We spend months preparing for the arrival of our sweet babies, and one of the many things we tend to fret over is what to bring to the hospital. What will be provided, what is essential, what if I hate everything I bring and my partner has to run home 21,946 times during labor?!?!
It’s OK. This simple list will help you feel as prepared as possible.
BEFORE YOU GO
So many things we pack ahead of time are actually needed while laboring at home! It’s best to only pack things you won’t be using and print a list of things to pack last minute. Here’s what you might use at home that you shouldn’t pack just yet:
Pillow
Blanket
Phone Charger
Bluetooth Speaker
Toiletries
Hair Care Products
Oil Diffuser and Essential Oils
Perishable Snacks (fresh fruit/veggies, smoothies, etc.)
Vitamins, supplements, medications (bring them all if you take them regularly)
Things you can pack ahead of time:
Comfy Clothes (literally anything that makes you feel cozy and beautiful and is easy to remove)
Slippers/Sandals
Robe
Socks
Birth Class Folder
Battery-powered Tea Lights
Salt Lamp
Extra Change of Clothes
Bra or Bathing Suit if Desired for Tub
Non-Perishable Snacks (honey sticks, protein bars, chocolate, gum, mints, nuts, anything that tickles your fancy)
Advil/Tylenol/Ibuprofen for Partner in case of a headache (hospital will not give it and it is common when sleep deprived)
Birth Plan
ONCE BABY ARRIVES
I recommend packing a second “baby bag” that you leave in the car until you’re moved to the Postnatal room. Here’s what should be in it:
Changes of Clothes (anything that is loose-fitting and comfy and makes you feel awesome)
Toiletries
One cute baby outfit for cute pictures (hospital has onesies)
Pillows (in case your birthing ones got soiled)
Maternity pads (the hospital provides mattress-sized ones, maybe bring a few smaller ones)
Post birth belly band (optional - I like The Belly Bandit series)
Nipple cream (I recommend the one from Mother Love)
Nursing pads (optional - I like the Bamboobies)
Breastfeeding bra/top
Snacks
Going home outfit for you and baby
Cash (sometimes partner’s have to pay cash for meals)
WHAT THE HOSPITAL PROVIDES
Luckily, the hospital provides A BUNCH of stuff so you don’t have to weigh down your bag with unnecessary items. Most hospitals in Northern Colorado provide the following:
Some light snacks and beverages 24/7
Meals during specific times
Towels
Blankets (warm ones, too!)
Pillows (not the nicest, which is why I recommend bringing a few of your own)
Large Maternity Pads
Peri Bottles
Tucks Pads/Lidocaine Spray
Baby Clothes (all-white onesies)
Baby Hats
Swaddling Blankets
Bottles
Pacifiers
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
The car ride to the hospital can be uncomfortable. Be sure to create a comfy space in the car with pillows and towels. Maybe bring a bucket in case the drive is nauseating.
Make sure your Partner has a bag with changes of clothes, a bathing suit, layers, entertainment (books, etc.), phone charger, headphones, slippers, and toiletries.
If it is an induction, bring fun things to pass the time like games, iPads, books, etc.
If you are ever worried the hospital won’t have something you need, just bring it! Sometimes the peace of mind is worth it.
