Everything Hospital bag.

lovelylauren86 · June 2016

What are your must haves for you?
Must haves for Baby?
What did you pack but never use?
What did you wish you had but forgot to pack?
What did DH forget for himself that he either went home for or had to buy at the gift shop?

PSUBecky23 · June 2016

We kept it minimal and didn't feel like we needed anything else. For baby, just going home outfit, hat and blanket to drape over her in the car seat. For us, just comfy clothes and toiletries.

PSUBecky23 · June 2016

Also didn't pack until I was in labor. Everything I wanted to take was stuff I needed until then.

RedMar · June 2016

I love that we need to start talking about this already!!

What are your must haves for you? I had 2 of my own pillows from home and will bring them again this time. It was nice having my own pajamas postpartum. I bought this nursing nightie thing with a matching robe (dark colors of course) that was perfect for BFing and to change into after that first PP shower (which feels like a dream). It was also nice feeling like a human again and looking semi presentable when people came to see us and wanting to take a crap ton of pics. My hospital provides socks, but it was nice having my own skid socks as extra. Additionally I brought a fleece (black) robe and I'm so glad I did because I was SOOOO cold after having LO and hospital blankets did not cut it. I brought my jambox and my Hypnobirthing cd that I listened to non stop while in labor. During pushing, I had DH spray me with a mini water fan because I've never sweat so much in my life!! I remember how much relief that gave me. We also brought our own snacks and quarters for the vending machine bc hospital food is not fantastic. For BFing, I brought lanolin for my virgin nipples and my pump so the lactation consultant could show me how to use it (I didn't actually pump milk, but just wanted some instructions on the thing bc there were so many parts and it was very intimidating!)

Must haves for Baby? we were not allowed to dress baby in anything else other than the straight jacket at the hospital. It was for security purposes. We had an outfit to take him home and of course a car seat since they won't let you leave without one. This time I'm considering asking the nurse to stamp her foot an extra time for a little Pinterest project I have goin on.

What did you pack but never use? Pants haha. Well I wore loose sweats home.

What did you wish you had but forgot to pack? More blankets! I would've slept better if I wasn't so cold! Those after birth shakes are real! Plus (if nursing) your boob is out half the time and that can get real chilly.

What did DH forget for himself that he either went home for or had to buy at the gift shop?
When we went to out birthing class, the instructor mentioned to the partners that they need to take care of themselves bc the docs and nurses are focused only on mother and baby during labor. "So if you pass out due to starvation, we will just step over you" She was kidding of course, but low and behold, DH forgot to eat breakfast (only had a cup of coffee) and almost did pass out by the time I had the babe (close to noon). Looking back, however, I may have punched him if he was chewing in my face in between contractions. His coffee breath was enough to take paint off a car and I remember being super bitchy and telling him to brush his teeth bc the smell was so bad it was making me nauseous.

take all of the supplies home..!!!... Pads, witch hazel, creams, numbing spray, squirt bottle, and diapers!!

RedMar · June 2016

Heres a link for a similar nightgown:
https://www.motherhood.com/mobile/Product.asp?Product_Id=961310150#productChange

Mine is a dark maroon color and got it on clearance

Trgree1712 · June 2016

Bring something to do a book, magazines, deck of cards, etc. I found that I sitting around the hospital was pretty boring. Also snacks, the hospital had DD in had great meals but no options for snacks between meals or in the evening.

diagonalley · June 2016

I didn't have a hospital bag the first time because I didn't think I was headed to the hospital to have a baby. Surprise! So I'd say my list is pretty minimal because it's based on what I would have liked.

What are your must haves for you? Toiletries - own hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, loofa, body wash, toothbrush, toothpaste, snacks for after baby is born because I was ravenous the first time - definitely no desire to wear my own clothes. I bled right through the hospital clothes I was wearing and I don't want to deal with that with my own stuff. The hospital mesh underwear is AMAZING. Wear that. Don't bring your own. I took home a few pairs and would just wash them in the shower with me every time I showered (they're definitely too delicate for laundry.)

Must haves for Baby? He was in the NICU so other than an outfit to come home in and his car seat, he didn't need anything while we were there. I suspect that's the same regardless, though. The hospital should provide diapers, pacifiers, blankets, etc. while you're there.

What did you pack but never use? N/A

What did you wish you had but forgot to pack? All of the above? LOL. We were able to bring clothes for him while he was in the NICU so we had the going home outfit by the time he left

What did DH forget for himself that he either went home for or had to buy at the gift shop? I'm sure he would have been fine with the toiletries part and a change of clothes. I don't think he left though or bought anything.

