Hospital Bag Essentials
Let’s break this down into two parts. What mom needs and what baby needs. Please note that I will be having a c-section and my likely stay in the hospital is around 48 hours. With Watty it was only 24 hours because in the early days of Covid they were happy to get you out as quickly as possible if you were ready to go and everything looked good. With this pregnancy and some of the complications we expect to be monitored slightly longer, but we shall see! That being said some moms are in and out within hours and some of course stay much longer but I think this is a good general guide to what you will likely need (add and subtract things accordingly mamas!).
For Mom (in no particular order)
phone charger
pillow (do not forget this - comfort is key)
slippers or comfy slides
toothbrush / toothpaste
face wash / lotion - after baby comes it is so nice to feel even a little refreshed and the hospital can be so dry so the lotion is key!
a few makeup products (even just a little bronzer and lip chap to make you feel human when you are leaving)
comfy PJS - I always buy a new pair just for something special for that first overnight with your new little honey, it just feels nice.
stretchy undies to wear home - I cannot stress how important this is. The hospital will of course provide you with their delightful mesh cuties but you need them for quite a while after so stock up! If you follow me on insta you saw the new “Yummy Mama Kit” includes the Moon Mama mesh undies and they are GREAT! Trust me when I say that entire kit is a postpartum dream (linking it here, you’re welcome).
maxi pads (IYKYK and if you don’t, now you do).
SNACKS! This might be the most important item on the list LOL. With Covid rules during Watty’s birth Chris was not allowed to physically leave the hospital (unless he wasn’t planning on coming back) so going out to get things was not an option. I do believe those rules are thankfully different now and I will be sending him out for a delicious post c-section dinner HOWEVER you truly need snacks. It is a no brainer. You will be hungry, you will be thirsty, you will have just had a BABY, stock up accordingly.
comfy outfit for going home in - for me this has meant a smash & tess romper (or something of the sorts) and this time will likely be the same. You want something light and comfy and if you are having a c-section something that will not irritate your fresh incision.
I am sure I am missing something (or lots of things) but I will also say a towel, shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, all shower necessities, can feel important for some new mamas. For me I just know I will not be showering at the hospital unless for some reason my stay is extended. I like to shower just before we head in and first thing when we get home!
For Baby (in no particular order)
** to note: this is for the current season so we don’t need a cozy winter insert for the car seat, anything super cozy and warm, etc, etc.
two sleepers - We don’t know if we are having a baby boy or baby girl this time around so I might have a few extra goodies packed . . . Oh and if you want a picture at the hospital of babe looking fresh and delicious make sure the sleepers are extra cute (duh).
two hats - baby heads need to stay cozy in any season!
a blankie - a cozy one if it’s a bit chilly and just a good swaddling blanket for the hospital stay is nice to have too.
Car seat. Preferably have this installed before the child arrives. Hoping to be 2/3 on that one for us.
Newborn diapers. The hospital will provide a few if you forget but they will also love you if you bring your own.
Bum butter - not a full necessity if you are only there for a short time with the babe but this stuff from Soap Stones in Huntsville is honestly the best and babies bum will thank you for it.
Babies really don’t need much besides mama so don’t panic if you forget anything. You just want them to be cozy for the ride home which, hopefully, is short and sweet. You’ve got this girlfriend!
I’m sure I’ve forgotten something major or at least a few little things for mom and/ or baby but this should get you going in the right direction. Head over to the gram now and comment on my latest post with anything I’m missing or even better, if this reminded you to grab something!
P.S. I know dad/ partner /spouses needs a few things too BUT ladies this is the one time you do not need to be responsible for their belongings. If they forget something, not yo problem.
xo