I wanted to share what was in my hospital bag this time around in case any of my expecting friends are unsure or just suffering from pregnancy brain. When I was pregnant with Joy, I definitely overpacked. My bag was stuffed with things the hospital provided and things that I was just too sore or uncomfortable to put on. I have divided the list up into what you need for baby, what mom needs, and don’t forget about dad! Later, I will be posting about the little gift I prepared for big sister Joy, from mommy, daddy, and baby bro!

For Baby 

There are very few items you need to pack for your newborn baby. The hospital provides diapers, wipes, burp clothes, a little blanket, and all the toiletries they might need. Now our hospital did only provide Johnson & Johnson baby products so if you aren’t a fan of theirs, maybe pack some Babyganic or Honest Company baby wash, shampoo, and lotion. I was able to nurse Joy immediately but if you aren’t interested in breastfeeding or unable to, the hospital will provide whatever you might need to feed your baby! With Joy, I packed my nursing pillow but forgot to use it. I would suggest leaving it at home and just use a regular pillow for those couple days. 

Milk Snob Carseat Cover | Blanket | Outfits | Sleeper | pacifier

Not pictured: Honest Company Baby Toiletries 

I packed a sleeper and two outfits in two different sizes, just in case we have a chunker…

IF you plan on having a photographer or taking any special photos, don’t forget to pack that outfit!

For Mama 

Labor is hard, and recovery is uncomfortable. I will spare you the details, but the hospital provides most of the after-birth self care items you will need. Pro Tip: Pack a couple Depends Adult Underwear for the trip home because they are much more comfortable than the mesh variety the hospital will provide.

For labor, I wore the hospital issued gown with a comfy wireless nursing bra. The bra is definitely optional. I wouldn’t suggest a cute gown because things get messy.

After labor, I wore comfy pajama pants, my favorite tee shirt from my husband’s closet, a nice robe, nursing tanks, and comfy sleep nursing bras. I also brought my own socks with grips. You just want to pack loose lounge clothes.

Pea in the Pod Robe | nursing tanks | nursing bras* | pajama pants | Blanqi Leggings | socks w/ grips | Depends underwear

*the nursing bras I have tagged are perfect for larger busted women!

Toiletries 

This was an area I glossed over last time and I will not be making that mistake again! Having the toiletries of your choice are what will make you feel the most comfortable during the duration of your stay at the hospital. If you use it at home, make sure it finds it’s way into your hospital bag.

Grocery Bag for Dirty Clothes | Shower Cap | contacts, contact solution, contact case | deodorant | soap | mouthwash | toothpaste | lotion | cleansing pads

Not pictured: glasses, make up kit, brush, headband, extra hair ties

Recently I started a BeautyCounter Regimen that I am really loving right now. I have all those products ready to go as well as some very basic makeup items. If you are expecting visitors, a little tinted moisturizer, mascara, and lip gloss won’t hurt. I forgot to pack any sort of makeup and I look exhausted in all the photos. I was exhausted but no need to look it!

Beauty Counter Rejuvenating Night Cream | Nourishing Day Cream | Face Oil | Beauty Counter Lip Balm | LUSH Eau Roma Water 

For dad

Jeff was an amazing support during labor. He slept on the tiny couch without complaint and rarely left my side. Things will be a little different this time considering they are smack dab in the middle of season but he will still need to pack a few items. I made sure he had clean underwear and socks, shorts, tees, and his toiletries. I also set him aside a clean pillow and blanket for a little piece of comfort.

SNACKS

I wasn’t able to/ wasn’t interested in eating during labor but afterwards I was ravenous. I ended up sending my parents out for a list of snacks but this time I’m prepared.

Oat Mama Bars | Rhythm Broccoli Bites | Trader Joe’s Powerberries | Trader Joe’s Chocolate Coconut Almonds | Trader Joe’s Licorice |Boom Chicka Pop | Trader Joe’s Coconut Thins | Goldfish

Here is a link to my PRINTABLE Hospital Bag Checklist!

hospital bag packing list [firstandfull.com]

note: I purposely excluded a birth plan. It wasn’t for me but if that is something you have put a lot of time into, by all means DON’T FORGET IT!