Hospital Bag and Hospital Loot
Oh the hospital bag. There is so much pressure on this bag, but truly the hospital has everything you need just in case you don’t feel prepared. Rest easy knowing you are covered with them and there is plenty of time for friends/family to bring you anything you need while in there. For those of you that do want to be a little more in control of what they use on you and your baby here is my list:
Clothes/Accessories:
10 foot phone charger (Those outlets are spread out.)
Your own pillow. ( I didn’t bring this and SO WISH I DID!) The hospital pillows are not that comfortable.
Sticky socks to keep you feet warm and so you’re not barefoot on hospital floor.
Slippers or sandals to walk around in. I brought these Birkenstocks and rocked them with my sticky socks.
Birthing gown. I loved feeling like I was putting on something of my own rather than the thin hospital sheet to labor in. (You can always put the hospital’s on for pushing.)
1-2 Robes. I lived in robes in postpartum.
1 loose pair of pants/comfy pajamas
1 top that works for nursing (nursing tank or button down)
1 nursing bra. I didn’t wear them that much since boobs aren’t leaking milk yet, but good to have for going home.
2 pairs of underwear, but I encourage you to soak up the mesh panty life. (You’ll see)
Going home outfit (a loose dress worked great for me!)
For the bedside:
Lip Conditioner: Your lips will get dry in hospital air and from breathing through labor. I loved having a peppermint one to make my mouth feel refreshed.
Nipple Cream. I love this one from Hatch (also great for lips), but have heard good things about this one by Earth Mama Organics.
Something to refresh your face in labor/throughout the day in postpartum room. (It can get stuffy in there) I brought this Plumping Face Oil and Rosewater Mist.
Your own hand sanitizer if you have a specific one you want to use. (The hospital room has a dispenser that everyone can use too.)
Electrolyte/hydrating powder for water. I love Terra Origins and Go Ultima for this. It was so nice to have a refreshing flavor in my mouth.
Toiletries/Skincare:
Several overnight pads if you want to use your own. They will have plenty for you at hospital. The Clean Living Consultant in me wished I would have brought my own since I am not sure what the pads they use are made of….but hey 80/20! It was so easy just to use theirs and change them often.
Cleansing Balm to hydrate and cleanse face in one simple step. You will not want to get out of bed to wash your face etc.
Safe shampoo, conditioner, body wash for the shower. You will want to shower before leaving.
Any makeup products you want to feel normal or have on to go home. I put on Dew Skin, Concealer, Brow Gel, Mascara, Blush and Lip Gloss. Get the Fawless in Five here or browse individual products here.
Any skincare you want.
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.
For Your Husband/Anyone staying with you:
Sheets, blanket and pillow to make those hospital couches a little more comfortable.
Toiletries
Snacks and any food they want. The hospital only covers the mom’s meals.
Water bottle
For Baby:
Safe Diapers and Wipes: They have these at hospital for you to use, but if you want to know that you are using safe options bring your own. I brought my own and then totally forgot to have them use them. Do what you can!
Baby Oil: This will help get meconium off like a charm!
Baby Wash: If you plan on having them washed at the hospital bring your own safe baby wash.
Special baby blanket if you have one
1 simple outfit for in hospital: They have kimono shirts at hospital and they keep them swaddled so we only used the going home outfit.
Going home outfit
Installed car seat
Other things people suggested that I did not use, but these came highly recommended:
Bluetooth speaker
Diffuser and essential oils (ask your hospital if it is allowed, it was not in ours.)
Shower flip flops/sandals
Loofah
What to steal. You paid for it so get that loot!
Everything out of the metal drawer on baby’s bassinet. Diapers, wipes, transfer blankets, kimono shirts, hats, small plastic tub (great for soaking baby clothes with stains at home.)
Pacifier
Peri bottle for yourself after going to bathroom. I am still using this!
Mesh panties/pads from bathroom. (Ask your nurse to refill before you leave so you get more.)
Hospital water jug
Anything else in sight haha!
