Hospital Bag Checklist for Mom and Baby :
Top 10 Hospital Bag haves for Mom and Baby:
One of the most common questions pregnant mamas have is “what to pack in hospital bag for labor”. Fun fact before I start: As I write this blog post, I am currently 40 weeks and 4 days pregnant with baby #3 and my hospital bag is ready to go!
For most first-time moms, the thought of what to pack for their hospital stay can be daunting. “how many bottles do I need? Do I need a toothbrush? Pads? Will I even be physically able to put makeup on? Or curl my hair for some nice photos?” So many questions and so many confusing lists available on the internet. With this being my 3rd pregnancy, I am now much more experienced and I feel confident when it comes what to pack in my hospital bag for labor and delivery.
Most hospitals in the US do a great job in providing new moms with essential items they need to cover the first few days or so of their hospital stay.
My very own, down to earth, practical Hospital bag checklist for mom and baby:
Mom:
- Photo ID, insurance info, hospital forms and birth plan (if you have one)
- Cell phone charger
- Maternity bra if you plan on nursing
- Breast pump : Most hospitals have breast pumps which you can borrow or even rent to take home if you don’t already have one. I plan to take my own breast pump – the Spectra S1, since I am used to it and I love its results.
- Comfortable going-home clothes
- Hand crème : I’ve always had dry hands, and most days having dry hands gives me anxiety. If you’re like me and you wash/sanitize your hands as often as you need you, having a hand crème will bring you some comfort!
- Toiletries and personal items – whether that’s a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, face wash, hydrating lotion, lip balm and makeup. It all comes down to what your priorities are and to what extent you will be physically able to stick to your morning/evening routine.
- Slippers/Socks : Most hospitals provide socks for moms as you wait. If you’re anything like me and feel comfortable in slippers, don’t forget to include that in your hospital bag too!
- Hair dryer : Depending on how you feel, you might opt for washing your hair or just a quick shower to relieve your stress and feel refreshed. I personally didn’t wash my hair with both my deliveries and I don’t think I will be physically capable nor will I have the energy to do so this time around as well.
Baby:
When you’re just starting out in life, you don’t need all that much. Here are the main essentials you’ll want to add to your baby hospital bag list:
- Car seat
- Going home outfit, hat and mittens
- Warm blanket for the ride home
Most hospitals do an excellent job of providing new parents with newborn size diapers, ready-to-feed formula, a newborn size pacifier and brush. With my first pregnancy, I did pack some, however this time around, I want to be as light as possible since I wont be needed any extras. The nurses at most Maternity wards are experienced and understand that new moms/dads can be overwhelmed. Don’t be shy to ask for anything that might help you while in labor or as you recover from the delivery.
I hope this blog post helped you gather a simple list of the basic, essential things you need for your hospital stay! Of course, each one of us is different and our needs may not be the same. Some of you might need less, some of you might need to pack more! It all comes down to what makes YOUR labor, delivery and recovery as comfortable as possible!
And if you’re looking into booking a Newborn Photoshoot in New Jersey right here in the heart of Bergen County, check out the website for more information, I’d love to help you capture those special moments!
