Hospital bag for mom and baby

admiralnilla · September 2022

I'm a FTM and I have been pouring over lists, pictures and videos on what to pack and what not to pack for L&D.
As far as I'm seeing things, ladies ALWAYS say don't forget hair ties, chapstick and long charge cables. That's the only thing I really have packed.
I wanted to know from the community what really is going on and what else is like a MUST.

dobiemom11 · September 2022

I don't remember using most of what was in the my bag. I stayed in hospital gowns the whole time until we were about to leave. The hospital supplied all of the postpartum stuff and had shampoo/basic toiletries. I don't wear makeup or do anything special with my hair on a normal day, so I didn't pack anything like that. I did enjoy my favorite snacks that I packed!!!

My son was in the NICU, so we didn't use any of the baby items we brought. I brought my pump from home and wish I had discussed that with the lactation consultant. They had me using the hospital machine, which left me pretty confused when I got home. The pump didn't even leave the bag at the hospital. We did have a laptop for watching movies during our long labor.

Depending on your situation, you can probably send someone to get something if you find you can't live without it.

Best of luck!!

harpseal135 · September 2022

We packed pretty much the whole nursery in the car! Lol
Almost 90% of it stayed in the car.

The only things I used were:
Phone charger
Brush
Outfit change for baby (newborn and 0-3 mo).
Clothing for me to go home in - I stayed in hospital gown as I leaked multiple times through my stay.
Toothbrush, toothpaste

I used the hospital "pamper" kit (shampoo, body wash, lotion, etc).
I used the hospital mesh underwear and pads.

They provided ice packs, baby diapers, wipes, squirter bottle to clean yourself after using the restroom, etc.

Practically everything i or baby needed was provided.

inthewoods23 · September 2022

As a FTM I used very little of what I brought with me. Granted I didn't know how long we'd be staying in the hospital so I packed 4 shirts to give myself options lol. In the end I gave birth at 2am and we left the following evening so I way overpacked on clothes.

I was so exhausted from birth I didn't get out of my hospital gown that entire day. I had no desire to put on the nursing gown and robe my friend gave me or any regular clothes since the mesh underwear and giant pads isn't exactly going to make you feel glamorous. I was only able to shower the following morning when I was able to stand on my own after the epidural.

My hospital did not provide bathroom toiletries so I would recommend packing that unless you can find out ahead of time if they are provided. Pretty much all the PP and baby supplies you might need will be provided by the hospital. The only PP supplies I bought for myself (but didn't bring to the hospital) we're hot/cold packs (some people DIY their own), heavy flow period pads, witch hazel wipes, and the Frida peri bottle. The hospital did provide a peri bottle but after a while I found it difficult to use since you're trying to spray against gravity. The Frida bottle has a bend in the neck.

I also did not use half of the entertainment I packed. We went through a couple movies as we waited for me to dialate (I was induced) but I didn't bother with the sudoku book or my ipad. I ended up just using my phone for games.

I don't think there was anything that I didn't pack that I wish I had.

swizzlemalarkey · September 2022

I really didn’t use a lot of the stuff I packed. I will recommended making it organized because when in labor I really didn’t enjoy digging through my bag lol. I remember using my toothbrush/toothpaste, hair brush, deodorant, going home outfit (I stayed in the hospital gown the whole time). Phone charger. Some snacks. I don’t think I put any makeup on but I was dehydrated so chapstick is nice to have. For baby I used pacifiers, pacifier clip, going home outfit.

ETA: I think I brought toiletries but I never took a shower. I would definitely want to next time though and face wash!

knottiec1bd6c5399b4642a · September 2022

Two things I didn't pack last time but wished I had are shower shoes and conditioner. They gave us shampoo in the hospital, but not conditioner.

Wishilivedinflorida · September 2022

After two kids, here is what I have found essential for me and will pack for #3:

Soft PJ’s and gowns for me (after labor). Use hospital gowns for the messy part. They will give you all the pads and such you need. Nursing cover if I have visitors.

Good toiletries. If your hospital provides them, great, but they will probably suck. Makeup if you want. Contacts or glasses if you wear lenses. Dry shampoo!!

Phone charger and either laptop or iPad if you want. Headphones if you want music.

Going home outfit(s) for baby. I also found a zip up NB swaddle pod handy because I can’t swaddle with a blanket to save my life.

PACIFIER. Our hospital refused to give me one with DS even though he had comfort nursed for three straight hours and my nipples were raw. It’s just nice to have one on hand, even if you don’t think you want to use one.

Boppy or similar nursing pillow. It will hold up better than hospital pillows that deflate.

Anything else is probably not necessary unless it’s something unique and special to you.

novaforever · December 2022

You don’t need a lot mama. I’m actually packing my back right now at 36 weeks with twins. In addition to what you’ve already named, I am packing:

Baby A & B Each:

1 Hat
1 Gown
1 Sleeper
1 Photo Ready Outfit
3 Onesies
3 Pairs of Socks
2 Receiving Blankets/Swaddles

Car Seats & Blankets

For Me:

Lotion

Body Wash
Dove Bar for Face
Travel Size Toothbrush/Toothpaste

Nursing Bra
Nursing Breast Pads
Going Home Shirt/Sweats
Always Discreet Underwear

Warm Fuzzy Socks
Gown - to make the experience my own

Anything else will be given to you such as diapers, wipes, peri bottle, pads, dermoplast

anny_r · December 2022

I also packed things for my husband - toothbrush, underwear, pants, socks, slippers, warm hoodie in case it’s cold at night, - all that stuff. And lot’s pf snacks for both of us - for labor and for next day(s).

Knottie1433187098 · January 2023

Ew, don’t pack for your husband- he’s an adult. It’s not 1957.

Wishilivedinflorida · January 2023

Knottie1433187098 said:

Ew, don’t pack for your husband- he’s an adult. It’s not 1957.

I think you are taking this too literally. Sometimes I pack for my husband to keep the suitcase organized…it’s not a thing.

inthewoods23 · January 2023

Wishilivedinflorida said:
I think you are taking this too literally. Sometimes I pack for my husband to keep the suitcase organized…it’s not a thing.

Right, if you only plan on taking only 1 bag it makes sense to be the one to pack his + yours. Probably part of the nesting instinct to want to pack his stuff anyway

Knottie1433187098 said:

Ew, don’t pack for your husband- he’s an adult. It’s not 1957.

And you're an adult. Stop being so judgmental of how people choose to operate in their relationships. It's 2023 for pete's sake. Heaven forbid we should do a nice gesture.

knottie_knottie1 · February 2023

I agree with others, you don't need to bring much except your phone charger, toiletries, and a change of clothes for you and baby. The only thing I'd add is I also brought my pillow with me and my sleeping mask and I was glad I did

Also, if you're in the US, depending on the state you may need to bring your checkbook to pay for the birth certificate

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