Hospital Bag

nda_roxybabe · February 2017

What are you packing?
STM's: What do you suggest packing?
What did you pack and not need?
What did you wish you'd packed?

bacorrea · February 2017

Hair Ties
Nipple Cream
chapstick
Shampoo/Conditioner
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Deodorant *basically normal toiletries
Bodywash/Loofa
Comfy Clothes to go home in
Phone
Phone Charger
Nursing Pillow
Swaddle Blanket
Coming Home outfit for Baby

A lot of your hospital bag is personal preference. I stayed in the hospital gown the whole stay as the nurses have to come and check how much your bleeding and massage your uterus (omg that hurts just FYI) and I had a hard time breastfeeding so unless there were visitors I was basically topless trying to figure all of that out. I wore sweats, tank top, and a tshirt home. I didn't bring or wear any make up. The hospital provided a water bottle. I brought one onesie for DD and her going home outfit. She stayed in the hospital kimono tops and diapers the whole time. I do think I brought my own swaddling blanket. My hospital gave these cute knitted hats to every newborn. I preferred buying mini shampoos/conditioner etc and then leaving them there. I also buy a toothbrush and throw it out there as well. You don't need to bring pads to the hospital they provide them for you.

I made the mistake of packing the diaper bag and bringing it. That wasn't needed. The hospital
provided all diapers/wipes/pacifiers. I even used the hospital pump. I suggest when you go on the hospital your ask what they provide and what you are allowed to bring. For instance my hospital provided birthing balls and requested you didn't bring your own.

NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot · February 2017

Here is my current list. I think I packed most of this last time too.

Robe
Comfy pants
Nursing tank
Nursing bra
socks
Going home clothes
Light makeup
light hair stuff (shampoo, condition, mouse, comb)
hair ties
face wipes
body wash
toothbrush
toothpaste
deodorant
lotion
carmex
ipad
ipad & iphone chargers
snacks
baby clothes
car seat
Whatever DH wants to bring

I highly recommend snacks. I didn't take any last time. When I was still on the delivery floor after birth they gave me a fruit tray and milk because I'd missed dinner. When we had to move up to recovery, DH and I had our hands full with the baby and our bags. The nurses assured us that there'd also be food up there. Once I got checked in to recovery and asked for food, the (scarier) recovery nurses said, "there's a vending machine down the hall." So my post-birth dinner was cheetos and peanut M&Ms.

Also, if DH packs the car early in anticipation of checking out, hold on to your phone charger. Checkout took forever and both of our phones died while we were waiting to leave. So, also plan for checkout to take forever.

MrsFox2008 · February 2017

Ok here it goes! This post may be a bit long!

nursing
boppy pillow
burp cloth
lanolin
nursing pads
nursing bras
toiletries
shampoo
conditioner
toothbrush
toothpaste
floss
mouthwash
brush & comb
deodorant
mousse
misc
chap stick
phone charger
gift for big sis from little sis
change for H (there are vending machines in the halls)
necessary paperwork
panties
2-3 outfits + one special one for pictures
baby
clothes
wipes and diapers (even though hospital provides we like to have a couple for the diaper bag)
ointment and powder (as a STM I have a preference of what I like)
coming home outfit
blanket
mittens and hat

Last time I packed socks but the hospital provided socks with grips on bottom which were great and I rather ruin socks given then my own!
I wish I had packed a "special outfit" for myself to wear when having pictures taken with baby! So I'm adding that this time.

SKZW · February 2017

Will be packing: Phone charger! I used the phone down to nothing a few times, and hubbs had to bring a charger from home. Will def be in the bag right from the start this time.

Wish I had packed: cheap-o flip-flops for the shower.
*Bring your own shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, etc., if you can't live without 'em.
(Also, lots of chapstick!)

The hospital will provide all the pads, ice diapers, mesh panties, pain relievers, and baby diapers/wipes you'll need during your stay, plus you can take them home too. Don't bring them with you to the hospital.

Thinking about bringing the following, based on suggestions elsewhere:
---an extension cord (in case the outlets are 10 feet away & I need to charge my phone & be on it at the same time)
---my boppy (because the nursing holds the nurses taught me in the hospital setting didn't translate once we were back home; plus, the differences between an awkward hospital bed and my own couch! Kind of wish I had the boppy from day 1)
---TP from home (b/c, hospital TP!)
---But are these things overkill? Your thoughts?

nda_roxybabe · February 2017

Okay, when I do the hospital tour, should I ask about meal schedule? Maybe my hospital does meals whenever and I wont need snacks?

