What I’m Packing in my Hospital Bag

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I hit 37 weeks last weekend and knew I had to get my hospital bag together over the weekend (just in case). The last thing I want to do is be scrambling to pack when I go into labor. I have been slowly collecting supplies and asking for suggestions from other mamas on what I need since March. With Covid-19, I started ordering supplies pretty early since I didn’t know if I would be able to get what I need. Never in a million years did I think we’d be in a pandemic during the time I’m about to give birth. I’ve had to reconsider what I’m packing due to potential germ exposure. I decided everything that I’m bringing either has to be able to be wiped down or washable. This is helping me not over-pack, especially with clothing. I’ve heard that once you’re in the hospital that I’m delivering at your spouse is unable to leave so I am trying to not forget anything important (although given that Jake frequently works on the labor unit I’m giving birth on, I don’t think that rule will apply to him if it’s even still a rule by then).

I was told by other mamas who have delivered at our hospital that they provided diapers, baby wipes, hats, some baby clothing, swaddle blankets, and a bulb nasal aspirator. For mom they provide a hospital gown, disposable underwear, pads, peri bottles, lanolin, towels, small shampoo bottle, and soap.

What I’m Packing in my Hospital Bag:

For Announcement Photos: Since we cannot have someone take pictures of us in the hospital, I am bringing my own gear.

• Tripod: I use this tripod, check out this post to see how I take tripod photos. 
• Ring Light/travel bag to easily transport it.
• Extension Cord (for ring light)
• Camera
• Charger w/ extra battery
• Baby’s outfit headband/hat, swaddle, name plate, letter board, pretty blanket for bassinet, pretty robe for me to match her, outfit for Jake (probably just a neutral polo and shorts)

For Jake and I:

• A pillow and blanket for each of us (Everyone says not to bring white, so you don’t forget about it)
• Insurance card/driver’s license
• Was going to bring change for vending machine, but Jake says the vending machines take credit cards
• Long iPhone cords
• Sanitizer/sanitizing wipes
• Protective face masks
• Sleep masks
• Ear plugs
• Towels/wash cloths: I’ve heard the hospital ones are not the best
• Steamer (this might seem excessive, but to get wrinkles out of outfits for photos)
• Snacks (variety of heavy and light ones)
• Gatorade (I hear you’re thirsty after delivery)
• Trash bag: anything fabric worn/used like pillows will be put in a trash bag to go straight to the washing machine. Our suitcases will also stay in the basement as we unpack to avoid bringing germs upstairs.
• Bluetooth speaker: I’ve heard it’s nice to have some music on when you’re laboring.
• Amazon Fire was suggested- so we could watch Netflix

For Mama:

• Toiletries: hair brush, hair ties, my own shampoo, make up remover pads, face wash, moisturizer, tooth brush/paste, dental floss, dry shampoo, lotion, etc.
• Makeup/travel compact mirror (I am packing my regular makeup and also throwing in some powder to lightly put makeup on if I feel like it)
• Chap stick
• Curling iron and Revlon drying brush
• Glasses and extra contacts
• Slippers (I will be bringing some cheap ones that I will possibly leave behind at the hospital)
• Shower shoes- flip flops
• 2 nursing gowns: I’m packing this one and this one. 
• 1 dark robe
• 1- pair of loose lounge pants/nursing shirt
• Going home outfit
• Heating pad (I’ve heard this is helpful for labor)
• Postpartum underwear: I’m packing these and these 
• Nursing pads 
• Nipple butter  
• Loose dress for coming home that is nursing friendly/I will wear the shoes I wore in.
• Dry shampoo
• Laptop- to edit photos of baby girl
• Freda Mom Postpartum Kit/Peri Bottle: Not sure if I will use the kit, but I’ve heard it’s better than what the hospital provides, especially the peri bottle.

For Scarlett:

• Ziploc bag to keep all of first footprints and hospital bands for her baby book.
• Portable sound soother 
• Burp cloth (I’ve heard they don’t really spit up at first, but just incase I will bring a couple
• Going home outfit
• A few casual onesies
• Blanket to wrap her in that will be given to the cat to introduce her to baby.
• Nail file
• Car seat
• Car seat cover (to prevent spread of germs when we leave our room)
• Extra bag to bring home supplies. I hear to take everything because you paid for it.
• Paci (our hospital doesn’t provide them) The nurse practitioner I saw at one visit thought this might be a good idea incase.
• Boppy nursing pillow (I’m still trying to decide if I want to bring this. I do have covers to change it out, but it’s bulky).
• Foot print page in baby book

For Jake:

• Going home outfit
• Comfy clothes
• Shower shoes
• Ear plugs
• He will probably bring his laptop and Nintendo Switch knowing him.

Did I miss anything? I will make sure to do a follow up post after delivery to share what I didn’t use.

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