We are just settling in here at home with our second little love. I’ve had the idea to do this post for a while (before the baby came, actually) but never got around to it. It’s actually a good thing though, because now that I’ve spent time at the hospital delivering both my babies I really have a pretty good idea of what items are necessary for the hospital. Here are 10 things you need in your bag!
1. A great overnight bag.
I spent an embarrassingly long amount of time trying to find a good bag to bring to the hospital. Last time I brought a small-ish tote bag and my husband brought a backpack. This time I was determined to fit everything into one bag. Eventually at the last hour, I picked a lesportsac overnight bag and it worked out great. It didn’t have a whole lot of room to spare, but served it’s purpose well.
2. Slippers and shower shoes (flip flops)
3. A robe
4. Great button down pajamas or nightgown that are easy to nurse in. Both times I’ve packed both pajamas and a nightgown because I didn’t know what I’d feel most comfortable in, and both times I have gone with the nightgown. At the time, it has seemed more hassle-free (no unbuttoning to nurse) and honestly, I haven’t wanted to put anything remotely tight fitting on over those huge pads they give you in the hospital (just being honest…) so a flowy nightgown has seemed much more appealing. Now, I’ve known people who have put yoga pants on after labor, so you never know… basically just bring something to wear that you are going to feel comfortable lounging around the hospital in for a couple days.
5. Shower essentials- shampoo/conditioner, soap, razor (if you’re into that kind of thing), hairdryer etc. Other things I’ve found helpful on this front are makeup wipes because you might not feel like getting out of bed too much, and you can easily wipe your face if you’re feeling grungy. Also, dry shampoo!
6. Camera and some sort of guest book. We didn’t have a “guestbook” with my first son, and I regret it because it would be nice to have a sweet record of people that came to visit in the hospital. This time we used this precious book, but we kept forgetting to have our guests sign it!
7. Thank you notes- if you want to get a head start on those for the gifts you’ve received. Also, it’s nice to have if you want to write your nurses thank you cards!
8. Speaking of thank yous- some people like to bring gifts for their nurses. We did this the first time- I honestly can’t remember what we brought, but I think it was just candy. I didn’t do that this time because, well I had a toddler at home and things like that just didn’t get done this time around!
9. A “going home” outfit for you and the baby. Both times I’ve been induced, so I just wore home what I wore to the hospital.
10. Random other items- Mittens for the baby (didn’t bring these and our newborn came home with a huge scratch down his face!) chargers, sweatshirt for your husband (it gets cold in the hospital and it didn’t help that I made my husband blast the air because I was hormonal and sweating bullets!) a camera, snacks, water bottle for your husband, extra pillows, a folder for extra paperwork you’ll receive, chapstick, lanolin, a swaddle blanket, any special items you’d like to bring to announce gender/names/etc.
**Other tips:
I always like to stock up on necessities like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent etc. because you never know when you’ll feel like getting out and going to the store. Obviously you’ll need to go to the store at some point, but at least you don’t run the risk of having to go and get something last minute!
Other items that are great to have when you get home from the hospital are:
Pads, Colace, Dermoplast, Tucks Wipes, Breast Pads, Soothie Gel Pads, Lanolin, Nursing Bras, and comfy lounge clothes!
I also like to make ahead some meals for the freezer. It’s so nice to be able to pop something in the oven and not have to worry about feeding your family those first few weeks! My favorite freezer meals are here.
makeeverydayOK 