Hey there, mom to be (or mom to be to a new little)! You are in the third trimester and time is almost here to meet your little one! So that means it is time to pack your hospital bag!
All you need are the basics, but bring all of the extras you want. Below are the items I think you might want to have for yourself, your partner, and your baby.
No matter what you pack, enjoy this time. The most important thing is to relax as you get ready to welcome your new little one into this world!
- Toiletries: Want to make sure you don’t forget anything? “Pack” a day before and when you use an item toss it into your toiletry bag. By the end of one full day, you will have the basic items you will need for your hospital stay.
- Everyday Toiletries: Vitamins, lip balm, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, small makeup set, face wipes, dry shampoo, hairbrush/ accessories, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner (if washing your hair), body wash, contacts or glasses…or anything else you use daily.
- Pregnancy Toiletries: breast pads, nipple cream, AfterEase (I have to admit this tastes horrible BUT I thought it really helped with those after birth contractions!).
- Clothing: Just having a baby you are exhausted. Besides walking the halls to move around a bit you are not going anywhere for 2 (if not more) days. So plan casual and comfy outfits.
- Nursing Bra/ Nursing Tank- 2: I found these on amazon but got tired of the padding moving around so I went for these and loved them. The front zip works just as easy, if not easier in my opinion, as the marketed nursing bras do. Whatever style you choose just be sure to ignore those with underwire if you plan on breastfeeding. Some say it is a wives’ tale but most lactation consultants will tell you it is best to skip the wire to eliminate slow/low supply or clogged ducts.
- Pants (aka leggings) 2: I was found in leggings my entire stay but any loose-fitting bottoms will work.
- Sweater: Great to wear over a nursing tank to stay warm while allowing you to stay mostly covered for nursing.
- Robe: Perfect to wear over a nursing tank as well, but also great for going to and from the bathroom or even just for lounging and those nighttime nursing sessions.
- Slippers (fuzzy socks) and flip flops: These are the only shoes you need during your stay and I personally only used my flip flops for the shower.
- Going home/ Photo Outfit: We had professional pictures taken at the hospital but you could still find me in leggings, a tank, and my sweater. I just kept them for the pictures and going home to make sure they had no stains on them (welcome to motherhood).
- Busy Items: All of these are by no means a necessity but they were great to have. They helped before, during, and after labor.
- Game/ cards: we took Bananagrams. Since I was induced we had some time before labor to relax and play that and cards.
- Paper/ Pen: You could use your notes on your phone but my old lady self is a pen and paper type of girl.
- Music Speaker/ Headphones: I had music playing my entire labor. I remember it calming me during contractions but once it came time to push I had no idea it was even on.
- Anything to help you relax: massage tool, tennis ball, stress ball, battery lit lights.
- Don’t Forget Items: These are all great items to have during your entire stay but could easily be forgotten.
- File Folder: Great for the hundreds of documents and papers they give you. This helped make sure I had all the documents for social security and birth certificate (and any DEERS papers for military dependents).
- Camera and Charger.
- Phone Charger: I went with this 10 foot one to make sure it could reach anywhere in the room.
- Jewelry: I did not wear this during the stay but I knew I wanted my ring for pictures so it was packed!
- Nursing Pillow: Hospital pillows are the worst and I recommend having whatever style pillow you will use when you get home. This nursing pillow provides more support than most and I have loved it so far.
- Snacks: Mints and lollipops are great for before labor if you are not allowed food but I tossed a few granola bars and candy for after because again…exhaustion!
- Insurance cards & ID
- Diaper Bag: It was helpful just to have all of the baby items separate from ours so we kept all of his items in his diaper bag. I highly recommend a backpack style diaper bag.
- Going home/ Photo Outfit: You will now be taking photos galore. Having a special outfit for going home and a swaddle set for hospital photos help make the moment even more special.
- Pacifier/Clip
- Outfits: This is subjective for how many you want to bring.
- Hat, Baby Mittens, & Socks: All extra items, but we brought one of each!
- Car Seat/ Nursing Cover: I did not use this in the hospital for nursing but it was great to cover the car seat when going through the hospital and to the car. You can find mine here.
- White Noise Machine: We knew we wanted a noise machine for our little’s nursery so getting a portable one has been a lifesaver. We used this one immediately in the hospital since babies are so used to loud noises from being in the womb.
- Car Seat: Last but not least, make sure you have your car seat installed and safety checked to bring your little one home.
- Toiletries: Simple everyday items for them.
- Clothing: Shirts, Sweatshirt, Pants, Pajamas
- Pillow and Blanket if the hospital does not provide them.
- Phone Charger
- Camera
- Money for the vending machine
- Busy Items: book, games, etc.
- Snacks
- Birth Plan and Call list: this does not have to be a physical list but make sure they know what you want during labor and who to contact during (if you want them to) and after. They will be your advocate during your stay so make sure they know your every wish!
Once all of your bags are packed get ready for your world to turn upside down as you are about to embark on the most exciting ride of your life.