Really hoping I can time the hospital with my hair washing schedule so I don't have to wash my hair there, ha! Seriously though, I wash every 5 days now and I think as I get close to the due date I'm going to up to every other day, just so it'll hopefully be "fresh".

SKZW · February 2017

@NotAPlaya-JustCrushAlot: Hair ties and face wipes, great idea! Yes to the snacks. (We got into recovery around midnight and had zero food with us, too, and I was starving.)

@MrsFox2008: Yes! The gift from one kiddo to the other. Great addition to the list!

Louise_Belcher · February 2017

So far my list includes:
For Me:
Robe, night gown that looks more like a dress that I can nurse in, going home cozy outfit, nursing bra, slippers, sweater
Depends, minimal makeup, brush, hair ties, bobby pins, chapstick, facewipes, dry shampoo, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, gum, lotion, bodywash (most of which are travel size)
Phone charger, wallet, gift for DS, pillows (with non-white pillow cases, maybe), extra bag to carry gifts and hospital supplies out

For Baby:
Going home outfit, pacifier, car seat, blanket

For DH:
Pjs, outfit, hat, wallet

Our labor and delivery is well stocked on snacks and drinks, pads and such, and anything that baby needs. I brought diapers, wipes, pads, and a whole lot of other things we didn't need. Check with your hospital to see what they provide.

SKZW · February 2017

@nda_roxybabe: Definitely ask about meal times and what's included on the meal trays. I couldn't order 2 entrees for hubbs and myself (say, 2 sandwiches) but could order 1 entree with additional sides (which were okay, but barely enough for a "meal" so he went to the caf). Maybe you could even see a sample menu? Definitely an OK question to ask, you need to be prepared (or, at least, not taken by surprise).

bacorrea · February 2017

nda_roxybabe said:

Okay, when I do the hospital tour, should I ask about meal schedule? Maybe my hospital does meals whenever and I wont need snacks?

Really hoping I can time the hospital with my hair washing schedule so I don't have to wash my hair there, ha! Seriously though, I wash every 5 days now and I think as I get close to the due date I'm going to up to every other day, just so it'll hopefully be "fresh".

Just a FYI. I threw up in my hair while laboring. So just be prepared to wash your hair. Plus you are super sweaty and basically covered in bodily fluids. I was so happy to take a shower.

Yes you can ask about the meal
schedule, for instance my meals were covered DH's meals were not. I don't think I liked anything they brought me (I am picky) I sent DH to get me food (plus he would leave to check on the dogs) so I wasn't like omg never leave me. Instead I was like mozzarella sticks from Sonic, kthanks.

nda_roxybabe · February 2017

@bacorrea Lol, now I want sonic mozza sticks! I'm planning on clipping my hair back and really hoping it doesn't get sweaty or vomity, I know there's definitely that possibility though. I have lots of Birchbox samples, I'll pack just in case.

bacorrea · February 2017

nda_roxybabe said:

@bacorrea Lol, now I want sonic mozza sticks! I'm planning on clipping my hair back and really hoping it doesn't get sweaty or vomity, I know there's definitely that possibility though. I have lots of Birchbox samples, I'll pack just in case.

Yeah! My hair was pulled back and everything. I honestly don't know what happened. I would just rather warn you and you pack hair stuff and not need it than need it and not have it.

Kind of picture yourself after a really hard athletic match (basketball, soccer, track etc) that's what you look like in the end. Red, sweaty, hairs a mess, out of breath x10 plus covered in bodily fluids.

Ejjaba2009 · February 2017

Basic toiletries... Body wash shampoo hair and tooth brush hair ties. Nursing bra and a big night shirt ( I really hated the hospital gown) nursing pillow. My going home outfit will be loose and comfy and the babies going home out fit.

