With my due date only a few short weeks away, I thought it would be important to get my hospital bag ready to go! That way, if bebe W decides to join us at any time, we are ready!
Packing my hospital bag was actually way more intense and overwhelming than I thought it would be. After speaking with friends and fellow bloggers, and reading suggestions online, I made a hospital bag checklist including what I thought I couldn’t live without. I may have overpacked a little, but I would rather overpack then underpack.
Scroll down for my hospital bag checklist! Did I miss anything? If you have any suggestions for things I should add, please leave them in the comments or on my Instagram or Twitter pages!
Thank you MZ Wallace for partnering on this post.
HOSPITAL BAG CHECKLIST
The Bag (seen above and below)
I looked HIGH and LOW for a good hospital bag. Something large enough to fit everything, but not too big that it would allow me to take too much. While I could have just taken a rolling carry on suitcase, I wanted something that was soft, light and expandable. Something that E wouldn’t have any trouble carrying or moving quickly! Thankfully, I found this soft MZ Wallace Jim duffel bag. It is so light and fits everything I need with room to spare. When MZ Wallace found out I was expecting, they sent me the bag to try. I already have it packed and ready to go!
For Mama
ID and Insurance Card
Self explanatory.
Toiletries
My basics include my toothbrush, toothpaste, contact lenses, glasses, my new favorite face moisturizer, lip balm, deodorant, eye serum, a hair brush and a few hair ties and headbands.
While it is HIGHLY unlikely that I will want to put on any makeup while at the hospital, I want to have the option. So I have decided to pack up a mini makeup bag with some of my daily essentials. I will bring my foundation, blush, black eyeliner, and lip gloss. Nothing too intense.
Every one of my friends has said that it is imperative that I bring grippy socks. They won’t let me wander around the hospital in regular socks for fear that I might slip and fall. I have decided to bring a pair of my Pure Barre grippy socks and will leave them at the hospital when we leave.
When I was at the Biggest Baby Shower in NYC a few months ago, I had the pleasure of trying a few Hot Milk Lingerie nursing bras on for size. They were soft, comfortable, and stylish! I ordered three on the spot. Then, a few friends who had babies recently highly recommended these soft nylon/spandex bras from Amazon. I was about to order a bunch when one of those friends gifted me hers! I have one of the Hot Milk and one of the Amazon bras packed in my bag. It is always good to have options.
Something easy to slip on if we have visitors while at the hospital.
Nothing fancy. Just a light, comfy dark robe to walk around in.
Snacks
Because everyone needs snacks. My favorites include homemade chocolate chip cookies (frozen for occasions like this), sour gummy worms and BBQ chips.
Phone and Phone Charger
In this day in age, how do we do anything without our phones?! My phone is necessary to call family members to give updates and also to take photos. Cameras on phones are amazing nowadays!
DSLR Camera and Charged Backup Batteries
To capture bebe W’s first moments.
Flip Flops
Friends have suggested that I bring flip flops to shower in. Not sure they are necessary, but I would rather be safe than sorry.
Pillow
I hear the pillows at the hospital aren’t that great, so I am going to bring mine from home with the plan of leaving it there when we are discharged.
Nipple Cream and Nursing Pads
Friends suggested bringing both because a lactation consultant teaches/helps you learn how to breastfeed at the hospital.
Nursing Cover
An easy cover up when visitors come by. I found these cute nursing covers in fun prints.
Going Home Outfit
I will definitely still be wearing maternity clothing post-birth, so I have packed a pair of comfortable sweatpants and a soft short sleeved tee.
Extra Foldable Tote/Market Bag
Friends have warned me that the hospital will give you a TON of free stuff before leaving the hospital. They suggested bringing an extra bag to carry all of it home in.
To start getting back in shape post-birth.
For Bebe W
Little Me was kind enough to gift bebe W with a few newborn and 0-3 month outfits. We plan to bring bebe W home in one of them.
I picked up a couple soft ones at Target a few weeks ago. They had a lot of cute gender neutral options.
For E
Pajamas
So he can sleep comfortably with me and bebe W.
Snacks
Because we totally have different snack tastes. He is a big fan of Goldfish. I might steal a few…
Toiletries
Advil Liqui-gels
While we are in the hospital, if I am in pain they will give me the medication necessary to treat me. They will not, however, provide any medication to E. In the event E has a headache or some malady, we will have a bottle of Advil Liquid-gels on standby.
iPad and Charger
To watch shows and listen to music while waiting for bebe W.
To listen to music or watch shows with while I am sleeping, or just not in the mood to listen to or watch whatever I am listening to or watching.
Ahh! So exciting that you are going to have the baby soon! My sister is also due in August!
I love posts like these! So exciting!!
SO exciting! Sounds like you have everything you need!
Jessica – I have to admit that I’ve been following your blog a little more closely because I’m super excited for the arrival of your babeh!!! Can’t wait to see the pics of the lovely addition to your family!! YAY!
Ahh! Babies are so exciting! Sounds like you have it all planned out perfectly! Good luck! <3
xo, Kimberly
http://www.lifeofkimberly.com
I am pinning this for the future. Thanks for sharing lady!
xo Laura Leigh
http://www.louellareese.com
You are so close girlfriend!
You are ready to go!! I love this bag!!
I think you covered it all!!! So exciting!
I’ve never had a baby but it sure looks like you have EVERYTHING covered gal! Good luck- so exciting that it’s happening so soon!
So very exciting! I’ll definitely need this in the future 🙂
x
Missy
http://popofstyle.com
thank you so much for sharing this information!!
That bag is so cute! And it’s going to be an exciting time for you! Can’t wait!
I wish I had this when I was having my baby! I totally forgot my shampoo when I went! haha oops!
I’ve never had a baby but this looks very comprehensive!!
So soon!! That is one cute diaper bag!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
I love love love the bag! Your hospital essentials are so smart! You are looking so fantastic! Excited for you!
xo Debbie | http://www.tothineownstylebetrue.com
so exciting! you’re SO close!! xo
OMG! So exciting!!
xo,
Anastasia
http://www.cashmereconfessions.com
Your ready! So excited for you.
Almost there!! Enjoy the last few weeks. You seem so prepared!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
Definitely better to overpack and have lots of options than to forget something essential – I think you’ve got it covered, mama!
This post is SO helpful! I will be saving it for when we have kids of our own.
Definitely need to save this post for when I have kids! I feel like half of those things I would have forgotten!
You are so prepared! So exciting!
-Kat
http://www.katwalksf.com/
This is such a comprehensive list! I definitely need to keep these tips in mind
– xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
great tips for a mom to be!
These are all essentials! Especially the pillow!
You are one seriously prepared Mama! Love it all! xo, Jessica
So excited for you lady!!
This is a great list! Best of luck mama
so prepared!! so exciting that you get to meet your little one soon 🙂
xoxo,
Elena Michelle
http://www.anewyorkloveaffair.com
so exciting!! that’s such a cute bag!
xo megan
This is so exciting!! Congrats, girl!! Can’t wait for the big day!!
SO exciting!! Good luck1!! That bag is GORGEOUS!!!
While I am not pregnant this is very helpful for future moms. I am pinning it when I come to this part of my life!
Best of luck Jessica! So excited for you!! If I might suggest, perhaps a little Evian (or brand of choice) Water Spray just to refresh in case you are too tired, weak, sore to get out of bed and maybe some dry shampoo. Also…depending on your hospital…extra pillows, even body pillows, for E to sleep on…the Daddy “Bed” can be “less” than comfortable 🙂 You sound like you’ve got this…can’t wait to hear the news and see the baby pics 🙂