Preparing for the big day is overwhelming. There are so many emotions coupled with heightened hormones and anxieties of labour, the last thing you should be stressed about is the little things to pack for your hospital stay.
It’s funny how I went the entire last month of my pregnancy wearing the same outfit and letting my hair air dry but for some reason thought I would need three sweaters, four t-shirts, a blow dryer and a lifetime supply of socks, all while forgetting pants (pregnancy brain) … The following is a list of the items I found helpful and actually used while at the hospital.
Pajamas
Invest. Pajamas are going to be a staple in your new mom wardrobe. After having your baby you will crave comfort and loose clothing.You’ll also need something that will fit the awful, but super convenient/embarrassingly comfy mesh underwear adorned with a giant sanitary diaper. Pajamas were my favorite part of my hospital bag. If I could only bring one thing it would be pj’s. See nursing pajamas here.
Hair elastics or headbands
Hair, everywhere. If I could have, I probably would have shaved my head in the midst of giving birth (insert overused Britney reference here). Hot and sweaty makes for horrible hair. Thankfully my partner used to wear a man bun and can tie a ponytail like a pro. Pack a few hair elastics, headbands and a couple extra, you do not want to be caught with your hair down. See 100 piece hair elastic here.
Snacks on snacks on snacks
Unless you want to spend your baby’s first year tuition on the vending machine or gift shop, bringing a stash of snacks in your hospital bag is vital. After giving birth I was starving. I had went my entire labour (2 days) only eating ice cubes and drinking apple juice. When we were settled into our room I was immediately aware of my stomach. Soda crackers would not cut it. I suggest bringing a box of granola bars, some fruit, trail mix and instant oatmeal (oatmeal is not only filling, it’s also a superfood for milk supply).
Sweater
Pack a zip up sweater, cardigan or robe that is easy for nursing and skin to skin contact with baby. A pullover is inconvenient, especially when your baby is hungry. It can be stressful when you’re learning to nurse together, pullovers add to that with their bulkiness and get in the way. See zip up sweater here and robe here.
Nipple Accessories
Speaking of nursing, I never knew how complex and confusing nipples are. Or, that there are accessories to help with the confusion and pain. Lanolin cream for chapped nipples, nursing pads to prevent leaks, nursing bra for easy access and a nipple shield for flat or inverted nipples, all helped ease the difficulties that come with the first few days and weeks of breastfeeding.
Pillows
The pillows at the hospital are very thin, you’d be better off to fold a receiving blanket a few times than try to sleep with the supplied pillows. Additionally, bringing your own pillows can help with sitting after the birthing experience. Another option is to bring a nursing pillow to help ease the comfort of the breastfeeding experience or cushion your bottom. Check out this inflatable travel pillow.
Phone charger
Not only will your phone be using a lot of battery life due to all the congratulation messages and attempted phone calls (you probably won’t have time or energy to answer these calls); however, you will use your entire phone’s capacity in the first hour, capturing photos of your newborn.
Shower Supplies
After the biggest work out of your life you will want to shower. I had little samples of shampoo, conditioner and body wash, just enough for two showers.
Chapstick
Chapped. Everything from your lips to your nipples will be chapped. Make sure to bring any remedies to help with the dry air in the hospital. I had face cream, body lotion and some chapstick.
Toothbrush & toothpaste
For obvious reasons.
Socks & slippers
I have a thing for socks, I love a fresh pair of comfortable soft socks after a long day. But slippers or flip flops, are a must. You won’t want to put your dirty shoes on every time you are walking around, nor will you want to be barefoot around the hospital. See hospital socks here.
Contact solution (if you or your partner wear them)
Although there is a ton of saline solution at the hospital they are reluctant to give you any for your contacts.
Baby’s Bag
Onesies (diaper shirts)
Having a couple of these in your bag is great for extra warmth under a sleeper, or for baby to cool down. Hospital temperature is hard to predict.
Sleepers
Do not stress about cute outfits, trying to put cute teeny jeans on a newborn is not as fun as it may be cute. Pack a few sleepers, like you, baby will want comfort, warmth and pj’s.
Swaddler
Although we expected to lose sleep after having a baby we did not know about the startle reflex that quite literally startles your baby awake. Similar to the dreams where you feel yourself falling, babies now have all this space they are not used to and get startled. A swaddler like the Swaddle Me blanket with Velcro helps regulate baby’s temperature and prevents them from startling awake. This swaddle blanket with a headband is super gorgeous.
Receiving blankets
Always good to have on hand.
Baby socks/mittens
Tiny, sharp, nails. With flailing arms and lack of coordination baby’s draw blood. If you do not have anti-scratch mittens socks will do. See cute socks and mittens here.
Going home outfit
This is the fun part! There are all sorts of options online for customizable and unique going home outfits, or, as always a comfortable sleeper is a great option. See going home outfit here.
Did we miss anything? Let us know!
Driving her sense of adventure is her insatiable desire to have an impact on those around her. Before motherhood, Jess’ career supporting women in domestic violence shelters further confirmed that she feels most impactful when empowering other women. While she is hoping to spend most of her time empowering the tiny human she grew, she also wants to spread her message to women around the world through her writing.
Jessyka is known as Mom to her beautiful baby girl, born November 24th 2016; Duck to her loving, supportive and hard-working partner; and Human to an energetic, cheeky little Yorkie.
- My Breastfeeding Struggles, Inverted Nipples And What Finally Helped Me - September 1, 2020
- My Battle With Postpartum Anxiety: My Baby Wasn’t Sick; I Was - August 19, 2020
- 7 Things I won’t Regret on our First Year Together… - February 23, 2018
