10 Essentials to Pack in Your Hospital Bag

As you prepare for your upcoming arrival, one of the most important things to get ready is the bag that you will bring to the hospital as you go into labor. While the hospital will provide most of what you need for your stay, there are several things that you want to bring from home to make your time there more comfortable and relaxing. There are many things that you want to make sure to pack in your bag for your stay while welcoming your new bundle of joy.

What to Pack:

Swaddles

As soon as your baby enters this world, not only will they feel safe from skin to skin contact, but also from the warmth and comfort of swaddling. The hospital provides swaddles for your little one, but we love to bring our own for baby to use during their stay. Not only are there swaddles with so many cute designs that make for great photo opportunities, but it’s also a great chance for the nurses to show you how to swaddle your baby correctly in the blanket you will use when you get home.

Some of our favorites are aden + anais and Swaddle Designs

Camera and phone

Your camera and phone are important for so many reasons. Your phone can help you do so many things from help you track contractions, feedings, sleep, and diaper changes, to also keeping you in touch with family and friends. You probably want to caputre those first special moments with you and your baby and while a phone camera can take amazing photos, it’s also great to bring a real camera to take some special photos during down time.

Image via Flickr User stainnn

pillow and blanket

One of the most important things for you is to be comfortable during your stay in the hospital. Labor and delivery can take a toll on your body and you want to recover with the most comfort to you. Bring a favorite pillow and blanket to ensure that your time in your hospital bed is a nice one.

Get the aden + anaid Daydream Blanket here.

nursing pillow

If you plan on nursing your baby you want to make sure that the experience gets off to a great start. Nursing pillows provide great support for both you and baby and help take some of the stress off of your arms while nursing.

Some of our favorites are My Brest Friend and Boppy

Comfortable clothes for your stay

You don’t want to stay in your hospital gown for the entire time you are in the hospital. Bring clothes that you will feel comfortable sleeping, nursing, and just lounging around in. If you decide to bring more loungewear, we also suggest bringing a robe for when you have guests that come and see the baby.

Find this loungewear set here.

toiletries

The hospital provides most of what you need during your stay, but it’s always nice to have your personal items from home. Other than the necessities of shampoo, a toothbrush, and toothpaste, it’s also nice to have your makeup bag and blowdryer so that you can get ready for photos and guests.

Image via Flickr User javajoba

Entertainment

While you will want to stare at your little one all day long, the couple of days that you spend in the hospital can have it’s slower moments. It’s always great to bring things to keep you busy during your down time when you aren’t sleeping. Books, magazines, electronic devices downloaded with movies are all great choices to keep you entertained during your stay.

Image via Flickr User Sean MacEntee

sound machine

A sound machine does wonders for your baby when you get home, but it’s never too early to start using it. White noise is a soother for your baby becuase it reminds them of their time in the womb. Not only is it soothing for baby, but if you are sharing a room in the hospital it can also help drown out some of the sound so you can get much needed rest during your stay.

Find this sound machine here.

Snacks

Let’s be honest. Hospital food isn’t the best. You will get hungry during your stay, so make sure you pack your bag full of snacks that you enjoy. You will get hungry at some of the most unusual times when you are up with your baby and it’s always convenient to be able to grab something out of your bag to help keep your energy up.

Image via Flickr User Mary Thompson

Going home outfit for you and baby

It’s that special moment that you will remember forever. The time you get to take your new bundle of joy home and start your life together. You will still have a bit of a belly even after you give birth, so maternity clothing is still completley acceptable to wear home. A nice dress is also a great choice. Take advantage and have fun shopping for the perfect going home outfit for baby that you can’t wait to dress them in!

For a complete list of what to pack for the hospital, check out our printable checklist.

Main image via Flickr User Penelope Waits