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One of the most stressful times for me was trying to figure out what I needed to bring to the hospital when it came time to have our baby. I recommend packing your hospital bag between 32-35 weeks of pregnancy so it will be ready to go minus a few key items (toothbrush, hairbrush). After 35 weeks, life really becomes a waiting game, and baby could come at ANY moment.
If you’re like me, you could go into a checkup appointment and end up going to labor and delivery to be induced. At that point your mind is going to be racing, and trying to tell your husband everything that you need while trying not to freak out is going to be hard. So, it is important to have everything packed before that time comes! (Again, minus the everyday products you use).
Listed below I have recommended 15 products to pack in your hospital bag, and these were all of the products that I ended up using out of everything that I packed.
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1. Dermoplast
One of the most important products to have on hand is dermoplast. Let me tell you, dermoplast was a huge life saver for me! You are gonna be swollen, and you’re going to be tender. This will help numb the area and decrease the pain to make healing more bearable.
I used dermoplast for about 4-5 weeks, but I believe it will be different for everyone. I will say that I had some health issues that caused major swelling and delayed healing a bit.
2. Tucks
Like Dermoplast, Tucks is going to be a major lifesaver as well when it comes to healing and pain relief. Tucks are medicated witch hazel pads that will help the healing process and also add some major pain relief on top of the dermoplast. It also creates a cooling effect which helps more than you think it does.
The first couple of days is going to be the worst and Tucks is going to help so much with that!
3. Nursing Pads
Now, like I have said, every woman is different. It took a couple of days for my milk to fully come in, but for some women it comes in instantly. I recommend bringing these nursing pads. Until your body has established your milk flow and recognizes how much you need, you’re going to leak. Nursing pads will definitely help from leaking through your shirts.
4. Nipple Cream
Nipple Cream is so important to have on hand. Breastfeeding is such a beautiful experience and it creates such a wonderful bond with your baby that no-one else knows. Breastfeeding also comes with its struggles, especially in those first days and weeks. This Lansinoh Nipple Cream gave instant relief anytime I needed it, and it helped healed cracks relatively quickly!
Note: I do want to clarify that this is nothing against formula fed babies. I had supply issues and had to supplement feed until my supply dried up about 4 months in due to a surgery. Fed is most definitely best!
5. Toiletry Items
Sometime before you leave the hospital, you’re going to want to shower! Labor is a hard time to go through, and that first shower was one of the best feelings. It makes you feel refreshed and of course… clean! Bringing a small bag with some travel-sized toiletry items is good to have because then you don’t have to bring the bulk shampoo and conditioner sitting in your shower.
Check out some travel-sized toiletry kits here! Of course, when it comes time to go to the hospital, don’t forget to pack your toothbrush, toothpaste and hairbrush as well and any other daily toiletries you need!
6. Important Documents
One of the most important things that you need to make sure you packed is the documents you need for the hospital. Make sure to bring your license or ID card as well as your insurance. There will be hospital officials coming by your room to give you paperwork to process the baby’s birth certificate as well as getting insurance or medicaid set up for them.
Having a file organizer may be handy to help you keep track of everything. I honestly wish I had one because not only do you have to bring documents, but the hospital will be giving you several pamphlets and information to look at as well. By the time we got home, everything was so scattered and so was my mind to be able to organize it all.
7. Birth Plan
I did have a birth plan typed up for when it came time to deliver our baby, however I did not have it with me when I had gone to a check-up and ended up being induced. If you do create a birth plan, make sure to have your birth plan ready to go in your hospital bag.
If you have a birth plan I also recommend keeping an open mind. So many things can happen during labor and more times than not, things happen that were not originally on your birth plan. It’s good to keep a general guide on how you want your labor experience to go, but just remember that things don’t always happen according to plan.
The most important thing is that your little one enters this world a happy and healthy baby, and that your health isn’t compromised either. A good place to keep your birth plan is in the same file folder that you would keep your important documents.
8. Nursing Bra
Having nursing bras on hand is going to help so much! For most of your labor and post birth experience, you’re probably just going to be wearing your hospital gown or the birthing robe you brought from home.
