I can't believe it, but the countdown is on! I'm 35 weeks and it's time to pack up my hospital bag! Both my boys came at 37 weeks and both came pretty quickly, so it's time to get prepared. Where this isn't my first rodeo, I'm feeling like I know what I need (and what I definitely don't). I've realized you really don't need as much for baby as you initially think. The hospital has you covered on diapers, wipes, and all things hygiene, as well as blankets and kimonos for baby should you choose to use them. I actually don't remember putting real outfits on either of my boys until the day we left the hospital (and note both hospital stays were less than 48 hours).
Everyone is different and much of what you pack comes down to personal preference; i.e you may want to bring along your own pillow, or you might be preparing for a C-Section, but I think there's some things we'd all agree on. Here's a look at what I've packed, I'd love you to leave a comment with your hospital bag essentials!
The bag
A new duffel bag
Not nessesary to get a new bag, but I like to have something fresh and clean. Chose a bag that has plenty of room and is easy to identify. I'm using the beautiful Super Star Duffel Bag from Ju-Ju Be. Both times I went to the hospital to have my boys, I had a bag packed but didn't have it with me (drove myself both times) so I'm always glad to have a pretty bag my husband can spot quickly.
Not nessesary to get a new bag, but I like to have something fresh and clean. Chose a bag that has plenty of room and is easy to identify. I'm using the beautiful Super Star Duffel Bag from Ju-Ju Be. Both times I went to the hospital to have my boys, I had a bag packed but didn't have it with me (drove myself both times) so I'm always glad to have a pretty bag my husband can spot quickly.
For me
Comfortable and easy to nurse in Pajamas
I'm packing these cute and soft PJ's from Baby Be Mine, available at Milk and Baby.
A Robe
I'm a big fan of robes and having one at the hospital is super helpful. I have this one from Baby Be Mine available at Milk and Baby; it's super soft and easy to pack.
Slippers
I love having a cozy pair of slippers with me at the hospital. I just got these new ones from LLBean and am obsessed with them (note they're totally acceptable for wearing out to school drop off too).
Nursing Cover
This is a personal preference, but with lots of visitors and people coming into the room, I like to have a nursing cover with me. I'm using a Milk Snob nursing cover, which is so soft, easy to put on, and drapes right over you for great coverage.
Hospital Gown
I've never brought my own gown before but honestly the hospital ones are huge and ugly, so I figure why don't feel pretty for my last delivery (especially considering I'm having a birth photographer). This time I'll be wearing this pink gown from Pretty Pushers.
Head Band
I like to keep my hair back and out of my face at the hospital, and head bands are an easy and cute way to do that. These headbands from The Zen Bird are my favorite.
Nursing tanks and/or nursing bra
I find nursing tanks to be most comfortable in the first days postpartum. I have these tanks from Bravado packed.
Push Pack
Because you can't remember every little thing, I've put aPush Pack in my bag. These pre-packed labor kits are so smart!
Basic Toiletries
It always feels good to freshen up, having your favorite toiletries is key.
Gentle lotion
Hospitals are so dry. I always like to bring something to keep moisturized. It's important to bring something that is gentle and won't irritate your new little one. I've packed the unscented body butter from Blissfully Simple.
Comfy clothes to wear on day 2 & to wear home
Open front sweaters, nursing tanks, and my favorite Blanqi Highwaist Support Leggings is what I'll be wearing.
Basic makeup items
While I definitely don't need a full face, it's nice to be able to freshen up and mask the tired eyes. Some of my favorites include the concealer (for under eyes) and bronzer from Arbonne.
Lip Gloss
The hospital is so dry, a good moisturizing lip gloss is essential. One with a little color also helps me feel a little more human postpartum. This one from Dear Baby Products is great, and made with all natural ingredients which is perfect for all the kisses my new little guy will be getting.
My own granny panties
After the first day I like to avoid the hospital mesh underwear and wear my granny panties/boy shorts from home.
Snacks
Hospital food has come a long way, but I still like to have some yummy snacks with me. Oatmama Bars are already tucked in my bag; they're tasty, packed with super foods and give you a good energy boost and support lactation.
I'm packing these cute and soft PJ's from Baby Be Mine, available at Milk and Baby.
A Robe
I'm a big fan of robes and having one at the hospital is super helpful. I have this one from Baby Be Mine available at Milk and Baby; it's super soft and easy to pack.
Slippers
I love having a cozy pair of slippers with me at the hospital. I just got these new ones from LLBean and am obsessed with them (note they're totally acceptable for wearing out to school drop off too).
