Hospital Bag Essentials for Labor
Hospital bags are always a hot topic of conversation when you’re in your third trimester and getting ready to welcome your sweet baby into the world. Everyone has their own opinion on what they would consider a hospital “necessity”. Some women may show up to the hospital with nothing but their purse. Others will roll down the hallway with large suitcases containing everything but the kitchen sink.
After studying up on what everyone else was packing for the hospital, I ended up with one large rolling suitcase for both me and my husband. We overpacked and barely touched most of the items we brought. So, in my quest to help the anxious expecting mother, I have compiled a short, simple list of the essentials needed when planning what you’ll take to the hospital for your short stay.
Long Phone Charger
This is essential! You have no idea where the closest available outlet will be in your hospital room, so come prepared. I personally ordered this 10ft iPhone Charging Cable from Amazon. It worked wonders.
Toiletries
Most hospitals will provide you with a private bathroom that includes a shower when you make your way to your postpartum suite. My hospital provided me with generic shampoo and body wash, but I’m glad I packed my own. Nothing feels better than that first shower after labor so make it even more enjoyable by brining your own toiletries. I brought shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face wash, moisturizer, a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and hair ties! I used these Travel Bottles to save space.
Nursing Bras
From the second you reach your postpartum suite; you will be expected to give breastfeeding a try. You will want something comfortable, with easy access. You will most likely have your little one latch-on every 3-4 hours so be prepared for lots of hooking and unhooking. I bought this 3-pack of Nursing Bras and still use them to this day!
Nursing Nightgown
Just trust me. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a hospital gown for your entire stay. Bring something super soft and cozy. I purchased this Nursing Nightgown from amazon for my hospital stay and it made my trips up and down the hospital halls to visit my baby in the nursery, much more comfortable.
Fluffy Socks
The hospital will give you their standard grippy socks, but they aren’t very warm or soft. Grab yourself a pair of Fuzzy Non Slip Socks. Most hospitals will not allow you to get out of your bed without wearing footwear or socks with grips, so you don’t slip on the tiled floors.
Frida Peri Bottle
The hospital will provide you with a peri bottle, but it won’t have the hooked end that the Frida Peri Bottle provides. When you’re sore and recovering you will want the warm water to hit you in just the right spot and this bottle makes that simple and easy. You will also continue to use this once you come home from the hospital, so it’s worth the investment.
Chapstick
Your lips will be so dry after all the labor breathing exercises you will have been doing. Make sure to pack plenty of Chapstick because one always seems to go missing when you need it the most! I personally love this Baby Bum Chapstick that smells like a pina colada.
Snacks
There are a lot of different opinions when it comes to snacks, but your body will CRAVE sustenance after going through something as intense as giving birth. I craved fat, protein, and carbohydrates for a full week after giving birth. I was so happy that I had packed nuts, protein bars, and crackers to get me through my 3-day stay. Yes, the hospital will feed you 3 times each day, but it never felt like enough food.
Going Home Outfit
Choose something loose, soft, and comfortable. A dress would make an excellent choice in the summer. I personally wore my super soft Arie Offline Leggings and an oversized sweatshirt. Don’t worry about underwear, you’ll be rocking the large pad and disposable underwear when you leave the hospital. Have adult diapers or large pads and roomy underwear waiting for you when you get home!
Things I Packed but Didn’t Need:
- Robe
- Slippers
- Shower Shoes
- Underwear (disposable underwear is provided)
- Pads (large pads are provided)
- Makeup (could not have cared less about my appearance)
- Nipple Cream (provided)
- Books (I personally had no time to read)
- Pacifiers and Swaddles (provided)
- Eye mask (the room was dark enough during the evenings)
- Stool Softener (provided)
Non-Essentials That I Enjoyed Having:
Things I Wish I had Brought:
- Heating Pad (breast-feeding contraction cramps are no joke!)
Like I said before, everyone is different. But personally, if I ever have another baby, I will be packing much lighter the second time around.
