If you’re a new mom, you may be wondering what to pack for your hospital stay during labor and delivery. If you’re on round two, three, etc., you may need a refresher list or can probably add more items to the lists below. If so, please share in the comment section.
First, I want to mention that there is no need to pack half your closet for your hospital stay. Just make sure that what you’re packing is very comfortable. The last thing you will have energy to think about is how good you look. Exhaustion will take over your body and your mind will be too focused on your new little one.
Prepare a bag for yourself, your significant other and your new little one at or before your 34th week and keep it in the car or near the front door of your home. I went into labor with my second child, Peter, at 36 weeks so I was happy that I had everything ready to go at that time since his early arrival was obviously not planned. Below is a list of items that I recommend you pack. Again, if you have more to add, please share in the comments section:
For Baby
Boppy
No matter if you plan to breastfeed or bottle feed, a boppy will come in handy when feeding your infant for the first few months. The extra support will relieve tired arms and keep your little one comfy and secure during feedings. The boppy will come in handy all through your child’s development. My daughter, Jane, still loves to use the boppy for naps or play at 19 months. It has become something we fight over in our home.
Clothes For Baby – Newborn and 0-3
Jane was born larger than we expected her to be. We had packed newborn clothing as well as 0-3 month clothing in case she didn’t fit in the tiny newborn outfit. At birth, the newborn clothing would have fit a little snug; however, by the time we left the hospital, she had lost enough weight for the newborn clothing to fit just right. Needless to say, she didn’t fit in her newborn clothing very long after we brought her home from the hospital. Peter was the same way. His newborn clothing was packed away after his first week home. Best to be on the safe side and pack larger clothing as well as newborn clothing. If anything, I’m sure the hospital would allow you to take clothing home for your little one and return it later. Or they may point you in the direction of the gift shop to browse through the ‘I was born at _________ hospital’ onesies.
Formula – Just In Case You Can’t Nurse
I had the great expectation that Jane and Peter would breastfeed like a pro after delivery. I was disappointed to find that both of our children refused to breastfeed and even struggled with the bottle at times. We had to feed them by syringe for the first week while struggling to breastfeed with no luck. I also wasn’t producing enough milk for them so we had to supplement with formula. Arriving with your choice of formula in case feedings don’t go as planned will allow you to control this possible situation.
A Newborn Bottle
We didn’t pack a bottle in our hospital bag and wished that we had. We had to use the tools that the hospital offered. All you need is one. You can wash the bottle after each use at the hospital. Make sure the nipple to the bottle is ideal for a newborn.
Baby Blanket
The hospital will provide a receiving blanket and use that to swaddle your little one, but you can’t take it home. Pack an extra blanket for cuddling with your little one and for the trip home from the hospital.
Car Seat Installed
Make sure that your car seat is installed in the car prior to delivery. If you haven’t installed a car seat before, take it to the nearest fire station for an inspection of the installation. I recommend installing a newborn infant car seat rather than a convertible car seat at this point. Having a portable car seat to transport your little one when out and about will come in handy. It wasn’t until our daughter was about nine months that we purchased a convertible car seat. At that time she was too active to stay in the infant seat while running errands around town and too heavy for the seat.
Possibly A Diaper Bag
It wouldn’t hurt to prepare a diaper bag for your little one with some wipes, diapers, clothes, burp cloth and an extra pair of socks and cap. The hospital will provide diapers and wipes for you after delivery; however, you never know what kind of emergencies you will run into on the way home from the hospital. If your car breaks down, you live far from the hospital or have to make some last minute purchases at the store for your little one, you’ll have a backup plan in case your little one spits up or soils a diaper.
For Mom
Documentation
Make sure you arrive at the hospital with your picture ID, insurance card and any hospital paperwork that you may need. If you put together a birth plan, bring that too.
Comfortable Clothing
Delivering a baby may be the greatest weight loss program you will experience in a short amount of time. However, you will most likely leave the hospital looking like you’re five to six months pregnant. Lets just say that your maternity pants will remain your best friend after giving birth for a little bit of time. Pack some comfy maternity pants, pajama pants and maternity shirts for your hospital stay. You may want to pack baggy clothing since you will most likely need to wear a heavy ice pack and pad to control pain and blood loss. Your comfort is very important at this time. You will be very sore, tired and most likely overwhelmed if this is your first child. No need to prove that you can squeeze into your skinny jeans at this point.
Snacks
Depending on how long you’re in labor, you may be very hungry after delivery since you’re only allowed liquids until the baby is born. Some hospitals will put together a snack bag for you to enjoy when the cafeteria is not open. Mine did and it was great to have when the cafeteria wasn’t available to deliver meals. Pack some healthy, energizing snacks that do not require refrigeration. Some hospitals don’t provide a refrigerator in the room.
Your Own Pillow
Hospital pillows can be very flat and stiff. It’s important to make sure that you remain as comfortable as possible. Bring one or two of your favorite pillows for you and your significant other.
Sweater or Robe
Hospitals keep their thermostat at around 69 degrees. You may find that you’re a little chilly at times. Bring a comfortable sweater that opens in the front so that you don’t have to remove it to breastfeed or pump.
Nursing or Regular Bra
Your breasts will be tender and swollen as your milk supply comes in. Having a comfortable and supportive bra will help. Pack some breast pads to prevent leaks through your bra and shirt.
Toiletries
Pack toiletries that will last a week. Hospitals will provide you towels and a limited supply of toiletries to shower. Play it safe and bring your own. Also, bring lip balm. Hospitals can be very dry.
Glasses
Even if you wear glasses sparingly, pack them. You may not have the desire to put in your contact lenses everyday.
Camera and Video Camera
Most likely you will not be able to record the birth of your child; however, you may be able to record and photo document the experiences after delivery. My husband and I were able to capture some moments during labor and after delivery when my husband gave our children their first bath and the moment they wrapped their little fingers around ours for the first time.
Slippers
Hospital floors can be cold. Keep your feet warm while you walk around. Your doctor will encourage you to walk after delivery to help you recover. I found comfort in walking a little during labor. With that said, make sure your slippers are comfy for a stroll here and there. Be prepared to wear them home too. Your feet may be too swollen to fit into the shoes you arrived in.
iPad/Kindle/Book/Music/ Phone
You may have some downtime during labor and a small amount after delivery. I recommend getting as much sleep as possible, but bring something along to keep your mind occupied. I was in labor for ten hours with Jane and 22 hour with Peter so I had a lot of time on my hands. Having my iPad helped keep my mind busy. Don’t forget to bring chargers.
A Gift From Baby To Big Brother(s) or Big Sister(s)
It can be an emotional and confusing time for an older sibling when a new brother or sister arrives. Preparing a gift from the new baby to be given to the older sibling(s) may help with the transition.
Best Of Luck To You
Welcoming a new baby to your family is exciting; however, it can be a little overwhelming too. Hopefully this list will help you with preparing for your little one’s arrival. I remember feeling overwhelmed before Jane was born. I hadn’t spent much time around infants prior to delivering her so I was terrified that I would do something wrong or fail to care for her as she needed. You know, I figured it out. The important thing is to stay positive and embrace all the joy of having a child in your life no matter how tired or stressed you may be. Those feelings and emotions are only temporary. The joy is forever. Congratulations to you on expecting your little one and please add products in the comments section below that have helped you during your hospital stay and share this article and more with friends and family that may benefit from what I have to share.
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