Nursing Cover
This is a personal preference, but with lots of visitors and people coming into the room, I like to have a nursing cover with me. I'm using a Milk Snob nursing cover, which is so soft, easy to put on, and drapes right over you for great coverage.
Hospital Gown
I've never brought my own gown before but honestly the hospital ones are huge and ugly, so I figure why don't feel pretty for my last delivery (especially considering I'm having a birth photographer). This time I'll be wearing this pink gown from Pretty Pushers.
Head Band
I like to keep my hair back and out of my face at the hospital, and head bands are an easy and cute way to do that. These headbands from The Zen Bird are my favorite.
Nursing tanks and/or nursing bra
I find nursing tanks to be most comfortable in the first days postpartum. I have these tanks from Bravado packed.
Push Pack
Because you can't remember every little thing, I've put aPush Pack in my bag. These pre-packed labor kits are so smart!
Basic Toiletries
It always feels good to freshen up, having your favorite toiletries is key.
Gentle lotion
Hospitals are so dry. I always like to bring something to keep moisturized. It's important to bring something that is gentle and won't irritate your new little one. I've packed the unscented body butter from Blissfully Simple.
Comfy clothes to wear on day 2 & to wear home
Open front sweaters, nursing tanks, and my favorite Blanqi Highwaist Support Leggings is what I'll be wearing.
Basic makeup items
While I definitely don't need a full face, it's nice to be able to freshen up and mask the tired eyes. Some of my favorites include the concealer (for under eyes) and bronzer from Arbonne.
Lip Gloss
The hospital is so dry, a good moisturizing lip gloss is essential. One with a little color also helps me feel a little more human postpartum. This one from Dear Baby Products is great, and made with all natural ingredients which is perfect for all the kisses my new little guy will be getting.
My own granny panties
After the first day I like to avoid the hospital mesh underwear and wear my granny panties/boy shorts from home.
Snacks
Hospital food has come a long way, but I still like to have some yummy snacks with me. Oatmama Bars are already tucked in my bag; they're tasty, packed with super foods and give you a good energy boost and support lactation.
For baby
Swaddle blanket
This is not necessary because he hospital does have them, but I like having one of my own. I'm throwing in this cute cotton muslin blanket from Little Unicorn.
Textured blanket for photos
I always have professional photos of my boys taken in the hospital, and I've found having a soft and textured blanket is not only cozy for baby but makes for really great photos. I'm bringing this blanket made by Go Babe.
A couple cute beanie hats
The hospital has hats but it's always fun to have your own, especially one you love for photos. My two older boys have both been photographed in the same lobster hat so I'm bringing it along to get one more photo.
Cute custom "name" blanket & hat
This is 100% non essential but SO darn cute!! Could be obsolete if we change his name, but I adore this set from Pirates & Peonies!
A few simple outfits
I like to keep it simple. I've packed a gown and newborn footie from Zutano and a few white onsies.
Going home outfit
Again, I like to keep the outfits simple, but I do want something special for my new little guy and our final trip home from the hospital. I chose this hat and pants from Pirates & Peonies.
Scratch mitts
I don't always use these, but sometimes they can be helpful to keep baby from scratching himself, I always throw a pair in just in case.
A couple burp clothes
Always nice to have burp clothes on hand especially for visitors to place on their shoulder when holding baby. These from aden & anais are my favorite.
Cozy hat and booties for the cold trip home
Because it's winter in Maine, ahat and booties from the Zutano Cozie collection are key.
This is not necessary because he hospital does have them, but I like having one of my own. I'm throwing in this cute cotton muslin blanket from Little Unicorn.
Textured blanket for photos
I always have professional photos of my boys taken in the hospital, and I've found having a soft and textured blanket is not only cozy for baby but makes for really great photos. I'm bringing this blanket made by Go Babe.
A couple cute beanie hats
The hospital has hats but it's always fun to have your own, especially one you love for photos. My two older boys have both been photographed in the same lobster hat so I'm bringing it along to get one more photo.
Cute custom "name" blanket & hat
This is 100% non essential but SO darn cute!! Could be obsolete if we change his name, but I adore this set from Pirates & Peonies!
A few simple outfits
I like to keep it simple. I've packed a gown and newborn footie from Zutano and a few white onsies.
Going home outfit
Again, I like to keep the outfits simple, but I do want something special for my new little guy and our final trip home from the hospital. I chose this hat and pants from Pirates & Peonies.
