Do a quick Google search of ‘packing hospital bag’ and you will stumble upon list upon list of all the must have items to take with you when you give birth. Having packed a hospital bag two different times in preparation for heading to the hospital to meet our new baby these are the things I found most useful.
Robe and slippers
With my first son I spent a few hours walking the halls during early labor and was so happy that I had my own big soft robe to cover up in and my slippers to wear as I roamed the hallways.
Chapstick and Lotion
Hospitals are so dry meaning that your lips and skin dry out super fast. I kept a tube of chapstick on the table next to me and applied it many times a day. I also always brought a bottle of my favorite scented lotion to put on after my showers. The yummy smell brought a little bit of luxury to my hospital stay.
Electronics and Chargers
I actually made a list of all the different electronic items and chargers I wanted to take with me to the hospital and set it on top of my bag. Since you will most likely be using these items right up until the time you go into labor this was a super helpful way to make sure my iPad, laptop, cell phone, camera, video camera and all the chargers made the trip to the hospital with me.
Comfortable clothes
This item is probably up for debate. I know that some new moms prefer just to use the hospital gowns during their stay. However, I loved having my own yoga pants and comfy shirt to put on. I felt more like myself and wanted to look nice for pictures and all the visitors we had stopping by.
I asked other Des Moines Moms Blog contributors what their must have hospital bags items are and this is what they said.
- Soothies gel pads (for breastfeeding moms to help with soreness)
- Baby book for footprints
- Zip up sweatshirt
- Hair ties
- Pillow from home
- Going home outfit for baby
- A book and some magazines
- Snacks for hubby
- Make up, hair dryer and hair products
- Boppy pillow
- Hospitals are freezing so warm clothes for your significant other
I was just thinking a baby name book. We weren’t totally set on the boys names until after their birth. The hospital does have 1 but others are wanting to use it too.
Well I guess these if you have your laptop or smart phone you can just look that up online. We didn’t have either when I had the boys.
Good Idea Jodi!