Baby Hospital Bag

A few weeks ago our lives changed forever, for the better. We welcomed Elizabeth Mae into the world! More details on that little beauty to come. Luckily, I had my hospital bag all ready because little miss decided to make her appearance a week early. I have had a few pregnant friends ask what I ended up packing, so I thought I would share what was useful, what wasn't and what I wish I had...

What I packed for baby:

Layettes - these are great when you aren't sure how long your baby will be, plus easy for diaper changes.

Swaddle - I picked a favorite from my swaddle collection (from Love of Character).

Blanket - a very comfy, warm blanket that ended up being very useful when we had to keep her temperature up (from The Plaid Giraffe).

Hat - Cute if you match with an outfit and important for keeping your new little one warm.

Boppy - Very useful when trying to breastfeed, as well as holding the baby. Love this boppy cover a friend got me from an Etsy shop.

Baby Book - If you want the hospital to put her footprints in your book, make sure to bring it! Also bring a nice pen if you want to start filling it out.

Pacifier/Wubbanub - Not all new babies will use one, but it's handy to have in case you need. We ended up using the second night when she was cluster feeding and needed it for comfort.

Burp Cloths - We carry some very absorbent ones that can be personalized at Love of Character!

What I WISH I had packed for baby:

Outfits with Pant Legs - Elizabeth was a tiny newborn and we had some issues getting her temperature to stay high enough. They recommended putting her in sleepers with legs to keep her warmer. Luckily we live close and Grandma Nanc was able to grab some.

Undershirts - Same reason as above.

Socks - Same reason as above.

Pacifier, Regular - Love our Wubbanubs (pacifier with an attached animal), but they ended up making me nervous when she's sleeping. Better to have a plain, newborn pacifier for sleeping.

What I packed for myself:

Nursing Tank Tops - Purchased a couple from H&M and they were perfect for the hospital and now at home. Ended up ordering more because they are the easiest for quick feedings.

Nursing Bras - Also ordered from H&M. Didn't wear at the hospital, since the tank tops were easier. I have worn them since.

Robe - Easy and comfortable for laying in the hospital bed and it doesn't get in the way when breastfeeding. I found this simple, gray robe from Target and it was very soft.

Large Sweatpants - Make sure you bring a couple pairs that are comfortable and big enough to handle the sexy mesh panties and pads you will be rocking after childbirth!

Flip Flops - To easily slip on when walking around the room and for the shower.

Pillow - Try to put it in a color pillowcase, so it doesn't get mixed up with the hospital pillows.

Nipple Balm

Deodorant

Hair Ties

Chapstick

Tooth Brush

Makeup Basics

Prenatal Vitamins

Phone Charger

Water Bottles & Granola Bars - Mainly for the new dad!
Going Home Outfit - Make sure it's easy to throw on and comfortable.

What I WISHED I had packed for myself:

Breast Pads - Good to pickup the disposable and washable kind. Disposable are useful if you leak quite a bit and you can toss. The Bamboobies (washable) are very soft and feel better when you are sore from breastfeeding.

Shampoo & Conditioner - They only have a bar of soap for you. I meant to get travel sized ones to bring, but didn't pick them up in time, so my mother had to bring my regular bottles.

Towel/s - The towels at our hospital were terrible (scratchy & small), which feels horrible on your sore boobs. I would try to avoid bringing white, so they don't get mixed up with hospital towels.

Pillow for New Dad - They're pillows are equally uncomfortable, so make sure they bring one also.

Hair Dryer - Didn't think about this, but if you don't want wet hair, make sure to bring.

What is useful to have waiting for you at home:

Washed tanks, sweatpants, etc.

Hand Sanitizer

Prescriptions - See if you can get at the hospital or have someone pickup for you. You unfortunately have to take your pain killer prescription to the pharmacy in person. Keep that in mind!

Large Pads & Ice Pads - Make sure to take what you can from the hospital, they are happy to send you home with your leftovers/a few extras.

Pump - If you are breastfeeding, I would have your pump waiting for you at home. I ended up needing one day two and had to have a friend come rescue me, since mine hadn't shown up yet.
Velcro Swaddles - so easy to quickly swaddle them up for bed and safer since they can't unbundle themselves.

Obviously bring anything that will make you feel comfortable during your labor and delivery! I kept it pretty simple, but we also live close to our hospital, so family was able to bring what we forgot.

Wishing you a very quick, easy and happy delivery!!!

Lots of Love,