I started writing this post before I went to the hospital and had baby Max. Now that I’m back home with him, I feel like it’s an even better post because I can share with you everything that I packed, and also what I actually used. So let me first say… you really really don’t need to pack all that much. The hospital pretty much has everything you (and baby) will need, but there are a few things to pack that will definitely make your hospital stay more comfortable! This list is a combination of things I brought and used and of course suggestions from friends of amazing things I wouldn’t have thought to bring with us. I also recorded a whole video on instagram showing all of the items I packed – you can watch it here! Ok let’s get into the details… here’s everything I packed, and you’ll see a * next to everything I actually ended up using!
For Mama:
- long-sleeved button down nightshirts* – my faves are this Eberjey Sleepshirt, this Nordstrom one, and this Target one. I packed two and used both.
- nursing bras*
- nursing tank*
- flip flops for the shower*
- slippers*
- non-slip sticky bottom comfy socks*
- coming home outfit*
- black robe
- FridaMom peri bottle & perennial cooling liners
- MamaStrut organic postpartum pads
- big water bottle with a straw*
- long cord phone charger*
- good chapstick – your lips get so chapped while in labor!*
- toiletries / whatever makeup you want*
- towel, washcloth, blanket, pillow*
- hair brush and hair ties*
- nipple cream*
- nursing pillow*
- prenatal vitamins / probiotics
- electrolytes* – I use LMNT electrolytes in Citrus flavor
- Bone Broth* – I packed a few cartons of bone broth which was one of the best things I thought to pack because you’re not allowed to have anything besides liquids once admitted, and bone broth still counted as a liquid while packing a big protein-packed punch to keep mama fueled for labor! I brought these ones because they’re already portioned out and just asked the nurse to pour them into a cup and warm them up for me.
I actually ended up using most of what I packed! I didn’t use the peri bottle or pads or liners that I packed since they had everything I needed at the hospital but I used it all as soon as we got home so it was nice to have it all ready to go.
One more tip, make sure to take home lots of hospital mesh undies! They’re super comfortable and you’ll be happy to have disposable undies when you first get home.
For Baby
- coming home outfit*
- swaddle blanket*
- diapers – not necessary, just if you wanted to bring your own non-toxic brand (I brought a couple Honest Diapers and a couple Boo Diapers but just used the hospital ones until we got home)
- carseat!*
Other
- toiletries/clothes/pillow for your support person*
- hospital paperwork*
- insurance card*
- masks*
- cooler if you’re encapsulating your placenta*
- cord blood kit if you’ve opted to bank it
- snacks for after labor! I brought trail mix, nuts, coconut water, and Elemental Superfood bars*
- treats for Labor & Delivery nurses as a thank you* – they were so appreciative of this!
Ok that should cover it! Good luck to all the mamas reading this as you’re packing your hospital bag! Sending you all the best vibes for a smooth labor, lots of newborn snuggles, and an easy recovery! Oh and while we’re on that topic, make sure to read up on my blog post covering all the Essentials for Postpartum Recovery!