Scratch mitts
I don't always use these, but sometimes they can be helpful to keep baby from scratching himself, I always throw a pair in just in case.
A couple burp clothes
Always nice to have burp clothes on hand especially for visitors to place on their shoulder when holding baby. These from aden & anais are my favorite.
Cozy hat and booties for the cold trip home
Because it's winter in Maine, ahat and booties from the Zutano Cozie collection are key.
Too big for the bag
Nursing pillow
I like to bring along a nursing pillow for the extra support for feeding and simply holding baby early on. This time I'm going to try the the Bébé au Lait Nursing Pillow
Infant car seat
This is a given, but I will install the base ahead of time, and bring the infant seat into the hospital. I'm using the Uppa Baby Mesa with our new little guy.
Car seat cover
It's winter in Maine, so this is essential. We're using the Cocoon from 7am Enfant.
I like to bring along a nursing pillow for the extra support for feeding and simply holding baby early on. This time I'm going to try the the Bébé au Lait Nursing Pillow
Infant car seat
This is a given, but I will install the base ahead of time, and bring the infant seat into the hospital. I'm using the Uppa Baby Mesa with our new little guy.
Car seat cover
It's winter in Maine, so this is essential. We're using the Cocoon from 7am Enfant.
In general
Camera (charged)
Even though we're having a photographer, this occasion warrants packing out nice Nikon DSLR camera (fully charged). With our first son, his 37 week arrival was quick and unexpected, and our camera was completely out of battery.
Phone
ipad
Chargers for everything
Headphones
To plug into my phone for some music; I actually enjoy listening to music during labor.
Even though we're having a photographer, this occasion warrants packing out nice Nikon DSLR camera (fully charged). With our first son, his 37 week arrival was quick and unexpected, and our camera was completely out of battery.
Phone
ipad
Chargers for everything
Headphones
To plug into my phone for some music; I actually enjoy listening to music during labor.
For the big boys
Big Brother Shirts
I bought my two big boys these ones.
A stuffed animal gift for each
I'm not a huge present person, but I think having a small cuddly gift for them at the hospital will help with the introduction/transition
I bought my two big boys these ones.
A stuffed animal gift for each
I'm not a huge present person, but I think having a small cuddly gift for them at the hospital will help with the introduction/transition
For the nurses/staff
Thank you gifts for nurses
Nurses are amazing and truly make such a difference I want to bring them small gifts to show my appreciation. I've put together small gift bags with a 1oz Body Butter & a lip balm from Blissfully Simple.
Nurses are amazing and truly make such a difference I want to bring them small gifts to show my appreciation. I've put together small gift bags with a 1oz Body Butter & a lip balm from Blissfully Simple.
Giveaway Time!
I'm SO excited to be giving one lucky reader a fantastic prize pack of some of my personal favorites, all items that I've packed in my own hospital bag. HUGE thank you to all of these awesome brands/shops for participating! This amazing giveaway includes the following:
One Nursing Cover from Milk Snob
$75 Zutano Gift Card
One Pretty Pushers Labor & Delivery Gown in Sport Gray
One pair of Blanqi Highwaist Support Leggings (size of your choice)
$20 credit to Oat Mama
$50 Store credit to Milk & Baby
Macaron Lip Balm From Dear Baby Products (color & scent of your choice)
One Zen Bird Band (in stock pattern of your choice)
$30 Store credit to Pirates & Peonies
$10 Store credit to Blissfully Simple Shop
To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends 12/27 at 12am EST. Note you must be at at least 18 years old and a resident of the US or Canada to enter. Good Luck!!
One Nursing Cover from Milk Snob
$75 Zutano Gift Card
One Pretty Pushers Labor & Delivery Gown in Sport Gray
One pair of Blanqi Highwaist Support Leggings (size of your choice)
$20 credit to Oat Mama
$50 Store credit to Milk & Baby
Macaron Lip Balm From Dear Baby Products (color & scent of your choice)
One Zen Bird Band (in stock pattern of your choice)
$30 Store credit to Pirates & Peonies
$10 Store credit to Blissfully Simple Shop
To enter, simply use the Rafflecopter form below. Giveaway ends 12/27 at 12am EST. Note you must be at at least 18 years old and a resident of the US or Canada to enter. Good Luck!!
I'm sure I forgot something, so tell me what your must-haves for the hospital are! Thanks as always for stopping by and entering. I wish I could give you all this amazing prize pack!