Its a strange time to have a baby with the Corona Virus being all anyone can talk about and hospitals changing all of their policies on visitors etc. for women who just gave birth. Regardless of the circumstances, I am working hard mentally to stay positive, look at the silver lining all around, and focus on the good that can come out of these changes and slower times.
One thing that has been helping me during this time is getting as organized and taking care of the few things that are in my power to control. Getting my hospital bag together has been one of those things (I packed at 38 weeks, kinda late for a first timer but with sisters who have kids, I knew the chances were that I would be overdue for my first.)
I think it’s really important to ask for suggestions on what to pack only from someone that you relate to and knows you well, because a lot of people will tell you what you need or don’t need, My sister in law helped me as well as my friend who recently had a baby. The lists were very similar so it felt good to be on the same page and have a clear idea of what I needed.
My one piece of advice in this process would be to not overthink this. Essentially you’re packing for a 48-72 hour period where you’ll want to be cozy and have what makes you feel confident, beautiful, and comfortable.
See below for my hospital bag checklist!
-Roller suitcase to neatly pack items in one common place vs. multiple totes overflowing with stuff.
For Mom:
-Robe
-Zip Up hoodie
-Button Down boyfriend shirt or pajama set with loose pants (in dark colors in case you bleed through the pad/diapers the hospital provides)
-Comfy sweatsuit or tracksuit / shoes to wear home
-Nursing Bra
-Dark, comfy, and loose boy short undies (hospital provides disposable undies/pads)
-Nursing Pillow
-Nipple Cream
-Nursing Pads
-Socks
-Slippers or comfy slides
-Chapstick (apparently lips get chapped during labor from all the heavy breathing!)
-Travel size toiletries, Skin care products, hair brush, blow dryer and the like if you plan on getting dolled up after things have settled down
-Tooth Brush, tooth paste
-Minimal makeup if you want to wear any at all
-Aromatherapy
-Playlists downloaded
-Movies downloaded
-Birthing Ball if you want to use one
-Disposable undies, pads, witch hazel pads, peri bottle (our hospital provides so not necessary for us but just in case your hospital doesn’t provide)
For Baby:
-Swaddles (don’t need but if you wanted your own)
-Baby blanket
-Mitts so baby doesn’t scratch themselves
-Socks/fleece booties (baby is mostly swaddled in diaper and kimono provided by hospital but in case you wanted to have baby out at all with feet covered)
-1-2 baby outfits (including one to go home in)
-Car seat
-Baby wash/shampoo if you want the hospital to use your preferred brand when they bathe baby
For Dad:
-Toiletries
-2 changes of comfy clothes (I packed Chay’s Adidas tracksuit, two soft tees, undies, one pair of comfy pants, 3 pairs of socks, and a hoodie)
Mom and Dad Misc. Items:
-Easily packable blanket (s)
-Pillow
-Computer and charger
-Headphones
-Books
-Snacks, bars, etc
-Camera
Personal Documentation:
-Insurance Cards
-Medical Records (provided by Dr. to bring with you)
-License/ID
-Birth Plan
I found it so useful when my sister in law and friend sent their list to me to edit down and customize it more to my own needs. I hope you guys find this helpful and I hope that it takes some of the potential stress that can come with the unknown. Please feel free to add anything you might recommend as well in the comments section below.
xo, Kim
