Welcome back to our page, we have been a little busy the last few months and are sure you can guess why (especially if you follow us on Instagram). If not, I am happy to announce we welcomed our first baby into the world on February 29, 2020, he is perfect and we have enjoyed being parents these last two months. This post is not technically travel related but it involves packing and traveling to the hospital, so why not!
During my pregnancy I found myself on google ALL THE TIME, and even more after as we were learning how to become parents. From the beginning, so many changes were happening and being a first time “mom to be”, I needed reassurance. Towards the end of my pregnancy, I found myself looking up packing lists for the hospital because I wanted to be totally prepared- you never know how long you are going to be in the hospital and want it to feel somewhat like home. Below I will outline what we brought and recommendations for a hospital bag packing list.
Ideally, you should have your bag packed and ready to go by week 36.
For Mom-
Pillow: This is my number 1 recommendation, bring your own pillow. My absolute favorite during pregnancy was the U-shape maternity pillow that you can purchase on amazon (chick HERE). It helped so much while I was pregnant and especially in the hospital (labor is not comfortable and this will help you get into comfortable positions), you need this in your life.
Clothes: 2 sets of pajamas, undergarments for at least 3 days (including your nursing/pumping bra and breast pads- click HERE for the reusable ones I love), a going home outfit (this is not the time to wear jeans, pack loose clothes), your own hospital gown if you choose, slippers, and flip flops.
Toiletries: The hospital can and will provide a lot of these items but I brought my own bag filled with- toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, dry shampoo, body wash, lotion, makeup, extra hair ties, deodorant, glasses/contacts, etc. The hospital provides bath towels and wash cloths but feel free to bring your own.
For Dad-
Clothes: Day wear and sleep wear for at lest two days. Don’t forget comfy shoes or slippers too!
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo/conditioner, body wash, deodorant, glasses/contacts, razor, shaving cream, etc. Some hospitals allow husbands to use the shower and others do not so be prepared for both.
Entertainment: Something to keep him busy as you have time to relax/sleep during the process. Don’t forget headphones.
For Baby-
Car seat: The hospital staff will make sure you have everything properly installed before you leave. It is a good idea to have this installed a few weeks early too.
Clothes: Going home outfit, onesies, pajamas, socks, photo outfits if you choose.
Other baby items: Swaddle, baby blanket, baby book (we were told to bring additional pieces of card stock for hand/footprints as the staff will do as many as you would like), binky. If you plan to exclusively bottle feed from the beginning, pack 2 bottles.
Additional items-
Camera, snacks/drinks if you want something specific, entertainment/activities (I love puzzle books so I packed these for down time), laptop, portable speaker, essential oils, chargers, printed birth plan if you decide to write one up, pediatrician information. You will also need all of your insurance information and proper identification upon getting to the hospital.
Things you will probably NOT need (but check with your hospital first)-
Breast pump (keep this home and use the hospitals if needed), bed linens, diapers/wipes, formula, stroller, baby toys, hair dryer, bath towels and washcloths.
Other recommendations– Take everything you can from the hospital. If the nurse opens a pack of diapers and you only end up using 1, take the rest or they have to be thrown out. I asked my nurse for extra items and she hooked me up with 2 bags full of postpartum toiletries. These nurses are great and will help make this process easy for you!
We hope this list helps you as you are nearing the end of your pregnancy and good luck! If you have children and feel we left something important off of this list, let us know!
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