When you are pregnant, one of the very last things that is probably on your mind is what to pack in your bag for the hospital. However, it is one of the most important things that you need to do to prepare for the big day! A well packed bag will make all the difference when it is time for your little bundle of joy to arrive. You may find lots of guides online that tell you what you need to pack, but many of those guides contain quite a bit of unnecessary items. Here is what you will really need!
– Clothes
You will most definitely be needing some clothing! When you actually have your baby you will probably be either naked or in the hospital gown, but after your baby is born you will be able to wear actual clothes. You should pack some comfortable pajama or lounging pants and a few t-shirts. That will be great to wear around the hospital. You will also want a nicer outfit that you can wear when you take your baby home. That outfit will probably be in a lot of pictures, so you may want to choose something nice. Maternity clothes will probably still be the only thing that will fit you immediately after birth, but if you are lucky, you may be able to wear your old clothes again!
As far as underwear goes, you can bring a few old pairs if you feel like it, but they will give you a huge, ugly pair of mesh undies. You will be bleeding for a while (whether you delivered naturally or had a c-section) and you will have a huge pad on, so you may want to skip your cute underwear from home and just wear the ones that the hospital provides for you. Also, you will want to have a nursing bra or at the very least a very comfortable sports bra. Whether you will be breastfeeding or not, your breasts are still going to become engorged and sore, and you will want to be comfortable.
Pack some socks! Hospitals tend to be quite chilly. The hospital will have some socks available for you that have the grips on the bottom, so you do not need to go out and buy any of those. You may want to bring some of your own slippers from home to make you extra cozy. You will also need some shoes to wear when you go home and some flip flops for the shower! You definitely do not want to take a shower in a hospital without flip flops on your feet.
– Toiletries
Hospitals usually have everything that you will need as far as personal hygiene goes. But those teeny bottles of shampoo usually don't cut it, and they generally do not provide any conditioner at all! So pack little travel sized shampoo, conditioner, and body wash from home for the shower. Hospitals always have toothbrushes and toothpaste, so you really do not need to bring any from home unless you are exceptionally picky. When it is time to pack up for home, you will have less to take if you use their things.
You may want to pack some make up! You and the baby will probably be the center of many photos, and if you are the type of person that wants to look good in pictures, bring some make up from home, and don't forget stuff for your hair! Even if you aren't going to be in any pictures, getting all pretty after you give birth can make one feel incredible!
– Entertainment
You probably will not need much entertainment but you may find yourself waiting around quite a bit. A portable DVD player with some movies, or a good book can be great for the times where you are not in excruciating pain. They are also good for those times after you give birth when you can't sleep and you just want to relax. And of course, you do not want to forget the camera or video camera to capture the moments leading up to the birth and the baby! Don't forget the extra batteries and memory cards!
– Snacks
The hospital should have some snacks, but they are limited. Hopefully you will be able to eat a little something after you give birth, but even if you can't, your husband or partner may get hungry. They are important too, so it is a good idea to pack them a little something to keep their strength up.
That is pretty much all you will need for you! But you can't forget the baby's bag either! Here are some things that you don't want to forget to bring for the baby!
– Coming home outfit
– Several onesies
– Several outfits
– Mittens (to keep the baby from scratching his face)
– Socks
– Diapers
– Wipes
– Vaseline (if you are having a boy who will be circumcised)
– Diaper rash cream
– Alcohol wipes (for the umbilical cord stump)
– Receiving blankets
– Pacifiers
Hopefully you will be well prepared for the hospital. If you have any questions, you should call the hospital where you will be delivering. They will be able tell you about anything else that you may need.