The 45 Best Things I Took To The Hospital
A comprehensive, detailed list of the 45 best things I packed for childbirth! This list should be useful for either a hospital or a birth center setting. There are a few things that are a bit on the “granola” side, but they are things we never thought of so I thought I would share just in case!
General guidance is to pack your bag between 34 – 37 weeks gestation, but I’m of the mindset that it’s better to be safe than sorry and some babies like to shake things up. So I think it’s a good idea to pack your bag around 24 weeks just in case! Happy packing!!!
Before You Arrive
1. Phone number of your doctor, midwife, nurse or hospital for advice & notification that you are on your way
2. Plastic seat cover or garbage bag AND old towel to cover the seat for the drive to the hospital (just in case)
3. Something to bite, grip or pull on for the drive…it’ll be rough!
Arrival
4. Birth plan (I will share both a long detailed version and a simple pared down version in a future post)
5. Hospital forms, insurance information and photo ID’s for both you & your partner
6. Treats for the nurses, like cookies, etc. – I heard this tip on “One Born Every Minute”
During Labor
7. Your own nightgown for labor – I bought a flowy mocha brown nightie on clearance at Target
8. Black sports bra for labor – just a basic cheap one, you probably won’t want to wear it again
9. Cozy dark socks with the non-skid grips on the bottom
10. Bathing suit for you & partner in case you want to get in the tub or plan a water birth
11. Back roller for pain management
12. Yoga ball, but check with hospital to see if they provide these first
13. Your own pillow with waterproof protector & dark pillowcase
14. “Granola” tip: a container & cooler for the placenta if you plan to take it home to plant, etc.
General
Clothing
15. Fresh nightgown to change into after you shower, no pants b/c the nurses check your healing frequently
16. Basic nursing sleep bra
17. Dark robe
18. Non-skid slippers
Toiletries
19. Basics: Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Lotion, etc. I loved this travel pack by Bliss…the quality is good & everything smelled fresh & yummy!
20. Dark towel for showers, believe me you want your own towel!
21. Lip Balm – I really like the E.O.S ones! I bought the blue swirly one since I was having a boy
22. Face Wipes, the Mustela face wipes can be used by both you & baby!
23. Toothbrush & toothpaste
24. Hairbrush
25. Hair/head bands to keep hair out of your face
26. Eyeglasses & contact lens supplies…take both!
27. Nipple cream
28. Dry Shampoo like this one by Batiste
Partner
29. Camera
30. Video camera
31. Chargers for all electronics
32. Batteries & memory card(s)
33. A fully charged power pack in case outlets are hard to come by
34. Important telephone numbers
35. Cash (change) for vending machines & parking – most have food, but you may want your own.
36. Tip for your partner: get mom a special gift or “push present” believe me she deserves it!
Miscellaneous
37. Gifts for older siblings we got our 6 yr old son this book, shirt & LEGO set (the LEGO set has nothing to do w/baby)
38. Baby book for footprints, etc.
39. Local takeout menu just in case you are craving something specific like sushi or a Jimmy Johns California Club
40. Patience – the nurses are going to ask you the same questions over & over, people are going to forget to come back with your water, etc. Just be your own advocate & be patient.
Going Home
41. Going home outfit for you including flip flops for swollen feet
42. Going home outfit for baby…I recommend taking a preemie & newborn size with tags for your full term baby. Try the preemie size first, because they are normally swimming in the NB size at birth. So the smaller size is cuter for those going home photos!
43. Special blanket, afghan or quilt for ride home and hospital photos. If the hospital photos are super good then you may not need to go out & pay a fortune for a newborn session! This is a great opportunity to showcase handmade gifts.
44. Installed car seat with manual
45. Empty bag to hold paperwork & gifts that you receive a hospital
Optional:
Makeup, hair dryer, flameless candles, heat packs, aromatherapy, meditation CD, breast pads, etc…
Leave at Home:
Diapers, wipes, breast pump, medications, etc.; they give you all of this stuff there!
Do you have anything to add? Do you have a story about something unique that helped during your labor or anything that unnecessary that you wish you’d left at home? If so, please share below & thanks for reading!!!
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