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As the weeks dwindle down and time gets closer for a new baby to join your family you are probably getting everything ready for the hospital. This is the current situation I’m in with my due date being only 4 weeks away! The hospital bags are out and partially packed but that’s about as far as I’ve gotten. (I have procrastinated so bad this pregnancy, 2nd child probs) So, in this post I am going to go over my hospital bag essentials for a few days stay at the maternity floor.

What bags will you really need?

With my first delivery, I brought all the things. I am a horrible over-packer for literally everything and this was no exception. I will say I have gotten much better about this as I have become a mom and realize I don’t want to carry more than I need so I’m trying to be more minimalist these days. With that being said you most likely only need to bring a bag for yourself- a small weekender bag like this one below is perfect. It even has a “wet pocket” on the inside for your toiletries which is perfect!

Other than a bag for yourself, you’ll likely need to bring baby’s diaper bag. We will get into that a little further down.

Some things you should include in your own bag are:

Your own Toiletries

That first shower after you have a baby is the most amazing shower of your life. You literally feel like a new woman. You for sure want to bring your own things from home to shower with because that is what you’re used to and there is nothing like having your own things. Also remember to bring your face wash, lotions, hair dryer if you need it, toothbrush and toothpaste (don’t forget your floss!), make-up, etc.

Clothes

You’ll need your own clothes to leave the hospital in. Think non form fitting and comfy. It is the middle of summer here in KY and I am bringing an oversized short sleeve top and my favorite biker shorts. These have been the pregnancy uniform for me this time around they are so comfy and have been bump friendly the whole time.

Some women will leave the hospital already back to their pre-pregnancy weight and that is wonderful. BUT for the rest of us, it is important to be comfortable and practical. If you have a c-section you probably don’t want something that is going to bother your new incision. On the other hand if you have a vaginal birth you will 100% be sporting a giant pad and mesh undies (which are actually wonderful) BUT something tight might not feel right for you- all things to consider.

Along with something to wear home, you might not want to be in that fashionable hospital gown during your whole stay. You might be there for a few days and want a change of clothes. Not to mention birth is messy. After you take your first shower you will want to be in your own clothes. I’ll list some things I plan to bring:

• Oversized sweatshirt
• Sweatpants
• My slippers
• Nursing bras and tanks
• Comfortable robe
• Nursing friendly pajamas
• Adult Depends (yep, diapers for mom!) These are actually a lot more comfortable than wearing a giant pad especially if you prefer leggings or compression shorts- just my opinion!

Your Comfort Items

There is nothing very comfortable about being at the hospital. So, it’s something that is very important to me that I bring some of my comforts from home to use during my stay. Like I said, you truly don’t know how long you’ll be there. The hope is a couple days at most but sometimes it does have to be longer. Here is my list of comfort items for your hospital bag:

• Your pillow and a blanket- I actually never go overnight somewhere without these two things. There is something about having your own pillow to sleep on and a blanket that smells like home that is the ultimate comfort!
• Essential oils- I got this idea from a birthing class I went to before having my first baby. They recommended bringing essential oils for a comfort item and I loved the idea! I am an essential oils girl anyway so I knew what I wanted to pack right away. Peppermint- sometimes you feel sick or even get sick during labor, this helps that sick to your stomach sensation. Also good for headaches. And Lavender- for calming. I use Lavender daily and it will be a good reminder of comfort for me.
• Ear buds- labor can be long and hard! It’s never a bad idea to have some music to calm your nerves or take your mind off of contractions.
• Sound machine- If you are like me and my husband, we sleep with a fan on every single night and did not even think about this when going to the hospital to have Rhett. There is a lot going on in a hospital and you will hear it all- this time we are packing our sound machine we will use in our room when baby comes home. This will also get baby used to the sound they will associate with sleep!
• Eye mask for sleep- With nurses coming in and out every so often and the hallway lights in the hospital always on- if you need complete darkness to sleep you need an eye mask!
• Counter pressure- When I was in labor the first time I had what they called “back labor.” Where the baby was faced toward my back and it caused very intense lower back pain. The ONLY thing that helped me feel some sort of relief was my husband applying counter pressure. I would recommend packing a tennis ball or something similar for your support person to practice counter pressure if needed. For me it was a life-saver.
• Last but super important SNACKS. I will always remember the blueberry muffin from Sam’s Club I had in my hospital bag after I had Rhett. That was the best meal I have ever eaten and that’s no exaggeration. During labor in the hospital they might not let you eat. So the after birth meal is literally THE MEAL. You will be so happy you packed something in case it is not an actual meal time at the hospital when you give birth. You might also want snacks throughout your stay. The hospital might only provide meals, no snacks so unless you want to send your partner on the hunt for something in the cafeteria, I’d bring a few options in your bag. Also, they might not provide anything for your support person to eat at all so think about that too!

Baby’s Diaper Bag

You most likely will want to bring some things for your new baby as well so bringing the baby’s diaper bag is an essential for me.

We have not found out our baby’s gender this time around so we will be just as surprised as everyone else at birth! That being said, I wanted some cute things for baby to wear weather boy or girl. Some thing I have packed in my baby’s diaper bag are:

• Baby’s first outfit (along with bows and a hat for boy or girl)
• Wooden name and information announcement – I found this cute one for a great price that can be used for boy or girl
• Swaddle blankets (boy and girl)
• A few newborn sleepers
• A couple onesies
• Pair of socks
• Boppy pillow – a MUST for feeding baby!
• Snuggle Me Organic lounger – A great place to lay baby, not safe for sleeping but helps baby feel secure

Some other things to Consider

• Baby memory book
• Written birth plan
• ID and insurance information
• Your medications and vitamins
• Picture of your other kiddos
• Extra long phone charger
• Baby lounger
• Digital camera
• Breast Pump
• Don’t forget the car seat!

Make sure you have your bags together toward the last few weeks of pregnancy, baby could surprise you at any minute! Also check out my post about other things to check off your list during your last month of pregnancy. Packing baby’s bag is always so exciting and you’ll be meeting the little person who will be wearing those outfits so soon!