KimmySchmidt · June 2016

What are your must haves for you? Comfy clothes, shower shoes, toiletries, kindle, Chapstick, Chargers, small notepad and pen. Oh, and car seat
Must haves for Baby? Going home outfit
What did you pack but never use? Change for a vending machine
What did you wish you had but forgot to pack? A variety of nursing bras. I only packed one and I didn't like it, but I had no way of knowing that until I tried to nurse in it.
What did DH forget for himself that he either went home for or had to buy at the gift shop? Nothing. And to be frank his needs were the last I was worried about meeting.

yellowrose314 · June 2016

I'd just like to chime in and say, for the love of God, do not forget some flip flops for the shower. Hospitals are disgusting, dirty places, but add heat and moisture to that and... *gags*. Otherwise you might have to pull a Piper from Orange is the New Black and strap thunderpad maxipads to your feet. Not class, but effective.

frogdog06 · June 2016

Thanks @lovelylauren86 !! Good call! I found this ( https://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/27/hospital-checklist-for-having-a-baby_n_4905694.html ) overwhelming, like I'd need a mini suitcase.. and nowadays, hospital stays are kept to a minimum after birth..

Also, how long did you ladies stay at the hospital??

Prof=Mom · June 2016

Definitely bring lip balm, flip flops and a warm blanket. Hubby needs a change of clothes and toilettries bc you will be sharing a tight space for a few days

LizC216 · June 2016

yellowrose314 said:

I'd just like to chime in and say, for the love of God, do not forget some flip flops for the shower. Hospitals are disgusting, dirty places, but add heat and moisture to that and... *gags*. Otherwise you might have to pull a Piper from Orange is the New Black and strap thunderpad maxipads to your feet. Not class, but effective.

Yes!!! Flip flops were a must for me. The first thing I packed both times.

mamadomino · June 2016

All I used were toiletries and going home clothes. I packed a bunch of clothes and never used them. I did use our boppy, and dh used that as a pillow as well. I didn't change out of the hospital gown until we were leaving, and my son wore the hospital shirts until we were leaving per their policy and I didn't care. I brought a book and magazines and never touched them, I was too tired to read.

frogdog06 · June 2016

Lmk if I need to move this to Deals & Steals, but just picked up two of these robes (blue for me, pink for my cousin) to toss into the hospital bag:

https://www1.macys.com/shop/product/morgan-taylor-floral-satin-robe-only-at-macys?ID=2773464&CategoryID=24884

Snagged them for $4/each with some coupon I had with my Macy's CC, so if the robe doesn't get wear/gets ruined, shrug!

And yes, I added a black regular robe too for warmth and the mess. :]

yellowrose314 · June 2016

@frogdog06 Ugh, I would love that robe!! Almost ordered it too, because it was coming up as $18 CAD, but then I checked shipping... $33... noooope.

SuperFudge00 · June 2016

I had a full roller suitcase, but that's how I always pack. I'd rather be over prepared than under prepared. I don't regret bringing anything I didn't use because there was nothing I needed that I didn't have.

I brought roomy nightgowns I picked up at Butlington Coat Factory that could be buttoned down enough to breastfeed easily. I also chose gowns instead of pajamas because I had a c-section. I brought nursing bras, comfy socks, slippers, shower shoes, toiletries and makeup.

I brought big comfy undies but found that I preferred the mesh ones since it was messy.

I I had no use for books or puzzles, since I didn't labor long before the OR I didn't need anything to pass the time.

I brought a newborn outfit for every day we were staying. I didn't care for the hospitals. I only brought one pieces to make sure there wasn't added irritation for the cord.

I might consider bringing my own breast pump. The hospital had one but it was not what I had and I think I'd prefer the consistency.

Remember to take everything from your room that isn't bolted down. My pedi emptied out the bassinet supplies and insisted we take them. I also took pads and chux and things that I found helpful during my stay.

mrsvoorhees-2 · June 2016

I will bring my pillow, toiletries, shower shoes, comfy hospital clothes, phone chargers nursing bras and those sticky socks. I brought house shoes last time and felt like I should trash them after, so socks will be good for this time. And one going home outfit for DD. Oh, and my camera and definitely some Chapstick. That's all I can think of. I didn't have a ton that I needed.

