Figuring out what you should pack in your hospital bag can be stressful. You want to make sure you are covered, but also don’t have a clue what your new baby is going to need.
Having gone through this twice I am here to tell you it will be ok even if you forget something. You are never going to be completely comfortable after just giving birth, but I did want to put together some products that I felt were game changers in the hospital room.
What I Packed & Why?
- Barefoot Dreams Blanket:
- If you can get your hands on this one definitely do. The main reason for me is the weight. The weight of the blanket was comforting. I can’t explain why, but just do it.
- Made Good Granola Bar:
- Love these so much, and the ingredients are transparent. It’s nice to have a little snack when food can take a while once you order to get to you.
- Going Home Outfit:
- With both children I have purchased monogrammed onesies and matching hat, they are so cute and soft.
- Pacifier:
- This one is a personal choice, the hospital can be brutal on day/night two when your baby is cluster feeding so sometimes it helps to give yourself a little break.
- Hussh Sound Maching:
- This one is clutch and will help your baby sleep with all the distractions and get used to the new environment. If you are going to use your sound machine at home it does help to transition your baby using some of the same tools. HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOING THIS.
- Lake Pajama Shirt:
- There are going to be a lot of nurses/doctor in and out checking you out. Pants/Shorts are a waste of time and can be uncomfortable depending on your situation. These are amazingly comfortable and easy access to breastfeed or have skin to skin time with the snaps.
- Duffle Bag (Dagne Dover)
- If you don’t know about this brand, you definitely should. IT IS SO GOOD. High quality material and you can tell these will definitely last. They come with a ton of organizing compartments and I can not say enough good things about it.
- Lululemon Align Leggings
- These leggings are such a gift during and after pregnancy. The rise is high, and they are so soft. They help you give your body a lot of grace during recovery and are great to go home in.
- Lululemon Tank
- I sized up in this one, but it has a ton of give in the back that will help you feel comfortable
- Maternity Underwear
- Both times I have purchased these. They are great to use and then toss when you are done. They are low enough for C-Section as well.
- Freedom Moses Sandals
- I don’t personally take showers at the hospital, but these are great for walking and then using in the shower as well. If you plan on showering BRING A TOWEL (towels are really small at the hospital)
- Nursing Bra
- These Bras are a complete godsend. They are super comfortable, look great under shirts etc, and are so easy to breastfeed. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND GETTING THESE.
- Nipple Soother
- If this is your first time breastfeeding I would bring these to the hospital, if you don’t want to then get them and put them in your refrigerator for when you get home. They will really help limit the discomfort.
- Dry Mouth
- The hospital can be really drying, so these were great to have on hand.
- Deodorant
- I don’t know what it is about breastfeeding, but I just feel like you need more deodorant while doing it! Also, great to have on hand if you are skipping the shower
- Lip Balm
- This one is super important, you will need to have this on hand because the hospital is dry.
- Coconut Oil
- USE THIS. This was a gamechanger for my entire breastfeeding journey. A lot of the nipple creams are really thick which can create bacteria issues and are just gross for a baby to get all over their face. This is antimicrobial, light so it doesn’t get everywhere and is soothing. I felt like my nipples healed a lot faster with this.
- Extra Long Phone Charger
- You will definitely need this if you plan on using your phone and charging it at the same time as the plugs are usually too far.
- Ipad
- Great to watch shows