If you knew me in real life, you’d know that I am an excessive planner as well as an obsessive researcher. Which makes the next thing I’m going to tell you seem a bit out of character for me.
I did not research what to put in my hospital bag, nor did I pack it weeks in advance.
The Boy missed his due date, just like 96% of the population. We were scheduled for an induction five days later. So, I packed the night before his birthday. I can say that now because he was born just a few hours after we arrived at the hospital for the induction.
What do I need in my hospital bag?
That’s a tough question. Some things you’ll need, some things you won’t need, and some things you’ll wish you knew you needed. Here’s a list of what I put in my hospital bag…and a few things that I wished that I had!
Documents:
Your identification and insurance information. Our hospital already had my insurance information on file as my doctor’s office provided me with the forms the week prior. {Ask your doctor about this!}
Your birth plan. I didn’t have one of these, nor do I regret not having one. But, if you have one, bring it and know that much of your experience won’t be at all like what you’ve written down.
Beauty Aids:
Hair ties and/or clips.
Hair brush.
Eyeglasses, contact lenses and solution
Make up
Lip Balm
Shampoo and Conditioner
Body wash, lotion, and deodorant
Clothing:
Robe
Nursing tops and bras
Pajamas
Slippers {It’s going to be cold, bring the extra-thick fuzzy ones.}
Comfortable clothing to wear home
Goodies for the Baby:
Infant car seat {Tip: Stop by your local police or fire department to have the seat inspected. Most car seats are not properly installed. There is no charge for this.}
Going home outfit {The Boy was too small for the outfit we originally chose for him. He went home in a onesie instead!}
Cloth diapers if you’re using them. Hospitals provide newborn diapers.
Other Important Items
Cell phone and charger
Camera and charger
Laptop, Kindle, trashy magazines, and DVDs
Snacks
What to snag from the hospital?
The hospital will provide complimentary formula samples {if you plan to formula feed and/or supplement this is great!}, diapers and wipes {put a few extra in your take home bag}, a cute hat, and swaddle blankets. They’ll also give you disposable undies and pads – ask for extras!
What did you pack in your hospital bag? Was there one thing you didn’t have that you wished that you did?
This is part of series of posts titled Motherhood Mondays where I’ll be sharing my parenting experiences, tips and advice. If there is a specific topic you would like to see in the coming weeks, please email me with Motherhood Mondays in the subject line.
I’d add something to wake your husband up with in case you have a c-section 🙂 Mine fell asleep and I couldn’t get him to wake up when the baby did, and I couldn’t move LOL
Seriously though, if anyone in our family is going to the hospital, we try to take a treat for the nurses so they feel appreciated. Nothing big, just a little something everyone can enjoy. A tray of cookies or some other little treat.
Charlene – I didn’t mean to laugh, but just couldn’t help it! A treat for the nurses would be a great idea – or even sending them something after you leave would be a nice gesture, too!
That’s okay, it was a joke, although it really did happen LOL.
Great post! I had most of these things in my hospital bag too. Hmm, I can’t think of anything that I wished I had packed. I was just so ready to get home to all of my things after I delivered my son! 🙂
I was excited to go home too, and was so surprised at how quickly they let us leave. I was like “Really, they’re letting US take him home already. He’s so little!”
I’m a rebel but I would say bring a snack like a granola bar. Most often the hospital doesn’t want you to eat but you might need something in your tummy! Labor is like running a marathon, you need your energy.
My labor was so quick, the last thing I was thinking about was food. But once I delivered, I couldn’t wait to eat!
I packed during early labor lol I wasn’t packed super early. Hubby even had to get gas for the car. I made sure to take my Chapstick and iPod with my labor playlist!
Next time I’ll bring flip flips to wear home. My feet swelled so bad I couldn’t put my shoes on
Smart! I didn’t think about footwear – The Boy was born in July, so I was already in flip flops!
I didn’t pack mine until like the week before, just kept putting it off, plus I didn’t have good pjs or slippers to bring. I brought my own blanket too, just a small one but was soo much nicer.
Am I the only one who wasn’t dying to get home? I was scared to leave all 3 times and stayed as long as possible.