I always pack two going home outfits as when I left the hospital with DS I stood up after showering and getting dressed and peed all over myself. I had packed two going home out fits at the time (after getting a look from DH and my mom when I packed my bag) but I had saved my own ass so since then I pack two.

saric83 · February 2017

This time around we're hoping our visit is way shorter (two or three days versus the seven days last time), so we're keeping the packing list smaller:

Toiletries (travel shampoo/conditioner, body wash, face wash, face lotion, dry shampoo, chapstick, hair binders, headband, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, coconut oil) + minimal make-up
Clothes for me (robe, two nursing tanks, hands-free pumping bra, flip flops, maternity yoga pants, light hoodie, maternity dress (to leave in))
Clothes for Dan (whatever he wants to pack)
Onesie and swaddle blanket for baby
Snacks
Phone and tablet chargers
Bose player & charger
Our water bottles

rebecca517-2 · February 2017

This is so helpful. Thank you all!

hp_momma · February 2017

@nda_roxybabe When I had DD1 in Arizona she was born in the middle of the night, the kitchen was completely closed so even though I hadn't ate in 12 hours and was starving they hospital had nothing for me. Thankfully I had packed plenty of snacks!
DD2 was born in the middle of the afternoon so by the time I got to my room it was time for the dinner tray.
Also, neither time DH has been allowed to order dinner from our room but he could go down to the cafeteria and bring it up.

bubsalicious · February 2017

This is definitely not a complete list and I fully expect it to change but:
Main bag
Going home outfit for baby
Sweat pants if I want pants
Maxi skirt for going home
Tank top
Night gown for if I get tired of the hospital gown
Spare undies in case I hate the hospitals
Dog toy in case the dog doesn't handle baby very well
Manuel breast pump
Toiletries
Camera
Baby Book
1 change of clothes for H (we live close enough)
In car for just in case
The diaper bag
Electronic breast pump
Maybe the dog toy will move to here
Pillow

I have no shame keeping extra stuff in the car for in case we need it anywhere we go.

mamatowildones · February 2017

We took so much stuff the first time and the second time I just took:
Clothes for DH and myself. Comfy only. And socks and granny panties for myself.
Coming home outfit for DS
Nursing bras and tanks
I brought honest co diapers and wipes.
Phone chargers and phones(also we use phones as camera)
swaddle blanket

vrj0522 · February 2017

Going home outfits for baby and me
Baby blanket for going home
Nursing pillow
Toiletries
Nursing bra
Socks because it can get cold at the hospital
Snacks and gum
Pacifier
Baby book to get foot prints
Slippers for walking around
Chargers
Installed car seat

I use everything the hospital provides. I prefer going home with as little dirty everything as possible.

Louise_Belcher · February 2017

@nda_roxybabe Definitely find out the food situation so you are prepared. Ours has a pretty sweet set up. There is a stocked break room that is available 24/7 for moms that DH could get anything I wanted from (sandwiches, cottage cheese, chips, drinks, etc) along with room service during cafeteria hours and they have pretty awesome food.

This is not a hospital bag item I guess, but I plan to have an outfit picked out for DS in advance and set aside at home. Depending on who ends up watching him (and dressing him) he could show up to the hospital looking crazy and I would like some cute pics.

SKZW · February 2017

@Louise_Belcher: Great idea to set out clothes for your son in advance!

psherman42wwsa · February 2017

Last time I brought a couple night lights. I thought that I would use them if I labored in the tub before my epidural and I didn't want the bright lights on. I never made it to the tub but they did come in handy for the night time. The room didn't have any soft lights, it was either really bright overhead lights or nothing. Bathroom light was on a motion sensor so I couldnt leave that cracked open. I will be bringing those again for sure. Also..

Fuzzy socks
Light robe
Yoga capris or shorts
Nursing camis
T shirt for going home
Chapstick
Hair ties
Brush
Light makeup
A couple outfits for baby. Newborn and 0 to 3month size
Velcro swaddles
Phone charger

That's about it.

WombThereItIs · February 2017

I plan to be much more minimalist this round. @mamatowildones pretty much nailed what I plan to pack.

Last time we did bring some DVD's too since I ended up with an induction which was great because it was a lonnnnng 32 hours. We verified they had DVD players in the L&D rooms during the tour and we were super glad we had something to watch. (An entire season of scrubs, Elf, and maybe 2 other movies?) Seriously, labor can be SO boring.

Jens_Hoes · February 2017

This thread overwhelms me slightly. I'm gonna stay in denial for a little bit longer.

kat81 · February 2017

I haven't thought about what I'm packing this time but it's not much because I'm going to a birth center and the max you stay there is only 12 hours! (This is what I like least about this option but so be it.)

