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Packing for the hospital in preparation for the birth of my baby felt very overwhelming, and I therefore procrastinated by watching videos about what everyone else packed. While they were helpful, there were many things that I had that I didn’t feel I needed, as well as things I thought of that I didn’t hear other people mention.
With all things, evaluate my recommendations to determine what fits your hospital and preferences.
The Bags
My first recommendation is to have several bags for different scenarios. I first had the diaper bag for the baby, a bag for me, and a bag of just in case. The just-in-case bag is nice for things that you are not sure if you are going to want.
Baby Bag
Folder
I am putting this first on the list because I think it was the best recommendation I received. It was something I wouldn’t have come up with on my own. You will be given a stack of papers during your stay at the hospital, and it is very nice to have a place to collect them.
Going Home Outfit
The only clothes I recommend bringing for the baby are an outfit to go home in. My son didn’t wear clothes in the hospital except when transferring from the delivery room to the postpartum room. Other than that, we swaddled him up when he was in the bassinet, and if he wasn’t, he was naked on our bare chests for skin to skin.
Diapers/ Wipes
I brought a couple of diapers, but I don’t even think that was necessary. The hospital provides them for you while you are there, and then you can take the extras in case there is an emergency on the way home. Same thing with wipes. They will provide them while you are there, and you can take the rest of the pack with you.
Blanket
We brought a swaddle blanket, which we didn’t end up needing, as well as a thicker blanket to cover him in the car seat. That is a seasonal judgment call for you to make. If it is the middle of the summer, a heavy blanket is unnecessary.
Sound Machine
We didn’t end up using the sound machine. We were all so tired that it was unnecessary to sleep. With that said, we have one that is small enough to justify bringing in the future just in case.
For Myself
Crocs
This was one of the best decisions I made. I had a massive debate about whether I was going to wear my Crocs, or slippers, or take both. The day of, I decided on just the Crocs, which I have never worn out in public before, and I’m so thankful I did. They are easy to get on and off to go to the bathroom, but they are also easily washed. That comes in handy when you stand up, and a stream of blood runs down your leg, filling your shoe. It happened.
As a side note, I don’t have actual Crocs. I got a brandless pair from the thrift store.
Fan
Bringing the stroller fan was the second-best decision I made. It was so hot in our room. It makes sense to keep the baby warm, but I was sweating the whole time. The second night, I remembered I had brought the fan, and the bendy legs were great to attach it to the side of the bed.
Going Home Outfit
I brought a pair of pajamas with a very stretchy waistband and button down top to wear home from the hospital. I didn’t know how big I would be and wanted to make sure I had plenty of room and comfort. They are the only pajama set I own, so I still felt marginally put together, and the button-down provided ease of nursing.
Nightgown
I brought a nightgown to wear, and I don’t think I will next time. I hear people talking about how terrible the hospital gowns are, but I loved them. It was so nice not to have to worry about bleeding on my own clothes. It was easy to get open for nursing, and so big that my baby fit in with me.
Toiletries
While I brought things to take a shower, I never used them. I waited till I got home to shower. All I used was my toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrush, and deodorant.
Feminine Hygiene
I brought some pads and diapers with me, but it was really unnecessary. The hospital provided everything I needed in that department, and I don’t think I will be taking anything next time.
Pillow
The pillows the hospital provided were basically pancakes. I am sure that it is different everywhere, but I would bring your own pillow with a distinct pillowcase.
Snacks
I highly recommend bringing not only snacks, but a meal as well. By the time I birthed my baby and got to the point where I could eat, the cafeteria was closed, and it took a very long time for the nurse to find me a turkey sandwich. Granted, it was the best sandwich I have ever eaten in my life, but it was probably because it was 1900 and I hadn’t eaten anything since about 0600. I would also get hungry in the middle of the night when I was up nursing and it was nice to have something to eat.
Plastic Bag
A plastic grocery bag was something I threw in at the last minute, and I am so glad I did. During labor, the clothing I was wearing got completely covered in various bodily fluids, and it was nice to have somewhere to put them to take home that would not get the rest of the things in the bag dirty. I am sure the hospital will be able to give you a trash bag if you ask.
Robe/ Blanket
I put my robe and an extra blanket in a bag to leave in the car in case the room was cold. As previously mentioned, it was not. I think they would be unnecessary anyway. If you need an extra blanket, you can ask, and the nurses should be able to get you one.
Activities
I personally only needed my sweet baby’s face to stare at to keep me occupied. The days went by so quickly that I never thought about needing something to do. I downloaded an e-book from the library in the middle of the second night to keep me awake while holding my baby. While some consider it blasphemy, I would recommend an e-book over a physical one because it is easier to hold and turn the pages one-handed. I wish I had one ready to go already, instead of searching for something easy to read in the middle of the night.
Nursing Pillow
I wish I had brought my nursing pillow. When I was first learning how to nurse, I felt like I needed three more hands, and it would have been so nice to have had the pillow to prop my baby on and make things a little easier.
I hope you found this helpful in deciding what to pack for the birth of your baby. If you have any recommendations that I did not talk about, I would love to hear them in a comment below!
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