Hospital Bag Checklist

photo: so young

When it came time to pack our hospital bags and prepare to welcome our little man into the world, I was overwhelmed. I didn't want to forget anything important, or overpack and then have a bunch of unused things to put away. I spent hours searching pinterest for the perfect "Hospital Bag" list. None of them were quite right, so here is my list of items and tips for your D-Day.

Diaper Bag:

__Going home outfit

__Receiving blanket

__Burp rag for ride home just in case

__Hat

__Socks

__Mittens

*Leave lots of room, because you can take EVERYTHING that is disposable in the room. They charge you regardless if you take it or not. Ask for extra diapers, there's no extra charge, so load up your diaper bag. We filled our diaper bag, and then asked for more for our room, and took the remainder of those as well.

*I also packed my breastfeeding needs in the diaper bag, but they provide you with sample size nipple cream, as well as gel pads if you ask. The gels are for burn victims, but your nipples will thank you! I also packed nipple pads, but I did not leak, and a few milk bags in case I would need to pump. Hospitals will provide a nipple shield if needed, but if you have one bring it. Most lactation consultants will frown at this, but in the end do what works for you and baby. The important thing is getting your milk in your baby…no matter how.

* A binky if you are choosing to use one. The hospital ones didn't stay in due to shape, so I would recommend getting a couple different 0-3month binks shape wise and see what they prefer. Our little guy loved THESE.

*Dollar store clear pencil bags are fabulous for organizing, and double as poop bag for inevitable blow outs. Stay tuned for a post on that.

Your Bag

__Nursing bra or sports bra with removable straps

__Large underwear (big enough to fit diaper size pad and ice pack!). I loved the hospital ones and asked for extra to take home, and they were free. They are basically booty shorts, and ironically they are white so you will want extra.

__Comfy T-shirt and nursing tank top.

__Loose sweats. Don’t recommend leggings, if you need c-section or get stitched they will be too tight. I wasn't even able to wear my yoga pants. So again LOOSE is key here. You aren't competing in a beauty pageant.

*Makeup. I just brought tinted CC cream and mascara. Dry shampoo, shampoo & conditioner, body wash, hair brush, tooth brush, tooth paste. I also packed some preggy pops and gum in case I got sick from the rush of hormones leaving my body.

His Bag

__Warm clothes!!!! They keep A.C. cranked because you will be over heated from hormones shifting. Sweats, sweat shirt, socks.

__Slippers for those walks to get coffee in the middle of the night.

__Extra blanket and pillow.

__Snacks and ibuprofen (don't let nurses see the ibuprofen, it's technically not allowed, but Dad will be tired and headaches happen with lack of sleep and adrenaline.)

__Camera

__Phone Chargers

__Phones

*toiletries- depending on if he plans on showering or not.

Take advantage of the granola bars, smoothies, popsicles, and free things. Also when people offer to bring you something, let them! Even if it's candy or something you can store in the fridge for the first couple days home. Ask for extra pads, ice packs, and witch hazel pads! You honestly cannot have enough of these.

Start taking stool softeners a week before your due date, you will be thankful later!

Good Luck Mama

#Family #LIFE