Thscary · June 2016

These posts are super helpful. Luckily for us, the hospital is only a five minute drive from our house, so I can send DH or my parents for anything we forget. The only thing I really need to remember to bring immediately is the cord blood kit. I do plan on bringing toiletries, flannel pajama bottoms, a few nursing tanks, and a pack of cheap Hanes cotton undies to wear PP. I will also bring a going home outfit for Neil, which I already have planned

.
I CANT BELIEVE IT'S TIME TO START TALKING ABOUT THIS STUFF!!!

mrsvoorhees-2 · June 2016

Oh! I'll also being a belly full of food and water instead of just heading to the hospital.

CRich15 · June 2016

Must haves for me: pillow, iPad or laptop for movies (I highly recommend this for those who have a scheduled c-section since you'll be waiting for surgery for like ever and then you'll be in the hospital a few days.), flip flops, toiletries, blanket, extra clothes (I changed out of the gown ASAP), phone charger.

Must haves for baby: outfits for each day we are there, car seat and pacifiers. Everything else was already there and we took what was left over home with us.

Must haves for DH: change of clothes and toiletries. We live 30 minutes from home so I see him still coming home ever so often to check on the kids and shower real quick.

Themaritimemama · June 2016

We are very minimal, having gone through this a few times... We'll bring the car seat, nursing pillow, outfits for myself, husband and baby... It's only going to be sept, so I'll likely wear flip flops TO the hospital. I do bring my own towel though. I hate the scratchy hospital ones. The hospital provides diapers and wipes, but our diaper bag will have those as well.

ETA: phone charger and laptop.

mrsvoorhees-2 · June 2016

I want to get some really nice shampoo and body wash for my first shower this time, what do you gals recommend? Or where should I go?

Prof=Mom · June 2016

MrsVoorhees said:

I want to get some really nice shampoo and body wash for my first shower this time, what do you gals recommend? Or where should I go?

Philosophy brand is the best all in one - shampoo, body wash, conditioner- smell good - get you clean product I've ever used. Check Sephora or Sephora at JCPenneys. I like Pina colada and bubblegum! They also have holiday scents too that may be available closer to Sept.

ElcaB · June 2016

FTM here, but I've heard some good lotion, chapstick, + Gatorade are must-haves in the hospital. Almost every mom I know has said the air is dryer than the desert.

Also, flip-flops for the shower.

marajay6 · June 2016

I was pretty minimal and also live really close to the hospital. I didn't even pack my hospital bag until I was in labor (I did have a list of things to remember).

What are your must haves for you? Basically all the toiletries you would want for an overnight stay - toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, etc.. Also, phone, iPad, chargers for both. I wore hospital supplied socks and gowns and had my slippers for when I left the room.

Must haves for Baby? Just an outfit to leave the hospital in and a car seat.

What did you pack but never use? We brought a yoga ball but left it in the car. During labor classes, the nurses preached about how nice it is to labor on a ball (and I did at home) and warned us that the balls the hospital has a in short supply. We had mine in the trunk of the car in case I needed it. I ended up not laboring at the hospital for very long - I was at 7 cm when I got checked in and had my epidural less than 1 hour later.

What did you wish you had but forgot to pack? When I went to the hospital I wore my flip flops - I didn't want to bother with shoes at that point. The weather had turned very cold during my stay, so DH had to get me shoes and socks when he went home to check on things.

What did DH forget for himself that he either went home for or had to buy at the gift shop? We could have gotten by with what we had packed, but DH ended up going home for other reasons. I have no idea if he grabbed anything extra or not.

Sarafuss · June 2016

What are your must haves for you? I always pack some comfy clothes and a light cotton robe. I hate the hospital gown. I like to wear yoga pants, a nursing tank and the robe if I'm cold. I always pack some Coke because my hospital only has Pepsi and since I always have GD that's the first thing I want after delivery lol! Another must-have is good nipple cream (Motherlove) for nursing. Oh and the camera!

Must haves for Baby? We always pack a few A+A swaddles, outfits, and the boppy. That's about it since they provide everything else you need in the hospital.

What did you pack but never use? I can't really think of anything! Maybe my iPad? I thought I would have times where I got bored but I never used it. ETA: My DH works in IT so one of his main items to pack is all of the tech items to play our own movies on the TV. I don't usually pay attention to them but he does since he gets bored during the PP stay. He doesn't have to nurse a baby or try to get as much rest like I do!

