With this being my third baby, I originally didn't put too much thought into my hospital packing list. As my due date approached I was quickly reminded that it's been more than three years since I have had a baby and had to pack for the hospital. Not to mention, my last birth was a planned c-section which made preparing a lot easier. I am attempting a VBA2C (vaginal birth after two c-sections) this time around, so things are a little different.
I have been setting stuff aside to pack for the last month or so, but I didn't really have everything one hundred percent ready to go until right at 39 weeks. If you are a first time mom, or you know you usually go into labor early, I recommend being ready by 37 weeks or earlier. I am currently 40 + 1 and my bags are anxiously waiting by the front door!
Below is a list of what I packed for myself and baby, as well as a general packing list for Dad.
For Mom
Clothes to wear during labor (you can wear a gown but a lot of hospitals will let you wear your own clothes to be more comfortable)
Nursing Tanks (Target has awesome ones, or if you're looking for a cheaper option, I just bought this two pack off Amazon and they are SO COMFORTABLE)
Comfortable Nursing Bras
Nipple Cream
Lotion (for back rubs during labor)
Towel from home (hospital towels are small and not very soft)
BIG comfortable underwear
Facial Wipes
Going home outfit
Toiletries (tooth brush, tooth paste,makeup, hair stuff)
Chap-stick
Flip Flops/Shower Shoes
Socks (I bring compression socks for swelling because the nurse in me says I should)
Snacks
Nursing Pillow
Camera
Phone charger
Birth Plan
Insurance Paperwork
For Baby
Swaddle (the velcro swaddles are awesome and so are the muslin blankets)
Mittens or outfits with fold over sleeves so they don't scratch themselves
Nail clippers (my kids have always been born with long nails and the hospital only ever has nail files)
2-3 Outfits for the hospital (these tops are my favorite because they make diaper changes very easy! They are always swaddled anyways)
Newborn Hat (not a necessity, but I have always brought ones with bows for my daughters)
Going Home Outfit
Car Seat
Pacifier (if you want your baby to use one)
PAPER WORK FILE FOLDER (see picture below)
Bring a file folder for all the hospital paperwork you will receive. I was given one of these as a gift for my second daughter and it was one of the most useful things we received. I now have one for both children to keep their health records and doctors visits organized.
For Dad
comfortable clothes
socks/underwear
phone charger
snacks & money for vending machine
toiletries
pillow from home
If you read this list and feel like I should add something, I would love to hear your advice! I will make sure to update it after delivery if there is anything else I feel like I should have included.
Thanks for reading!
Jayna