I can still give advice on what I wished I had and what I didn't need.

For #1, we actually weren't prepared, even though he was only a few days early. We packed (well my husband and mom mostly did) while I was in labor. So that was part of our problem, but in general we also packed for labor and not for post-baby by large. We packed things like music to listen to, playing cards, etc for labor. Well I showed up and gave birth, basically. I labored quickly and mostly at home so I never needed that stuff. I did NOT pack nursing-related stuff, like a nursing bra. I'm not even sure I HAD one at this time, or maybe I only had ONE. I remember ordering a bunch online very quickly because once my milk came in it leaked all over the place constantly. I think I was also short on clothes for myself somehow.

I guess my reminder to FTMs is that probably/hopefully most of the time you're at the hospital is AFTER the baby comes, not before. So don't JUST plan for labor when there will be a good bit of post-labor time as well.

BeachMommy2B · February 2017

I would suggest minimal packing. Even thought it's a birthing floor, hospitals are still gross and filled with germs!

So I plan to get a pair of cheap slippers to throw out when I leave. Travel toiletries that I will be empty or very little left, cheap toothbrush to throw out.... I think you see where I'm going with this!

Non disposabke items: nursing gown, going home outfit for me and baby, phone chargers

car seat and any baby blankets for the for the ride home will be left in the car until time to leave, then fiance will run down and get them.

Also I suggest taking your shoes off before you walk around your house when you get home until you can clean the bottoms. Because you will have to walk from the birth floor to the exit, etc....

jessicaz89 · February 2017

Here's a hospital checklist for mom, dad, and baby that you may find helpful - https://bestcarseats.org/hospital-bag-checklist/

m3ganmc · February 2017

With my first we ended up staying 2 extra nights due to her being in the NICU. I was ready to be out of hospital gowns and put on my big girl pants (jammie bottoms)...ended up peeing myself on the way to the bathroom. So I highly suggest an extra pair of pants!!!

travel shampoo
toothbrush
face wipes (used after delivery and felt like a million bucks)
chapstick
phone chargers
2 comfy pants
nursing tank/bra
going home outfit for baby (you don't need anything else for baby--hospital will provide!!)

slowmo · February 2017

Great thread! We had one on my last BMB, and it was super helpful. Just wanted to add (from personal experience) to bring your glasses if you wear contacts. You probably won't want to deal with your contacts in labor or postpartum. Also, we didn't bring in the car seat until the day of discharge. No point in it sitting around taking up space.

KMD1106 · February 2017

I haven't even thought of this and can't really remember what I packed last time. One thing that I did love was having my own outfit to change into once I could move around a bit. I brought a comfy skirt and nursing friendly shirt. I felt a million times more like me once I got that on.

CherryBananas · February 2017

This is an awesome thread.

@lrwardrop that is a fantastic idea about the night lights. My dad was recently discharged from the hospital that I will be giving birth at and one of his biggest complaints was having no happy medium with the lighting. Night lights never would have occurred to me

ChristinaWild · February 2017

This might sound weird, but pack something for your SO that you might not mind if it gets wet. DH helped me stand to shower after our first, and got drenched. I probably would have skipped the shower normally, but I got sick as the episdural wore off and wanted to get cleaned off. Dry shampoo is also helpful!

Also so for me, it was nice to have an extra blanket. I get cold easily and hospital linens aren't the greatest for warmth.

achays11 · February 2017

I definitely brought too much the first time because we lived farther from the hospital.

Toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, Chapstick, contact solution and case, face wipes, face lotion (I did bring makeup, and I'm glad that I was able to put a bit on everyday since there were a million pictures)

For me: two nursing tops, nursing bras, yoga pants, and a going home outfit.

For LO: I'm really glad that we had the packed diaper bag in the car, because DD was really tiny and the only onesies that they hospital had were 3-6 months! I pulled out some onesies that I had packed for her and they were perfect. Plus a going home outfit and a swaddle.

Misc: my own pillow, gift for DD, chargers, and snacks

Jkp7749 · February 2017

I tend to over pack but i was glad i did...

I brought travel size toiletries bc i cant stand not feeling like myself, it really made me feel SO much better and i could pack in advance so it made me feel more prepared

I brought my usual makeup for like a five minute refresh.