What did you wish you had but forgot to pack? With my first baby it was comfy clothes. I figured I wouldn't need anything other than clothes to go home in. I didn't realize how much I would hate the hospital gown. I felt so much better in my own clothes and more "normal" after giving birth.

What did DH forget for himself that he either went home for or had to buy at the gift shop? I don't think he forgot anything. The only thing I could see him forgetting would be a phone charger or something like that but I don't think that has ever happened.

nativetexan512 · June 2016

How soon did you have your hospital bag packed? I'm still over here trying to create a registry...

Sarafuss · June 2016

@nativetexan512 I pack mine and keep it in the car at about 34/35 weeks. Because I've had two somewhat emergent inductions around 37 weeks due to pre-e and gestational hypertension so I like to be prepared. But it's not completely packed. It will have my clothes, toiletries (travel size, new toothbrush, etc.), and stuff for the baby but I have to add some last minute things like phone chargers. I also install the car seat base around then too so I can just click the infant seat in and go.

CoffeeBeanFiend91 · June 2016

If you will be laboring you need some soft socks with non slip bottoms to roam the halls in. I wore very loose gym shorts and loose tanks with low necklines that made it easy to nurse in. Bring lots of snacks and drinks and cash for vending machines. I brought mineral oil to put on babies bum because it makes it so much easier to wipe off those first poops. Chargers and books are good too. I was so preoccupied with trying to breastfeed I didn't have much free time. Lotion is a must as most hospitals are dry and the air made my skin really dry. If you are particular about pillows bring one or two from home. You will need nothing for baby (except the mineral oil in my case.) I packed a whole diaper bag and it was a waste of space.

PSUBecky23 · June 2016

nativetexan512 said:

How soon did you have your hospital bag packed? I'm still over here trying to create a registry...

I packed while I was in labor

mrsvoorhees-2 · June 2016

PSUBecky23 said:

nativetexan512 said:

How soon did you have your hospital bag packed? I'm still over here trying to create a registry...

I packed while I was in labor

Me too. I had some stuff that I bought like toiletries that stayed packed but for the most part, I packed before we left. We live about 15 min from the hospital though, so I wasn't concerned about leaving anything.

ssimon621 · June 2016

I didn't read the other responses so sorry for any repeats.

I brought my own toiletry type essentials, and snacks for me. I wore yoga pants, a zip up hoodie and nursing cami the entire time after my C/S. I felt so much more comfortable in that than in a dress/gown. I brought the baby book to write in and my netbook at the time (ipad this time) to entertain myself. I also brought a real camera to take photos.

I also brought my boppy, which as awesome to have and I brought my baby some gowns. The straight jacket shirt thing was not working and she was super duper cold so we also brought her socks. We also brought her blanket, picture outfit and coming home outfit. Although we never changed her to her coming home outfit because it was rainy and chilly and it was a dress.

My H went home daily to care for our dog so he showered and everything there.

Next time I will bring my own pillows. They had plastic on theirs and it was so annoying.

frogdog06 · June 2016

@MrsVoorhees Sephora, Nordstrom, and Ulta have great shampoos, body washes etcetera that come in travel sizes. Nordstrom will ship for free.

camichael84 · June 2016

What are your must haves for you? Toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, toothbrush/paste, hairbrush), agree that the first PP shower is glorious. Snacks because I was always hungry while breastfeeding. I wore the hospital gown the day I delivered, but my own nightgown from then on (DD was born on a Sunday morning, we were discharged Wed afternoon). Phone charger and computer were nice to have. Outfit to go home in (ended up being a nursing tank and yoga pants). Hair ties for labor.

Must haves for Baby? Outfit to go home in. Carseat.

What did you pack but never use? The camera. All pics ended up being taken on our phone cameras. Probably won't lug the big camera with us this time. Yoga ball. They apparently had them, but I labored best lying down (until I got the epi then was stuck laying down).

What did DH forget for himself that he either went home for or had to buy at the gift shop? Socks and underwear. He didn't get them nor have anyone bring them (which was very doable). It was the least of my worries so I didn't over think his choice.

I feel like we packed the bag somewhere around 34 weeks, and added some items after my water broke before we headed to the hospital.

Prof=Mom · June 2016

Ooh don't forget a power strip and cell phone chargers for your post-delivery room. When you find that precious outlet everything will need charging especially phones and camera batteries.
Also a small journal to keep track of what the docs/nurses tell you. Trust me you hear them but you aren't listening. You're too busy looking at this little person you helped make :-)

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