However, I do think it’s important to bring at least one nursing bra with you. They are comfortable to wear and make nursing much easier with the clippable cups. I recommend the MomCozy Nursing Bras as they are super comfortable and convenient!
9. Breastfeeding Pillow
Breastfeeding can definitely be a bit tricky in the beginning. Trying to figure out what positions work best for you and baby can be a hassle and 8 lbs of baby gets heavy a lot faster than you think! Having a breastfeeding pillow on hand can definitely help offer support to your baby during breastfeeding.
It can also help your baby establish a better latch if they are able to get in a better position. I recommend using the Boppy Breastfeeding Pillow! This pillow helped my daughter get a better latch and saved my back from trying to hold her in certain positions so she could breastfeed.
10. Slippers and Socks
The hospital I delivered at did not provide me with any type of socks, but I have heard of some hospitals supplying socks. Having a good, comfy pair of socks can help keep your feet nice and cozy because we all know how cold those rooms can be, right?
Having a good pair of slippers is also essential because you’re probably going to have trouble bending over to tie shoes or put them on. Slip-on shoes are much easier and convenient for you to use as there isn’t much effort when it comes to putting them on. They are convenient to have for the short trip to the bathroom or walking the hallways post-birth. Check out these Non-slip Socks and Slippers!
11. Hair Accessory Bag
Trust me, you are going to want to have your hair tied back and out of your face during labor. Like I’ve said before, a lot happens during labor and your hair is one thing you don’t want in the way. I didn’t have most of my hair tied back and I regretted it. By the time I was able to brush it, my hair was so tangled and knotted up from hours of rolling and moving around in that hospital bed.
I had forgotten to tell my husband to grab my accessory bag and I definitely don’t want you to make that mistake! It will save your hair and a lot of time trying to brush out the tangles if you have thick hair like me. Check out these hair accessory bags!
12. Pillow and Blanket for Dad
I highly HIGHLY recommend bringing a pillow and blanket for Dad. I would also recommend possibly bringing a pillow for yourself as well. My hospital was only allowed to supply me with one pillow and it was less than ideal or comfortable. If you have a big enough delivery room, I would also suggest bringing a small air mattress as well, especially if you have more than one person staying in your room.
My husband and my mom stayed with me while I was in labor. My mom was from out of town and just had knee surgery so she and my husband took turns sleeping on the hard, tiny couch that was in the room. My husband mostly slept in 2 chairs, and I found myself wishing that we had brought a small air mattress for him. The hospital supplied him with a thin blanket, but no pillow.
13. Chargers
There is a very good chance that you are not going to have an outlet near your bed. There is also a good chance that labor is going to take awhile so I highly recommend bringing a long charger to charge your phone and electronics.
14. Comfy Clothes
Comfy clothes are a must-have post birth. You are going to be exhausted and sore and you’re probably not going to want clothes that take more effort to put on. I literally went home in sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt. I recommend packing a couple pairs of clothes just to have some options, but while you are in the hospital you will most likely be in a hospital gown.
Check out these super comfy loungers!
15. Snack Bag
One very important thing you may need (especially for your husband) is a snack bag. During early labor unless there are certain medical conditions, you’ll pretty much get to eat what you want. We didn’t order dinner until 7-8 pm so I was starving by the time we ate and I definitely regret not packing a snack bag. Once a certain time passes, you will probably be put on a liquid only diet, especially when being induced.
However, you still want to make sure your husband is eating because he is most likely going to be so focused on you that he’s going to forget about his appetite. Keeping a couple snacks on hand is going to help you when you need it while you can, but it’ll also be convenient to tell your husband to eat something and he won’t have to leave the room to get anything.
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Packing your hospital bag can be overwhelming especially when trying to think of everything you need. Hopefully, I was able to help in relieving that pressure a bit and you were able to ease your mind a bit. I know the last few weeks of pregnancy can be so crazy while trying to prepare for baby!
I just want you to know that you’ve got this and you’re going to do great! Congratulations on your little one and during tough times just remember one thing…. You are doing great mama!
