivery. It's not the most flattering thing in the world to get up and leave um...a situation...where you were just sitting when you have friends and family visiting.

Also Tucks and Dermoplast...

Here's a variation of the "undie sundae" I'll be making: https://realnewmom.blogspot.com/2010/11/undie-sundae.html

This is my 5th. I honestly dont think you would need to get depends. just heavy flo pads, i only bled ALOT for 2 days then it went away to almost nothing.

HoosOnFirst · March 2015

This whole thread is absolutely terrifying for a FTM. Can I turn back? :O

auburnmamma · March 2015

sharice111 said:
@HauteMama17 it's actually recommended to NOT trim nails for a couple days as the nails could still be attached to skin and could pull off skin. Bring little hand gloves for the first few days so baby can't scratch. My son did scratch his beautiful face in the hospital and now at 6.5 he still has a scar I can see, but I still would wait a couple days and just use the mittens or socks on their hands because I have tried clipping nails early and had a horrible bleeding experience with daughter. I'm a little in shock hospitals aren't providing more stuff... I guess that's what walk throughs are for to see what they have. Tucks are amazing but I was under the impression hospitals provide that. Also for swelling ice in a baby diaper is an amazing ice pack!!! And those mesh panties the hospital provides are amazing!!! Huge pad held in place by mesh panties also holding diaper ice bag all down there with some tucks now that is relief from swelling!!! Even with a csection I did the same thing and it really helped. That comboed with rotating ibuprofen and tylenol and I didn't need anything else (for vaginal delivery) for csection the big drugs still but it took the edge off. Also a heating pad for the post labor cramps is a great idea too. Lots of great suggestions here!

My hospital does not allow the use of mittens and recommends using a nail file to trim the nails down.

KaLikeAWind · March 2015

hoosonfirst said:
This whole thread is absolutely terrifying for a FTM. Can I turn back? :O

Right!!! It's heavy with doses of "shiz just got real!"

amhowell14 · March 2015

OP, I don't think anyone is trying to be haters. Just realistic. You're a FTM, correct? If you want pack for delivery like you're going on a Mexican vacation, more power to you. I'm just saying, 90% of your list is not necessary. In my opinion, if you don't want the bright lights of the delivery room, and want it calm & peaceful, choose a birth center. I mean, just wait until you can hear the lady in labor next door. There is no calm & peace to a hospital delivery room.

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