Shop My Outfit:
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.
That’s a good idea to bring your own gear for pictures. And I’d probably bring my steamer too.
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
Author
Thanks,Jennifer! I want to make sure to still get photos while being in the hospital, so it’s worth bring my gear. Yesss I never go without my travel steamers. Editing wrinkles out of photos is hard.
Courtney, your organization skills are impressive!! I wish your blog was around when I was having my babies!!!
Author
Thank you so much Martha 🙂
This is getting so real!! Cannot believe you are due so soon! I am praying for you guys and a smooth delivery!
Katherine
Author
Aww thank you so much, Katherine! I cannot believe it either.
You are so organized!! That is good idea to pack ahead just in case!!
Author
Thanks, Jenna! Yes, I don’t want to be in a last minute rush.
Oh my , I don’t think you could have forgotten anything Courtney! You are so organized that for the time you will be there you both will get by. The exciting part is that you will have one extra on the list to bring home, Scarlett!!! I am getting excited for you both, Terri ❤
Author
Thanks, Terri! If things weren’t so strict I probably would’ve packed last minute and then let Jake pick up what I missed at home haha. Yess we cannot wait for her to be here soon. 🙂
I can tell your baby girl is going to be dressed so adorably all the time!
Author
Thank you so much <3 I am so excited to dress her up. She has a lot of cute outfits.
That’s a good list Court! I will be saving it for mine x
Author
I am so glad to hear it was helpful 🙂
You are so prepared Courtney – I love it! This is a helpful list. I’ll be curious to read your follow up post. Ha, and I take my travel steamer with me everywhere – so that doesn’t sound excessive!
Author
Thanks, Lindsey. I am so glad to hear it’s helpful and will definitely do a follow up. I am sure I won’t use a lot of this. Glad to hear i’m not the only one who bringing my travel steamer everywhere.