When I started packing my hospital bag it made the idea that I was about to become a mom all too real. I actually heard you should pack it around 37 weeks, but I waited until 39. I couldn’t wrap my head around the idea that I was about to be a mom! It is the most surreal feeling!
I am not a planner. It is something that drives my husband nuts. I can be very, “fly by the seat of your pants” mentality. However, when it came to packing my bag, I was overly versed in everything I might need. I read every article, texted every friend, and listened to my gut. I am not going to lie, I only used HALF of what I packed. Once she was here I learned quickly what you actually need is different than what you wanted to need. I packed everything from face masks to help soothe my dry hospital skin to a new pair of pajamas for every night. SO.NOT.NECESSARY.
So, here is a list of what I did pack and a list of what I would recommend to remove and/or add that I had wished I brought.
What I packed in My Bag:
* Face Wipes – I honestly only used these once. However, if you go in with make-up or can’t get up to shower, I recommend packing these
* Niven Morgan Travel Set – I really wanted nice smelling bath products so I could “treat” myself. While it was nice to have them, I only stayed one night in the hospital so they were a bit unnecessary. However, If you stay longer than a night, I do think it was nice to have them.
* Special Shampoo and Conditioner – I LOVE my Oribe shampoo and conditioner so I knew I would want them in the hospital and I am glad I had them! The smell reminded me of home and my hair felt great
* Bose Wireless Speaker – THIS.IS.A.MUST. Labor can be LONG (mine was 24 hours) so having music playing that I liked made the time pass so much more enjoyable. Even the nursers commented on how nice it was to come into our room. I can’t recommend this enough.
* Three Pajama Dresses – Again, I only stayed one night so three was a bit excessive but I recommend packing that many. If you have to have an emergency c-section or are planning on a c-section you will be there far longer. Having clean options will be so nice!
* Soft/Cute Robe – For me this was SO unnecessary. I never even pulled it out of the bag. I packed all Eberjay pajamas which were cute enough without a robe. And you are in bed the entire time, I wouldn’t waste the space.
* Chapstick – I do recommend having this handy. My husband kept it in his pocket and we used it often! The rooms get so cold and dry out your lips quickly
* Extra long Iphone Charger – A must! It honestly just makes things easier, which you want! I can’t say that I sat on my phone that often (there was a lot going on) but it was nice to know my phone was fully charged. Honestly, it is more for the men than the women 🙂
* Two Pillows – I could have used one more because the pillows you bring from home have so much more cushion in them and are so much more comfortable
* Foam Mattress Topper – I bought this for my husband and it was a TOTAL game changer for his sleep. It made sleeping much more enjoyable for him, which was important to me. I needed him to be rested to help me through the process. We left it at the hospital so didn’t have to worry about taking it home.
* Make-Up – I definitely wouldn’t recommend bringing an arson of make-up, you won’t use it. I did bring tinted moisturizer, bronzer, eyebrow pencil, and mascara. I quickly put this on before we left the hospital and I was glad I had a little something on for the “leaving the hospital” photos.
* Slippers – I upgraded to a suite which provided slippers, but if your room doesn’t have slippers, these are a must!!! The slippers I brought were these fluffy Minnetonka’s that are more like a shoe so they weren’t near as easy to slip on as the hospital option. I recommend just getting a pair that you can slip-on and off very quickly and easily.
* Sleep Eye Mask – A DEFINITE MUST! I wear these every night (they are a game changer), but I also bought my husband one too. We wore them napping and at night and they seriously help with getting to sleep. There are so many lights and machines around that drowning them out will help you get a little extra shut-eye.
* Sheet Masks – A total waste of space! Between taking care of baby, having nurses come in, the baby getting checked, and guests coming in and out, you will not have time for this! I did speak to someone who said she used them during labor which is an idea but I wouldn’t bother.
* Going Home Dress – This one got a 50/50 response when I asked if other women had a dress option for going home. Some said, “Hell to the NO,” and some said, “Absolutely.” I definitely wanted an option and I was glad I did. It can be chaotic leaving the hospital but I wanted to have a cute family photo arriving at our house. It took just as long to put the dress on as it would comfy pants so I say, go for it! You won’t regret it. Also, the moment the door opens, you can put those sweatpants on.
* Nursing Bras – I ended up not needing them but I recommend packing one or two depending on how long you stay there
* Snacks – I was huge on having snacks for the hospital. I didn’t touch them once! My husband had some while I was in labor but I couldn’t eat. And then when I was in my room, my parents and friends brought so much food that our snacks were an after thought. If you don’t have family in town, I recommend packing some, otherwise, don’t stress.
What I Also Wished I Had Packed:
* Blanket – Thank the lord my friend brought me one. We all used it! My mom and husband used it because I had the room so cold and I used it to help with the Pitocin and Epidural shakes. It was the best gift anyone could have brought me
* Non-Scented lotion – I packed really nice smelling lotion but Baby’s hate scents. I didn’t end up using it and had wished I packed lotion that was moisturizing for my skin and okay for her. I recommend CeraVe – My Pediatrician recommend we use this on Eleanor. There are studies that it helps with any future allergies and it is SUPER moisturizing. Fun fact – my mom’s dermatologist also recommended it for her skin!
* A sweater – This is actually more for the husbands. Poor Brice was FREEZING! He forgot his sweater so was trying to use hospital blankets around his shoulders. It would have been so much better had he packed a sweater.
What I packed in Elaenor’s Bag:
* Three Footie Pajamas – I packed 0-3 months because everyone said don’t buy newborns because they grow out of it too quickly. HUGE mistake! Pack newborn!!!!! I ended up needing it when I got home and a month later she is still fitting into it. Thank goodness for sisters and hand-me-downs.
* Baby Socks – Hospitals are cold and their little feet get even colder! Just pack one or two pairs
* Two Swaddles – I packed pretty swaddles and they were cute for photos. The hospital will swaddle them tight so you don’t need any “heavy duty” swaddle
* Going Home Outfit – I packed a super cute outfit for her, she spit-up all over it and her carseat. But it was easy to clean- up and we still got a few cute photos for the baby book!
* DON’T FORGET TO TAKE EVERYTHING FROM THE HOSPITAL – Everything in the bin for the baby is for you! Take it, you want it! From the diapers, to the sucker, to the extra formula, take it all!
