Experts say to pack your hospital bag around 34-36 weeks. As a planner myself, I waited until after 37 weeks. Why? Because I just didn’t know what to pack. Of course, lots of the items go without saying but as a habitual over packer I wanted to be prudent. After hours of debate and research, here’s a checklist and a few suggestions. What am I missing?!?
For Mom:
- Pre-Registration Papers
- Photo ID
- Insurance Card
- Camera and/or Video Camera
- 2-3 Nightgowns
- Robe
- Slippers and/or Socks
- Comfortable going home outfit
- Nursing or Sports Bra
- A few extra pairs of comfortable underwear
- Toiletries / Make-Up
- Maxi-Pads. The hospital will provide pads but you may want to bring your own, super duper pads.
- Breast pads and Breast cream
- Electronics and/or a book to keep you entertained and relaxed.
- Cell phone to share the good news!
- Remind dad to bring a small bag of clothes and toiletries if he plans to stay with you at the hospital.
Thanks to some savvy mom’s we have a few additions:
- Baby book to capture the baby’s hand and foot prints.
- An extra robe
- Chap-stick
- A notebook or place to keep track of visitors and gifts your receive in the hospital (great idea- thanks Shannon!)
For Baby:
- Car Seat! You can’t leave the hospital without an installed seat.
- A couple of onesies
- Going home outfit with hat and mittens. If you opt for something other than a footie, bring socks/booties too.
- Emery boards
- Pacifiers
- Swaddling blanket(s). The hospital will provide but you may want one or two for the ride home.
- Stroller/Fleece blanket
Rail and Wharf 48-hour Duffle via J. Crew / Gilligan & O’Malley Knit Gowns via Target / Luella Robe via Doie Lounge / UGG Ansley Slippers via Zappos / Electronics via Apple / Canon PowerShot S100 via Amazon / Hard Tail Roll Waist Wide Leg Pant via Nordstroms / Striped Boyfriend Cardigan via Elle Apparel / Bravado Seamless Nursing Bra via Diapers.com /Cotton Underpants via Victoria’s Secret / Reina Ballet Flats via Tom’s / Cosmetic Bag via Kate Spade / Toiletries via Soap.Com / Medella Breast Pads and Cream via Walgreens / Onesies and Mittens via Carter’s / Jungle Jam Swaddle Blankets via aden+ anais / Chenille Baby Blanket via Land of Nod / Kissy Kissy Frog Print Hat and Footie via Green Daisy /Graco SnugRide35 via Diapers.com / Avent Soothies via Diapers.com
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Fantastic page……….What vital and great information…………A MUST read for all mothers-to-be before the BIG day!!!!!!!!
I just bought the Tom’s Reina Ballet Flats – LOVE them!!
Great site, Linds! I would add chapstick, an extra robe (you will live in your robes!), and notebook or somewhere to write down the names of visitors and gifts. Congrats again to you and Tyler. Can’t wait to hear the news of Baby K’s arrival!
Love the Hard Tail pants and cozy slippers!!
Your nightgowns do look cozy, and your going home outfit chic, but I recommend buying a nursing gown and/or top and/or dress. When I was in hospital after birth, I really wanted to wear my own comfy, pretty clothes from home, but the hospital provided a nursing gown which provided an irresistable practicality.
Next time, I plan to bring my own nursing outfits so I can combine, comfy, pretty AND practical.
I just randomly found an example of a shop that keeps these for you: http://www.motherwear.com/prod.cfm/cid/15/sid/4444