First, if you haven’t entered the 6QT Programmable Slow Cooker Giveaway make sure you do that today, time is running out! Now, onto today’s post!
So…. right now I have THREE hospital bags packed. Is that excessive? I have no idea, but I’m rolling with it. I asked on IG stories last night and got some great feedback, so I’ll tell you guys what I packed then I’ll share some of the feedback I got! (PS this list from one of my October due date buddies Kath was really helpful! I also did some google research as well!)
As you go through this list, keep in mind that our newborn photographer offered also to come to take pictures at the hospital. I haven’t locked down the details with her yet, but I’m packing like I’m planning to have a photographer there. That affects my decision to bring things like dry shampoo and makeup.
So, first up, my bag:
Here is what I have packed:
PS I should have taken this photo after I reviewed my phone list, turns out I still had some stuff to add so not everything on the list is in the picture!
- dry shampoo
- brush
- hair ties and clips
- chapstick
- makeup remover
- face wash, astringent and soap
- toothbrushes and toothpaste for both Mr. Hngry and I
- phone charger
- portable phone charger
- slippers
- matching PJ’s (matches with the baby outfit)
- going home outfit (not attached to this)
- nursing bras (from target thanks to your suggestions!)
- swimsuit top (in case I get in the tub, this is a longshot)
- nipple cream (not pictured)
- nipple pads (not pictured)
- various size sanitary pads (not pictured)
What I plan to add before we leave:
- makeup bag (ready to go on my bathroom counter)
- iPad and iPad charger
- earbuds
- purse (phone, wallet, keys)
Baby’s Hospital Bag
Packed everything in the diaper bag I received on my registry!
- Clothes of various sizes, newborn to 3 months
- and the matching outfit for photos
- Two burp cloths
- One swaddle
- One blanket (not pictured)
- portable changing pad
- I have hats to add that my MIL sent, but I haven’t washed them yet, need to get on that!
What I’m intentionally not bringing: wipes, diapers, baby lotion, etc. I heard the hospital provides these things and there is no reason to bring them?
Mr. Hungry (aka Dad)
I stashed a jacket on the top of the baby bag for him. Between the electronics and toiletries (see above) as well as snacks (see below) we feel like he is covered?!?!?! Anything else he needs???? Keep in mind, we live 10 minutes from the hospital, and he works on the hospital campus, so that adds a bit of comfort.
Snacks
And then we have the snack bag! The nurse who did the hospital tour said she doesn’t think they feed moms who just gave labor enough and that there were fridges in the room so to pack our snacks. So here is that I have in that bag for Mr. Hungry and I:
- 1 Larabar truffles bag
- 1 bag ofCaveman buffalo style chicken jerky
- a bunch of health warrior pumpkin seed bars(honey and sea salt + dark chocolate)
- a bunch of Orgain protein shakes
- 3 cans of coconut water(for labor)
What I’m On the Fence About
Your thoughts?
- With three bags in tow, granted the snacks bag could be condensed, the boppy pillow feels like a hassle to bring.
- Socks, I’m not much of a socks person, I get so hot all the damn time.
- Alcohol, champagne sounds fun, but I don’t like champagne, really more of a tequila girl. Are tequila shots allowed?
- My DSLR, since we are having a photographer come, I feel like our iPhones will suffice right? The last thing I want is for my camera to get lost, stolen, or broken.
- Snacks/treats for the nurses, I’ve seen this occasionally on different blogs. Is this like “a thing?”
- Vitamins/supplements, you can’t take them, right?
So far I’ve got a lot of great feedback on IG stories, but let me know if I’m missing anything else or if I’m bringing too much! Always happy to take advice from the mamas out there!
Nesting
In other news, it’s official, men TOTALLY nest! Mr. Hungry was all about the organizing and cleaning this weekend! Here is what we did:
- cleaned and organized under the bathroom sinks
- cleaned and organized the hall closet
- cleaned and organized the refrigerator
- cleaned and organized under the junk drawer
- cleaned and organized under the laundry room cabinets
- organized the pantry
- deep cleaned (includes things like the toilets, shower, and floors)
- Mr. Hungry did all the outside yard work
- Mr. Hungry also gave Nala a bath
- I put together the swing my mom sent us
Self admitted over packer here, but I say the more you bring the better!! I mean you’re not going to be carrying this through airport security or anything, so might as well pack your DSLR “just in case.” Definitely bring the boppy and maybe even your home bed pillow if you are particular about pillows. You want to be as comfortable as possible. I think your list looks great! I am so not a tequila girl, but you could pack a little mini bottle just in case you want to mix it with a little coconut water ; )
lol the airport security thing made me literally laugh out loud. No TSA precheck needed! ha ha I should probably order a protective cover for my DSLR then I would be more inclined to bring it. I could shove the boppy and some pillows in the snack bag too. Thanks, I definitely used your list from Baby KERF as a starting point it was super helpful, actually, I’m gonna add that link to the end of that post right now!
Getting so close! You seem super prepared…I’m an overpacker and we also lived <10 minutes from the hospital, so I didn't care about some of the things people said not to bother bringing. BUT I agree—for me, boppy wasn't necessary and neither were socks. Everyone tells you to bring them, but I hate wearing socks! I did bring two pillows from home (one for me, one for fiance) because the pillows there were horrible.
Of course, I also brought a ton of snacks—pretzels, Clif Bars, jerky, RxBars, trailmix. I felt like the L&D floor I didn't get much food, but on the recovery floor, the food was amazing and plentiful!
I also did make some little goodie bag thank you gifts for the nurses, but mostly because I was antsy/bored waiting for baby to arrive. I made little cellophane bags with gum, Clifbars, hand sanitzer, bubble bath and Starbucks cappuccino drinks. The postpartum floor nurses were super appreciative of them, but totally not necessary. I also ended up sending a fruit basket thank you to the L&D nurses after I came home.
ha ha yes, team no socks! lol Okay, so I’ll make goodie bags if I’m still sitting around at 39 weeks if not I’ll send a fruit basket to both delivery units. Such good advice thanks, girl!
Awesome post, you are prepared! Ill defiantly be an over packer too. Even though I wont be packing for a few more weeks I have started a list!!
Thanks, girl! Hope it helps you start your list!
We were in the hospital for 4 days having my own pillows was amazing. also having my own towel for the 2 showers i took would have been fantastic. i unpacked it because i thought i was overpacking. the hospital ones are so rough. having a shower in the hospital really helped me feel human again.
I thought about the towel thing! But then I’m like I don’t want to have to wash it lol #tradeoffs ha ha maybe I’ll throw it in just in case!
Packing the right stuff is necessary. Always remember that one should keep all essentials like toiletries and extra clothes. Looking at your list you seem to be covered. Now only relax and enjoy the remaining time. I am sure you have packed every single thing that you could require at any time. I must say this list is a good example for others who find it hard to pack stuff.
This is a great list. One can never be too prepared. I hope you go through this in the best way possible. This list is a great example for others. Even though there are a few extra things. However one should always be prepared. You never know what might come in use. I am sure your husband would not need to panic at all.
Thank you for sharing.