Packed And Ready!
PACKED AND READY. Our hospital bags have been sitting at the end of the bed for nearly 3 weeks now in hopes baby boy will get the hint that we are SOOOO ready to meet him! I get so excited and impatient at the end I can barely stand it. Each day feels like a week!!
We’re using the same bags when I went into labor with Navy – StorkSak ! Talk about a well constructed overnight baby bag…they have literally thought through everything you could possibly need as a mom. I’ve packed two — one for baby boy and one for mom and dad. The video takes you through everything you need to know, including a few items I won’t be packing this time around. I’ve included links for everything and you can see the full video LINKED HERE!
Oh, and for a few non-hospital bag related tips– prepare a playlist (one for labor, one for arrival), have your birth plan on hand in case you deliver with a different team or just for reference, snap lots of pics and vids (you’ll be a happy you did later on), don’t forget to bring the carseat, and most importantly DEEP BREATH….YOU’RE ABOUT TO MEET YOUR BABY!
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M
Toiletries And Personal Care
- Toiletries – the key here is travel sizes!
- Nipple Cream for breastfeeding
- Headband, ponytail holders, bobby-pins, and a small brush
Clothes For Me
- A soft robe – so nice to have when it is chilly in the hospital plus they are breastfeeding friendly
- Comfy clothes – bring your favorite baggy sweatpants and anything oversized to leave the hospital in. Loose, comfortable pieces are essential for after labor and make sure you choose dark colors – trust me. I’m bringing a cozy, oversized hoodie, a jumpsuit, and dark loungewear.
- A few pairs of socks – I decided to pack no slip socks instead of bringing house shoes to save room in my bag.
- Nursing tanks – I don’t need to pack any nursing bras because this acts as a tank and bra in one!
- Maternity underwear – SO SEXY. These are a lifesaver and the hospital will have some as well.
Needs For Baby
- Car seat – if you haven’t already, make sure to install your carseat before leaving for the hospital – easy to forget but so important to remember!
- Going home outfit and clothes for baby – be prepared with multiple onesies for your hospital stay
- Gown – this style makes diaper changes much easier
- Bottles and formula even if you plan to nurse. I’m packing HIPP formula, just in case we need it. Quick tip: don’t pack the whole box of formula but instead save room in your bag by taking a photo of the packaging to reference measurements.
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Breastfeeding pillow – makes figuring out breastfeeding and/or bottle feeding much more comfortable for both mom and baby
- Muslin burp cloths – I’m just bringing two of these, which is plenty
- Pacifiers
- Diapers – the hospital has diapers for you but I’m also bringing the Honest Co. ones we’ll use.
- Swaddles
- Hats, socks and booties
Electronics
- Extra long cell phone charger – you won’t want to be getting up for your phone, so this cord keeps it charging within reach
- Charged iPad – making sure ours is charged BEFORE getting to the hospital this time around 🙂
- Portable bluetooth speaker – you’ll want to have something to playing music in the room as a mood booster and distraction during labor. Definitely helpful to have this charged before going to the hospital as well
Extension cord – any extension cord will do, but I love that this one has USB ports and multiple plugs
“DEEP BREATH…. YOU’RE ABOUT TO MEET YOUR BABY!”
For Labor
- Your birth plan – either print ahead of time or have available to share once at the hospital to reference
- Essential oils – when I had an emergency c-section with Navy my doula handed Mad lavender essential oils so that’s what I was smelling during my surgery. Something I never would have thought to pack on my own but made SUCH a difference during my labor.
- Side note: Mad created a really thoughtful laboring / after birth playlist and a first day of life playlist for once the baby is here. Such a special memory to have with Navy as a newborn, and I’m excited to have one for this labor and delivery too.
Other Necessities
- Water bottles – sooo important to stay hydrated, which I already have a hard time doing. Bring a few so water is always available.
- Snacks – My favorites to have on hand are: KIND bars, Milton’s crackers, gum + sugar free mints (because once you start laboring it is ice chips and gum until baby is here!)
- Change for vending machines – added this to the packing list after NOT having it the first time around. Mad and I never carry cash but if you want a late night snack, coins are a must for hospital vending machines.
- Your favorite book to read during the long hours of labor