Also i brought my own pillow (dont bring in a white pillow case, house keeping accidentally took them)

Phone and charger/camera and charger

I also brought a diaper bag and will again this time. I loved dressing her in things we had picked and using her blankets. We didnt use any hospital clothes.

Comfy outfits (i packed three days worth just incase and turns out we needed it so i might suggest that so that if you do end up staying you have thinga you actually want instead of what dh picks)

I brought my own gown and almost immediately after we were in our room recovering i put it on. I hated the hospital gown and feeling so exposed. It helped me feel so much more normal.

I had flip flip slippers for walking around and the cheap plastic flip flops for showering.

I packed a going home outfit that accommodated my belly

I packed a special bag with snacks and a suprise 'dad' shirt for dh. But i was able to get snacks and meals whenever i wanted (we had a pantry type thing on our floor and also room service)

The only thing i wont pack this time is diapers and wipes.

Hansolosparka · February 2017

What I wish I had brought last time:

A PUMPING BRA- trust me on this one- there are a lot of reasons you may wind up pumping and you don't want to be doing it for the first time or at all without your hands free to distract you or the ability to throw a sheet over yourself.

Belly bandit- bc your stomach will be sloshing around

Pacifiers- they wouldn't give them to babies unless they were in the NICU but my son would only sleep with a gloved finger in his mouth otherwise

Nipple shield- I had to use one last time and the hospital
made a big deal that they would only give me one and it's clear and small and easy to lose

a nice robe and nursing tank- for some reason I felt pressured to wear the hospital gown only last time but this time I want to be comfortable

Boppy pillow- for nursing and arm support for the hours of holding baby and staring at them

maxi skirt to wear home- bc I wanted NOTHING touching my giant ice pack region. Leggings would have been tortuous for me.

jayandaplus · February 2017

Reading these I think it's important to know what your hospital has, or what kind of place you're giving birth at. (I'm at a birth center.)

chickyclg · February 2017

How soon is everyone packing your actual clothes? I can't imagine going that long without some of my clothes.

Yiggle09 · February 2017

I had incontinence after having my son. Every time I stood up I peed so I never got out of the gown. Other than my phone charger, a camera and clothes to go home for myself and baby I didn't NEED anything else. I highly suggest bringing your diaper bag completely empty if your going to a hospital. They toss everything but the linen blankets clothes when you leave. Take everything else including everything in the bathroom. The squeeze bottle the witch hazel wipes the perineum ice packs the pain relief spray the mesh undies and then ask for more. All the pacifier 's diapers wipes. Ask them to show you how to pump and then take all those supplies. Baby stayed in this little kimono they gave us his whole time at hospital it was super easy to keep him in only one snap! I found I had enough pillows to not need my nursing pillow. For my bag I'll pack hair brush tooth brush prenatal vitamin and some clothes. Maybe my tablet. They gave me tons of stuff nippel balm sns system nipple shields syringes to help feed my son since he was having issues bf. August was a great month to have a kid it's breastfeeding month so when I had my son they had tons leftover. Bring nipple cream just incase they don't have it to give out. Wouldn't want you to be without

SKZW · February 2017

chickyclg said:

How soon is everyone packing your actual clothes? I can't imagine going that long without some of my clothes.

I literally just this minute (while perusing this thread) said to my hubbs "I'm reading about what to pack in my hospital bag, and making a list!" and he looked at me like I had two heads and replied "we still have a long way to go, you know" so I said "12 weeks will go by fast!" and he still looked at me like I was a crazy person, to be even thinking about this stuff already. He said "yeah, 12 weeks still" and kind of just shook his head, haha. I suppose he's right. Maybe.

I'm due mid May so will probably wait until late April ish to actually truly pack anything.

Louise_Belcher · February 2017

@chickyclg In the next few weeks I will start rounding up the items that wont require use until then and buying travel toiletries. The rest I will keep a detailed list on or in the bag of the items left to pack. About a month before I will probably have it 90% packed except for phone charges (unless I just buy a back up) and such.

vrj0522 · February 2017

chickyclg said:

How soon is everyone packing your actual clothes? I can't imagine going that long without some of my clothes.

I will probably make a list of everything I am taking so that I don't forget anything and have it on hand but some things, like underwear, chargers, etc will be packed a few days before or even the day of. It's not like there's a mad dash the moment labor starts, at least not normally. Even then, grabbing 2-3 specific things shouldn't take more than 1-2 minutes.

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