With Brooke, we had about a week and half notice that she might be coming early to get things packed and ready to go. As a first time mom, I took to Pinterest for a great list of what I would need to pack in my hospital bag. I made a list of what I thought and deleted items I thought I wouldn’t need. Then, I packed! I went into labor, we grabbed our bags, headed to the hospital and didn’t look back. However, I will raise my hand super high and admit that I packed WAY TOO MUCH in my hospital bag and I didn’t have the right items so we had to go get them. This time around, now that I am more “experienced” I have put together this hospital bag essentials list and there is even a great giveaway at the end! I hope this list truly helps you pack your bag and feel prepared!
Comfy Outfit: For me, this means I am packing my pregnancy leggings, a tank top, and a cardigan. Along with this, I am also packing a “loose” top for going home. Last time, I packed a robe, and a complete other outfit and I really didn’t need it at all. Think simple and comfortable. For you, that might mean a robe, but i’m not really a robe person.
Nursing Supplies: This is key! I totally ignored this as a first time mom. I thought I could just use my normal bra and the it wouldn’t be that inconvenient. I was so WRONG!! Pack a really good Nursing Bra and Nursing Pads. After trying several brands while nursing Brooke, I found that Cake Maternity is my absolute favorite. They provide great support, are comfortable, stylish and easy to use. Plus, their nursing pads are so soft and practical. Trust me, don’t skip this. Plus, enter below to win $100 to Cake Maternity!!
Full Panties: Think boyfriend short or brief style panties. Most likely black, very comfortable and ones you won’t mind tossing in the trash after this whole shin dig is over.
Dry Shampoo: Don’t waste your time bringing all of your shower stuff, hair stuff or hair dryer. Skip all of that and just bring your favorite dry shampoo. I am obsessed with Living Proof because it works so good and smells amazing. With Brooke, I was way to busy and exhausted to think about a shower until I got home from the hospital. Don’t get me wrong, it was the FIRST thing I did when I got home… but I wanted to shower at home, not at the hospital.
Curling Wand: or straighter if you think you will need it. With Brooke, I used my straightener and make up the second day before we left. I really only used it to help myself feel better though.
Make Up: Same, I used my make up to help me feel better. Plus, you might have lots of guests and feel like you need to “ready”. Make up helps.
Toiletries: Think basics… deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, contacts, contact solution, hair tie, lotion.. etc. I recommend still using your anti-stretch mark lotion for a few months after your baby is born. This really helped me.
Socks & Shoes: Most likely, you will have a pair of socks and shoes that you wore to the hospital. I suggest thinking about what you might want to wear to the hospital and home from the hospital and consider one pair of shoes to eliminate clutter. I know I’ll be wearing my favorite nike tennis shoes. They are easy and conformable. I might bring a pair of cozy socks to wear around the hospital room. I did that last time and it worked well.
Camera: Since Brooke was so early, we really didn’t get to take pictures in the hospital besides with our phone because she was in the NICU. This time, I am planning on packing my good camera just in case, but we will see if we get to use it this time.
Phone Charger: I should highlight this one and all caps it!!! Don’t forget your phone charger. Put it in your purse right now in case of emergency. When we had a scare a few weeks ago and ended up in the hospital, neither of us had phone chargers and our phones kept creeping toward 0%.. you don’t want that to happen to you. Trust me.
Click on the image below to shop my hospital essentials
Also, enter to WIN $100 to Cake Maternity below: